The Difference between a Sports Jacket and Suit Jacket

Confusing the Sport Jacket and Suit Jacket

There is a general confusion on what a sport jacket is and how different it is from a suit jacket. It was a   confusion that spanned for more than fifty years. Back in the day, men walked around with their suits as sports jackets. They wore it in almost every occasion especially when the event deemed the suit uncalled for. Nowadays fewer men are wearing their suits and fewer still are misinformed on the basics of men’s fashion. Men are still left perplexed as to the real differences between a sport jacket and a suit jacket. This section hopes to enlighten the stylish gentlemen.

The suit jacket may need to follow the basic design and structure of the suit, but the sport coat being a casual garment can be designed in any way the wearer wishes it to be. The flattering cut of both jackets is the same however the sport coat, or odd jacket in this case, is more versatile in such a way that it can be worn independently and matched with other garments in your wardrobe. Its adaptability as men’s leisure wear garnered popularity for the sport coat.

The Suit Jacket: Men’s Business Wear

The suit jacket’s evolution didn’t happen overnight but slowly built its reputation as men’s clothing over many years. The cut of the sport coat makes or break its structure. It can either flatter and enhance the wearer’s body or make it ill-fitting on him. The sport coat’s lapels and its triangle formation draw the attention to the face thus flattering the wearer’s best features.

A basic solid-colored suit without a tie renders it inappropriate for office wear yet looks suitable for dinner. The sport coat can be dressed up with a different colored slacks, a tie may be optional but should still be carefully thought over. It’s never the same with a suit jacket. Wearing the suit jacket separately with slacks in a different color is regarded as faux pas.

It should also be noted that frequent dry cleaning and exposure to the sun can speed up color fading of your suit jacket as well as its trousers when handled carelessly. Never leave patterned suits such as chalk stripe or windowpane to chance, they should always be worn with matching jacket and trousers.

The Adaptable Sports Jacket

The sports jacket’s adaptability allows it to be paired with a variety of choices for men’s fashion. A classic navy blue sport jacket with brass buttons matches nicely with a white shirt and grey trousers or slacks. This attire guarantees you won’t be out of place in a party, even if most men are wearing dapper suits. Wear the sport coat and khaki pants without a tie and you can still look presentable. Add a polo shirt in the mix and you still look casually coordinated yet never sloppy. The versatility of the sports jacket is admirable. You can pair it with most of your garments but make sure not to pair it with almost the same colored pants as the sport coat.

Fabrics for the sports jacket include navy wool and plaid with brass or plastic buttons and an option of patch pockets. Customizing your sports coat gives the wearer freedom and creativity in styling his very own coat. If you choose to wear the sport coat without any tie, you would need the coat to be designed with a unique fabric and hardware detailing to make it stylish. Its origin as a sportswear gives the sports coat a looser silhouette for better movement than the more tapered fit of the suit jacket.

Significant Part of Men’s Fashion

Both the suit jacket and sports jacket are significant in men’s fashion and continue to be wearable in men’s fashion. While the suit may be known for its formality, the sports jacket allows room for versatility. Regardless of their purpose, both jackets are important in menswear and remain timeless even in today’s modern fashion.