Next time you order a jacket, should you order it half-lined? Some people swear by the half-lined option, but here are a few things to consider.
Why order a half-lined jacket?
The main benefit to a half-lined jacket is that it increases air circulation through the bottom half of the garment. Basically, it allows you to stay cooler in hot weather. Here is what a half-lined jacket looks like:
As you can see, it’s not technically half-lined, because the lining runs all the way down the front on each side. But the bottom half of the back is left unfinished so that the inner seam is plain to see. A good tailor will always “finish” the unfinished look, though, by trimming those inner edges with lining material.
So if you are likely to wear your jacket in hot weather or you just “run hot” in general, it’s a nice option to have.
On the other hand…
Are there reasons NOT to order a jacket half-lined? Here are a few possible reasons:
- If you’re ordering custom for the first time and/or there’s a chance you’ll have it altered in the mid-section, probably best to have it fully lined. The mid-section alteration is done along that back seam, so any work done by a tailor will be visible. But if your jacket fit is already established and you don’t think you’ll be needing alterations, this isn’t a problem.
- If your jacket is made of very delicate material and you plan to wear it a lot, ordering it half-lined will increase its fragility and make it less “hardy” from the inside. Lining adds a layer of protection and makes the jacket more durable.
- If temperature isn’t a major issue, the benefits of a full lining may outweigh those of a half lining. Consider the number of hot weeks or months in a year that should warrant a change to your jacket construction.
There you have it! Next time you’re customizing a jacket, you’ll have a few things to think about. Let me know if you have any questions or are ready to meet for a consultation.