Know the Difference Between Suit Coats, Sport Coats, and Blazers
While shopping for a coat you will note that some stores label a coat as a Suit coat. Some stores use the term blazers while others use sport coats. Many men and shopkeepers also use these terms. Some technical differences set all these jackets and coats apart.
While these technicalities may not be highly valuable for a man who does not care much about his dressing, these can be crucial for you if you want to upscale your dressing game. These types of coats differ in style, functionality, wearing experience, and dress code.
So, this article covers everything about these 3 types of coats that every man must know about.
The importance of understanding the difference between suit coats, sport coats, and blazers
Most individuals are unaware of the differences between these three types of coats and often wear the wrong one on the wrong occasion. Understanding these three differences is crucial since it can save you a lot of money. Say that you are looking to buy a coat for formal occasions, but due to a lack of knowledge, you buy a semi-formal one.
In such cases, you will not get the best value for your money since you cannot wear that coat on every occasion. Remember that some occasions and places are very strict regarding the dress code. For instance, at a business meeting, it will be a matter of respect to dress according to the dress code.
Knowing the differences between all your coats, you can wear the right one at the right place. Hence, you will be showing respect to other attendants.
What is a suit coat?
As the name says, it is a coat that comes as a suit. It means that this coat will come with trousers and those are made of the same fabric. The suit is known as the 2-piece suit, which is always worn together, meaning that you cannot wear the suit coat with the trousers coming from another suit.
It is very important to wear matching coats and trousers to give them the right environmental exposure. It is important as both will get equal wear and tear, making the suit look more uniform. Wearing the two separately for a long time will cause a mismatched color between the two.
What is a sport coat?
The sport coat is named after the historical use of this coat, especially for outdoor sports. Men used to wear sport coats when fishing, hunting, and shooting. This coat is more of a casual wearing option since it does not come with any trousers made from the same fabric.
One unique thing about the sport coat is that it comes in a huge variety of patterns and colors, making pairing it with different types of trousers easier. It also comes in a huge variety of fabrics.
What is a blazer?
A blazer is known for its solid color looks that keep it on the formal end, but at the same time, it does not come with any paired fabric trousers, so there are endless possibilities of pairing it up with different formal and casual trousers and pants. Historically blazers were used as a status symbol, but today these are among the most used types of jackets.
Most blazers have metallic buttons on the front and arms, making them more attractive. It is uncommon, but you can sometimes find blazers made with stripes instead of a solid color. However, they still don’t have as many patterns as sports coats.
The key differences between suit coats, sport coats, and blazers
As mentioned earlier, there is a technical difference between these three types of jackets/coats. The most important thing to note is that these differences can impact your dress and personality depending on how you carry them. So, here are the 4 main differences between a blazer, a suit coat, and a sport coat and all the details you need to know about those differences in these 3.
1. Fitting
The first major difference between these 2 is the way they fit. Different types of coats can offer different fittings depending on the formal or casual dress requirements. Here is how these 3 types of coats fit.
Suit coat
A suit coat is known for a slimmer fitting. It often fits close to the body for a leaner appearance, so it is not worn with many layers under it.
Sport coat
Since a sport coat was originally used for outdoor sports, it offers a loose fitting that allows layers to wear under it. So, it is looser than a suit coat, but with a sweater worn underneath, it gives a leaner appearance.
Blazer
If we compare the fitting of a blazer with a suit coat, it will be a little looser. These are more comfortable overall, especially around the shoulders, thanks to the relaxed fitting.
2. Fabric
The next major difference is the type of fabric used for these coats. It is a crucial factor since the type of fabric used can change the looks of the coat. Below are the three types of coats and the fabrics used for them.
Suit coat
A suit coat must give a finer appearance; that’s why the fabrics used for these coats are also finer and lightweight compared to other coats. There are many types of fabrics used for making a suit coat, but the most common ones include:
- Linen
- Silk
- Worsted wool
- Seersucker
- cashmere
Sport coat
A sport coat is usually made from thicker fabric to protect the wearer from extreme weather conditions. So, the most common types of fabrics used for making these include:
- Tweed
- Flannel
- Herringbone
- Shepherd’s Check
- Houndstooth
Blazer
Blazers are usually made with fabric that looks and feels premium so that they look classy when paired with the right clothes. The following are commonly the fabric of choice for making a blazer:
- Serge
- Flannel
- Fresco
- Worsted Wool
- Cashmere
3. Usage
Due to the differences in the feel and look of these coat types, you cannot wear one on different occasions. So, their usage significantly differs, and below are the usage differences of all three types of coats.
Suit coat
It is the most formal clothing coat, so it is used for formal occasions, including weddings, business meetings, formal trips, etc.
Sport coat
Historically it was used as sporting attire, but today it is used for casual wearing. It is because of the rugged appearance and details all over the coat. So, you can use a sport coat when you want to look the least formal.
Blazer
The blazer jacket is balanced between a suit coat and a sport coat. So, you can use it for all the semi-formal wearing events. Whenever a suit or sport coat seems inappropriate, a blazer will be the best pick.
4. Colors
Although there are no specific rules when it comes to the colors for your coat, there are still some standard colors for every type of coat, as listed below.
Suit coat
The most common colors for a suit coat include:
- Black
- Light gray
- Navy blue and its shades
- Charcoal gray
Sport coat
A sport coat can come in almost any color and pattern. When looking for a sports coat, you can find dull light colors, bright, vibrant shades, and even darker colors. The coats with patterns come in a combination of colors.
Blazer
The most common colors for a blazer include:
- Shades of blue
- Bottle green
- Red
These are usually found in vibrant colors, and you can sometimes find combinational stripes.
How to choose the right jacket for different occasions
The way a man dresses, tells a lot about his personality, making dressing correctly according to the occasion very important. When you are shopping for a suit coat, sport coat, or a blazer, you need to be sure that you are picking the right one for the right occasion.
Here we have divided different occasions into 3 different groups, and below, you will learn which type of jacket is right for which occasion.
- Formal events
Starting with the formal events, these can be a white-tie or a black-tie event where you must wear a suit coat. It is because these are strictly formal dress-code events. Some other occasions where only a suit coat will be the right choice include business meetings, corporate events, graduation ceremonies, formal dances, and proms.
So, whenever you have such an occasion, wear a suit coat and no other type of jacket.
- Semi-Formal events
Next up are the semi-formal events, and these are the events where a suit coat may seem a bit too formal while a sport coat will be too informal. So, on such occasions, you can wear a blazer. Note that some types of sport jackets may blend well with the environment, but you need to be careful how you pair your jacket with the rest of the dress.
These occasions include receptions, garden parties, outdoor weddings, business lunches, and even informal client meetings.
- Casual events
The last ones on the list here are casual events, including casual dinners, friends or family gatherings, dates, sporting events, office parties, etc. You cannot wear a formal suit coat at such events since that will look odd. So, wearing a sports jacket will be your right choice. Due to their relaxed fitting and casual appearance, you will look and feel well-dressed for the occasion.
Popular brands and styles of suit coats, sport coats, and blazers
Today, many international and multinational brands provide top-notch designs for men. When you want to buy a suit coat, a sports coat, or a blazer, you need to find the brand that brings style according to your taste and provides you with the best-fitting options.
Here are our top 5 picks for the popular brands and their styles of coats and jackets that you must try.
- Calvin Clein’s suit coat brings a slim-fitting and modern-looking option that is perfect for all formal events. It can also be your routine office-wearing attire.
- OURRUO is a premium brand known for its premium snakeskin coats. You can find sport coats and blazers here made with python skin that will instantly upscale your styling game.
- Hugo Boss is known as a high-end option when looking for a blazer. Its blazers are impeccable in attention to detail, and you get a perfect fit due to the premium tailoring.
- Zara is a popular brand for fashion-focused men, and its double-breasted blazer. This trendy collection of blazers will make a perfect choice for any man on any occasion apart from formal ones.
- Tommy Hilfiger makes affordable yet versatile options in this classic sport coat. With various patterns and color choices, this coat is perfect for routine wearing.
So, with such brands keeping up with the latest style in the men’s fashion industry, you can be sure about always having the right ones in your wardrobe. While buying one, always choose the option that perfectly fits your body type since fitting comes first and then comes appearance. Once you find the perfect fit, you can always try different styles, brands, colors, designs, and fabric patterns.
Conclusion
Although the way you dress is totally up to you, sometimes you must leave an impression of your personality, and that’s where your dress can matter a lot. Jackets and coats are the most important dressing items for men, and so much could go wrong when wearing one without knowing the purpose. We hope that now you know the key differences between a suit coat, a blazer, and a sport jacket.
With this basic information, you can confidently wear the right coat on the right occasion without feeling odd. While selecting the coat, remember that fitting is the key, and you need to pair them up perfectly to blend in with the environment very well. With the popular brands and their styles discussed above, you can add timeless additions to your wardrobe for every occasion.
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