Sport coat comes as a casual cousin of a suit jacket or a blazer. Being the most casual of all three jacket types a sport coat is not acceptable in serious business or interviews.
For all, it can be an effective piece in dressing down a white shirt or dressing up a polo or chino.
Sport Coat vs Suit Coat Difference
When your wardrobe has more than one type of coat it is imperative to know the difference between a suit coat and sport coat to carry out a balanced look. Technically speaking a suit jacket is a sharply cut coat with a structured design. A sport coat, on the other hand, features a looser cut with slightly bigger armholes, as a result has more space for layering.
Furthermore, a suit jacket is traditionally worn with matching pants and formal ties. Contrariwise, a sport coat is a separate jacket, always to be worn with other trousers that are neither same colour nor pattern.
That’s why it also gets a name “odd jacket”, a jacket to coordinate with odd trousers. Besides, dapper men can easily add patterned and more vibrant ties with a sport coat.
Difference Between Blazer And Sports Jacket
To any inexperience there is little difference in sports jacket and blazer and both would appear the same. But a style specialist could tell the exact difference.
Blazer entered menswear as a dressier alternative next to a suit jacket. It gave flexibility to marry odd dress pants or chino trousers without the need to wear matching jacket all the times.
Therefore blazers are dressier type of garment with mostly plain fabric designs and neutral colours. Contrasting metal buttons is a distinguished mark of a blazer.
A sports jacket is fancier and vibrant layering article. It can have multiple patterns- hounds tooth, windowpane or plaid
A blazer may have notch and peak lapels but a sports jacket displays a notch lapel only.
Blazer can also be double-breasted jacket, but a sports jacket, for the most part, is single-breasted.
How To Identify Sport Coat
Some distinguishing attributes of a sport coat are
- Textured exterior
- Striking colour range
- Variety of fabric according to taste and occasion
While buying your first sport coat you should always look for more adaptable colours and versatile patterns.
Grey and brown are good options for dressing up a dress shirt with dress shoes and tie while golden colour sport coat is pulling piece for casual evenings and night out with friends.
In the same way herringbone and hounds tooth patterns are two great choices to wear with dress trousers at office.
What To Wear With A Sports Jacket
There are multiple ways to style a sports jacket.
Since the style rules are much relaxed for a sports jacket you have a various ways to assemble outfits. Your final appearance will totally hang upon how you coordinate every element.
To wear it with odd trousers, denim and other casual trousers styling a sports jacket is much easier than a suit jacket, thanks to its textures and colour options.
Wear Tweed Sport Coat
Winter calls for a thick woollen layer and a classic tweed sport coat has all the style and protection you need during the winter months. Tweed is robust, rich in texture and as well as warmth. Choose striking colours according to your complexion. Colour is vital when you intend to look your best and leave an impression on others.
- Get your tweed sport coat in herringbone pattern to create a pulling outfit with denim or chinos. It is wise to mix a plain shirt instead of a patterned shirt to avoid clashing of textures and patterns.
Get Slim Fit Sport Jacket For A Sporty Feel
If you are a fit or athletic man, a fitting sports jacket will complement your frame more than any jacket. Readymade sports jacket have a looser fit and might need taking in at some places.
If you want to look sharp on any occasion go for a close-fitting jacket that fits around your trunk snugly. Also make sure sleeves are not too tight. Fasten front top button if you are wearing a two buttoned sports jacket for a trim look.
- Vent is an important aspect of coat while verifying the fit. Side-vented coat gives extra room and proper shape around seat. The back of the coat remains in place and does not rise due to movement.
Wear Button Down Shirt
Sport coats are least formal of the three jackets hence a button down is a right choice when you want to look elegant and casual. Choose a plain ironed shirt in blue, navy or white for a nautical feel.
Put on a sports jacket in contrast colour to add visual interest to the outfit. Leave two button undone for add an appeal of masculinity.
Have A Right Armhole For A Comfortable Feel
Position and size of the armhole are two significant factors when judging the fit of a sports jacket. Higher the armhole, longer the body of the jacket and more structured the sports jacket will be; as a smart coat to wear during hunting activities it had to have raised armholes with slimmer cut to provide comfort as well as mobility.
- Men with short frames should have their armholes cut smaller and higher in order to achieve a cleaner look. Long men are better off with larger and lower armholes to balance their torso dimensions. However, don’t compromise comfort at any stage.
Buttoning Protocol For A Sports Jacket
All jackets conform to a single set of rules when buttoning including suit jacket, blazer and sports jacket. Generally it comes with two buttons or one button.
Top or first button is to be done all the time while you are not sitting, however if you wanna feel comfortable, remove the jacket, it is far better option to relax than to keep it unbuttoned with both sides flying off.
While seated unbutton your sports jacket to comply with the sartorial code.
Sport Coat With Jeans
It seems like sport coat and denim are two perfect pieces to parade a smart casual outfit.
There is no sin if you want to bring in dress boots or other boots to finish the outfit; that’s how you look dazzling in a sport coat.
Tweed is a great material to add weight to the sport coat for a rough feel however you have other options such as corduroy. Corduroy is ribbed textured fabric suitable for wearing in a sport coat.
- Choose dark wash jeans for a gentlemanly appearance. Denim in black or navy colour is a cute option to pair with sport coat, as for the style a straight fit or tapered fit makes a harmonious group with boots.
Pick Grey Sports Jacket For A Formal Outfit
Grey sports jacket is appropriate to wear with dress shirts. White dress shirt with black trousers is classic combo; a grey jacket can improve the dressiness of the outfit at once.
Find a minimalist grey sports jacket to wear with such clothing pieces. Grey matches almost all basic colours and looks serious colour in business and interview situations.
Look Chic In A White Sports Jacket
You might be wondering but a white sports jacket is an exceptional wardrobe element of men. An ingenious dapper knows the truth behind it, for he can easily prepare some heart winning outfits with a white sports jacket.
Backed up by science white colour appears clean, serene and inviting. A casual fellow could wear his white coat over t shirts, sweaters and shirts.
- White comes conspicuous over black, blue, grey, pink; so you have many options to wear your white sports jacket with other fine colours.
- Don’t think white can’t perform under dark; when the night falls- look dashing in a bright white sports jacket with a red V-neck at a party.
Sport Coat With Sneakers
Options abound when you wish to combine anything with a sport coat. Take white shoes.
- You can match colour of the sport coat with shoes. Don’t go loud- think of blue, navy, tan or grey for a sophisticated look.
- Next match textures- bring leather sneakers into action with elbow patch sport coat. Match the colours to accent the leather part. Choose a brown colour for an urban look.
Sports Jacket With A Turtleneck
This is an easy going everyday outfit. Quick to put on a Turtleneck tshirt is a fantastic item thanks to its design and casualness.
Wear a perfectly close-fitting t shirt; sleeves should grip your arms and turtleneck should stick to your body without a wrinkle.
Length of the turtleneck is just as vital and should only reach up to fly of your pants.
Now slip into your sports jacket and check the fit in shoulders; ensure a collar position without any gap to the back of neck. Fasten the first button of jacket and you are good to go.
