There are many occasions when suit becomes too formal and you need something equally stylish and easy to match with various garments. But, do you really know the difference in sport coat and blazer or suit coat which can be quite confusing at times.
When it comes to dressing sharp there is nothing superior to wearing a suit jacket. But, if the dress code does not call for a it, then you can choose between a blazer and sport coat with odd trousers. The problem is most men can not differentiate between all three jacket types and wear them interchangeably.
But if you want to look the part knowing the difference between blazer, suit coat and sport coat becomes essential and once armed with correct knowledge any man can create most appropriate outfits as per occasion.
So what exactly are the key differences between these similar-looking jackets that set them apart and give men a unique fashion article to wear on different occasions with various outfits?
Blazer Sport Coat vs & Suit Coat
- A suit coat is always worn with matching trousers while this is not true for a blazer or a sport coat.
- A suit coat also feature shawl lapel which is the most formal of three lapel types and mainly found on a tuxedo.
- Wearing a suit jacket as sport coat is not acceptable in most situations. Always remember to mix coordinating pieces in order to look suave and put-together.
- First and foremost, a sport coat is an exclusively unstructured piece with loads of textures due to the fabrics types used in its construction. It is always worn with non-matching trousers or denim etc.
- With no stiff structure a sport coat is much comfortable garment and offers benefit of easy layering over a sweater or a turtleneck.
- Normally it is recommended to forgo a tie in case of a sport coat, but if required, it can be a very versatile jacket to wear patterned and knitted ties. Do it on particular occasions to sharpen appearance.
A Suit Jacket
A suit jacket is worth wearing with its corresponding trousers. Wearing a suit jacket as blazer comes with its own risks. First up, men who only own one or two go-to suits should not wear them as separates. Even if the situation demands that a suit must be worn with odd pants then it should happen rarely in special circumstances.
What makes a suit coat most formal of the three pieces?
- Suit coat is a clearly defined construction with sharp angles, particularly around the shoulders and waist.
- It is nearly always worn with dress shirts and formal shoes and neckties.
- Suit coat is a main staple of business wear, normally made of worsted wool with slight texture and mostly found in black, navy or shades of grey and blue. Stripes are the only pattern acceptable in business scenarios.
- Same or dark colour buttons are sewn on a suit coat for a professional look.
A Classic Blazer
Blazer has not changed much since it became popular. A basic navy blazer with contrasting buttons (mostly golden colour) and a slightly looser fit is a made to wear on part formal occasions.
- Made to pair with odd trousers a blazer ranks higher in versatility for its matching ability with an array of garments.
- These are made of plain fabric and have subtle texture and no pattern to be paired with formal items.
Blazer is a classic choice for business casual as well as semi-formal work setting. In fact one can wear a blazer at interviews in place of a suit but ensure the right fit and buttons of the jacket are dark not shiny.
- Blazer can be worn over a polo, dress shirt, denim shirt and corduroy shirt.
- Men can also layer their blazer over casual T-shirts like crewneck.
Sport Coat
Diverting further from the formality of a suit jacket we have sport coat, a more casual and fancier item of men’s collection. These days sport coat is an interchangeable term with blazer.
In terms of design sport coat has looser fit, shorter length and rounder contours. In other words it has an imprecise shape with less defined structure.
Sports jacket has caught up due to their flexibility to function on most occasions, variety of colours and patterns, pocket styles. One classic feature of this jacket is having textures which make it more fashionable and casual.
A textured sport coat is classic option for parties and outdoor events.
Some sporty designs come with an elbow patch. An oval shape elbow patch is a piece of contrasting fabric which is sewn in the elbows of a sports jacket. It lends punch to the jacket. You better wear such jackets with denim and chinos.
Buttoning rules suit jacket blazer and sport coat
As there is much similarity in their designs buttoning rules are almost the same for a suit jacket and a blazer.
It is customary to fasten buttons in formal jackets while you are standing or moving.
Most common form of jacket is a two buttoned jacket. As a thumb rule men should fasten middle or first button. They can also choose to fasten second button if they need.
You should always unbutton all the jackets while sitting.
During outdoor activities you may like to chill and wear your sport coat unbuttoned while you are wearing a round neck or polo underneath. But buttoning the jacket gives your attire an elegant touch.
