A sports coat, also known as a sports jacket, is a formal men’s smart casual jacket designed specifically to be worn over its own trousers, traditionally with trousers, for sports-related activities. In the last few decades, the popularity of sports coats has skyrocketed and there are now many different brands and types of sports coats available, each bearing a signature style and look. While they all share a similar styling, there are a few notable differences between the brands. I have written this article to provide an easy comparison and to offer recommendations based on my own experiences with sports coats.
One of the main differences between a sports coat and a blazer is that blazers can be easily worn with a pair of trousers, whereas sports jackets need to be paired with a jacket. It may seem like the biggest difference between these two items, but it actually comes down to several factors. The first factor is the type of fabric used to create the blazer. Blazers tend to be made from a more natural fabric such as cotton or linen, whereas sports coats are usually made from a stiffer, more traditional type of fabric, such as tweed.
The second major difference between the two is the styling of the two items. Blazers tend to be quite structured, whereas sports coats tend to be more casual in nature and often feature a slightly loose fit. This difference also comes down to the type of accessories that can be worn with the blazer. Sports coats can be worn with almost any type of trousers; however, if you are going to wear a suit then you should probably opt for a tweed sport coat instead. You can also choose to wear a waistcoat or a vest, which are both great options for those who are planning to spend some time outdoors during the colder months.
If you are planning to purchase a wool sports coat, then there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Firstly, you should avoid any sort of sports jacket that features detachable features such as zippers, removable pockets or adjustable straps. These features are not only unattractive, but they can make it very difficult to take the jacket off when you need to. A good rule of thumb is to buy a jacket with detachable features if it does not cost any more than one hundred and twenty pounds.
Secondly, it can sometimes be a good idea to invest in two separates pieces of clothing so that you have the flexibility of wearing a long full suit, sports coat and a pair of jeans. It can sometimes be difficult to find suitable sports jackets that fit perfectly, especially if you are buying online, so it can also be a good idea to try different brands and styles before you buy the one that you are particularly fond of. You could even consider buying odd trousers along with your sports coat so that you can wear them with the blazer.
Finally, if you do decide to invest in a sports jacket, then you should ensure that you have suitable casual shoes to go with it. If possible, it can be a good idea to buy a sports coat and trousers in the same brand so that they match up properly. Although it may be tempting to buy a sports jacket with a coloured tie, it can often look very unprofessional if the colours clash. The colour of your tie should simply be one that you will find appropriate for your trousers and blazer and will be easy to team up with your outfit. It is also important to ensure that the tie you buy matches your tie clips and neckties.