Since starting my slow fashion journey a few years ago, I am incredibly intentional when adding new items into my wardrobe. A few of the questions that I ask myself include: Can it be worn between multiple seasons? Does it work with a significant amount of the items I already own? Is it sustainable? The ABLE Merly Jacket is a YES to all of these questions and more. It is the perfect timeless, sustainable capsule wardrobe essential piece for transitioning between seasons.
Use code CYASUMMER for 20% off new pieces at ABLE and 30% off everything else at ABLE! Exclusions apply. Valid through 9/5/23.
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission when you order through the links at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I love, and I hope that they are helpful to you on your slow living journey! This is a way that I am able to continue to grow my business. Thank you for your support!
About ABLE Clothing Brand
ABLE is a women’s fashion brand based out of Nashville, Tennessee. They sell women’s clothing, jewelry, shoes, bags, and other accessories. Their mission is to empower both the women who wear their pieces and the women who make the items.
That statement right there is enough to make me want to know more! An ethical business who seeks to empower not only the wearer but also the maker.
So many clothing brands focus on the customer—making trendy pieces that they hope will satisfy the purchaser. But few are intentional about valuing the person who is doing the work of cutting, sewing, and stitching the actual clothing pieces.
ABLE seeks to create better opportunities for women around the world. According to their website, “We work to create safe, dignified jobs both in Nashville, where our home office, jewelry studio and fulfillment center are, and also around the world, through our partnerships with value-aligned manufacturers.”
ABLE offers women’s clothing in sizes XXS-3X. Their clothing and accessories are versatile and made from eco-conscious materials. ABLE clothing makes and sells pieces that are perfect for filling in the gaps in your wardrobe with high-quality, made-to-last pieces.
What Sets the ABLE Merly Jacket Apart
I have been making note of several ABLE pieces that I would love to save up for and use to fill gaps in my capsule wardrobe.
ABLE reached out to me and generously offered me one of their signitature pieces in exchange for an honest review. I chose the Merly Jacket because it is a classic, sustainable jean jacket that will work well between multiple seasons. I have a light, 3/4 link jean jacket for the spring and summer, but I did not have one that worked well for the cooler months.
On their website, ABLE describes their Merly Jacket as, “The first denim jacket we designed, and the last one you’ll ever have to buy.” After trying mine on, I can see why they make this claim! ABLE’s attention to detail and commitment to quality is unmatched.
The Material of the ABLE Merly Jean Jacket
The Merly Jacket is made from 75% cotton and 25% lyocell. It honestly feels like butter! Lyocell is a sustainable fabric made from cellulose derived from wood. Lyocell is biodegradable and a free of harmful additives and plastics. It blends well with cotton, which is a natural, breathable fabric.
Because of this dynamic blend, the ABLE Merly Jacket feels broken in from the first wear!
I chose the color Original Wash which comes with some slight distressing. It also comes in three other color ways: Clean Wash, Washed Black, and Sunbleached.
The Fit of the ABLE Merly Jean Jacket
This fair-trade jacket is non-stretch, which I actually prefer for length of wear. Fabrics that stretch tend to wear out quicker and do not retain their shape.
The ABLE Merly Jacket is an ABLE signature piece. It has a slim arm, dropped shoulder, and relaxed fit. If you prefer an oversized look, I recommend sizing up 1 or 2 sizes.
The Merly jacket is available in sizes XXS-3X.
I ordered the original length, but ABLE also offers The Long Merly Jacket in an extended length.
ABLE is committed to make pieces that fit various body types. They offer bump friendly, bust friendly, curve friendly, nursing friendly, petite friendly, tall friendly, and tummy friendly pieces. You can search for clothing based off of these fit features on ABLE’s clothing search feature.
Where the ABLE Merly Jean Jacket is Made
The Merly Jacket is ethically made in Mexico. ABLE works with their denim partners in Mexico to provide over 550 jobs to women. These women are paid fairly and treated with honor and respect.
How I Plan to Style the Merly Jacket to Transition my Capsule Wardrobe from Summer to Fall
Here are a few ways that I plan to style the ABLE Merly Jacket this fall. If you want to see how I transition outfits in my capsule wardrobe from summer to fall, check out my YouTube video below!
Why It’s the Perfect Summer-to-Fall Capsule Wardrobe Essential
As you can see from the outfit options above, the ABLE Merly jacket is the perfect staple piece to transition your capsule wardrobe between seasons. I live in the Midwest and plan on wearing it 3/4 of the year!
When purchasing items for my capsule wardrobe, I look for pieces that are timeless, versatile, and that will pair with most of the items I already own.
The ABLE Merly jacket is all of this and more! It is definitely an investment piece, but it is high-quality, made-to-last, and ethically made.
If you are looking for a classic jean jacket that will transition well between seasons, I personally think the ABLE Merly Jacket will be well-worth the investment.
Sizing Tips for the Merly Jean Jacket
I originally ordered a size XS (pictured) because some reviews said that the jacket is oversized. I already have a vintage jean jacket that is oversized, and so I opted for something more fitted.
However, while the jacket does fit—it is tighter than I had hoped and would not work with layering sweaters underneath. I have fairly narrow shoulders, and the XS fit pretty snug through the arms. Additionally, I was unable to button the jacket.
I am currently nursing which impacts my bust size. Also, I did not measure before ordering. As someone who sews, I should have known better! It’s always best to measure and compare with the size chart–even if you think you know your size! Sizing can really fluctuate between brands.
While I absolutely love the Merly sustainable jean jacket, I will be exchanging it for the next size up. I debated whether I should get a small or medium; however, I opted for a small because I think the more fitted look will be really classy especially when paired with dresses and skirts.
What if my size of the ABLE Merly Jacket is out of stock?
Because ABLE does not mass-produce pieces of clothing, they sell out of items fairly quickly. However, they offer limited, high-quality collections that are restocked often.
If your size is out of stock, you can sign up for notifications of when the item is back in stock.
Where to Buy the ABLE Merly Jacket
You can buy the ABLE Merly Jacket on their website HERE.
ABLE pieces are an investment due to the fact that they are ethically produced and made of high-quality sustainable materials like cotton, silk, and lyocell.
Exclusive Labor Day Sale: 30% Off ABLE Clothing Discount Code!
Because the Merly Jacket’s is ethically made and created from sustainable materials, it is originally priced at $165. But, if you are looking into adding the Merly to your wardrobe–this weekend is the perfect time to buy! ABLE is having an amazing Labor Day Sale where you can save up to 30% on all items! This means the Merly will be on sale for $115!
Use code CYASUMMER for 20% off new pieces at ABLE and 30% off everything else at ABLE! Exclusions apply. Valid through 9/5/23.
Save with ABLE Clothing Discount Code
For future orders: If it is your first order with ABLE, you can use the discount code YOURIMPACT to save 20%. If you make future purchases, you can save 15% with my code MILLER15.
ABLE also offers seasonal sales on some of their most-loved items. If you are looking for ways to support the ethical fashion industry on a tight budget, I recommend shopping ABLE’s sales or even shopping for their pieces secondhand on sites like ThredUp or Poshmark.
If you are looking for a versatile, classic jean jacket that can be worn as a transition piece between all seasons, I could not recommend the ABLE Merly Jacket more!
Other ABLE Clothing Pieces On My Wish List
Spring/Summer Pieces
Fall/Winter Pieces
- Rita Square Neck Midi Dress
- Joyce Smocked Maxi Dress
- Elizabeth Rib Midi Cardigan
- Ginnie Wide Leg Jean
- Francis Wide Leg Crop Pant
Links to the Other Capsule Wardrobe Pieces in this Post
Jean Jacket:
ABLE Merly Jacket in Original Wash (size XS; will exchange for size S)
Tops:
White Cotton Top (similar – I bought mine at Goodwill)
Sezane Scalloped Silk Tank (bought secondhand)
Pants, Skirts, Jumpsuit:
Universal Thread Mid-rise Bootcut Cropped Flare Jeans
Madewell Floral Skirt (similar, mine is secondhand from ThredUP) Solid Wrap Skirt OR Floral Wrap Skirt
Jumpsuit (similar, mine is Little Deer Handmade)
Nisolo Shoes:
All-Day Heeled Mules in Almond (size up 1/2 size)
Carmen Chelsea Boots in Almond (size up 1/2-full size)
Nisolo Discount Codes and Ways to Save on Secondhand Clothing at ThredUp
NISOLO: THEMILLERACRES saves you 20% at Nisolo
THREDUP: Save 45% off at ThredUP with THIS LINK
Let me know if you invest in an Merly Jacket or some other capsule wardrobe essentials from ABLE this fall! I’d love to hear how you are planning to style them!
The Absolute Best Boots for Fall: My Top 4 Sustainable Picks
12 Tips for Mastering the Art of Shopping Secondhand
How to Shop for Slow Fashion Clothing During the Motherhood Years
Homesteading with Kids: How We Make It Work
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