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What’s in a jacket

To some, the terms and uses, of the “sports jacket” and “suit jacket” are interchangeable. While the two are similar and understandably confused, there is a definite difference between a sports jacket and a suit jacket. The cut of the two are very similar; however, a sports jacket does not have the same limitations as a suit jacket. Because a sports jacket, or blazer, is independent of a matching pair of trousers, it is considered more casual than a traditional suit, and is often a good fit in today’s relaxed workplace dress code.

A traditional, solid-colored suit can take on different looks for different occasions with a little care and creativity.
Have a hot date coming up? Change up your look by wearing your suit without a tie, or with a festively colored dress shirt. Or, try pairing your coat with slacks in a complementary color. Although keep in mind, wearing pieces of your suit unevenly (coat without the slacks, or vice versa) can cause the color to appear more worn in the piece that you wear more often. This is caused by a greater exposure to the sun, as well as the need to dry-clean one piece more than the other. If you’re feeling especially daring and confident, you may want to try the latest trend…

If you have a sports jacket, the possibilities open even wider. A sports jacket has the ability to make a casual look sleek and pulled together, while transforming into a more formal outfit by adding a tie, slacks, and pocket square. Throw on a sports coat over a polo and chinos, and you’re now dressed casual enough to run errands around town, or stop by your favorite restaurant for dinner. Be careful not to choose a pant too close in color to that of your sports coat. If the colors are too similar, you may end up looking like you accidentally chose the wrong pants for your coat.

Because sports coats do not have to match a pair of trousers, they are available in a multitude of fabrics, including: staid navy wool, camel hair, madras, corduroy, and plaid. The finishing buttons also range in varieties from plastic, brass, nickel, or low-key horn. Because sports coats are typically worn without a tie, interesting fabrics, buttons, and patch pockets help to add interest and style.

The suit is a traditional garment that looks great on any man. It has the ability to add weight or subtract it, elongate the frame or compress it. The triangle formed by the lapels draws the eye toward the head, while leaving room for color to add personality. While the suit is often impractical for many men, the sports coat lends the benefits of its styling to the ease of wear for anyone.