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Alright I'm seeing more and more pics of guys trying to wear suit jackets as sport coats.
I know you may think there isn't a difference but there is, and it matters.
So I'm going to break this down for you can you can do it right from here on out.
I know you may think there isn't a difference but there is, and it matters.
So I'm going to break this down for you can you can do it right from here on out.
First, a suit jacket should only ever be worn with its corresponding pants. It is part of a full ensemble, not a separate.
Does that mean any jacket that's part of a suit can't be worn on its own?
No.
There are some giveaways to be aware of
Does that mean any jacket that's part of a suit can't be worn on its own?
No.
There are some giveaways to be aware of
1. Texture is king here. The more texture the material has, the easier it is to wear the jacket on its own.
For fall and winter think tweed, flannel, cashmere, etc.
For spring and summer, think linen, cotton/linen blends, open-weave wools, etc.
For fall and winter think tweed, flannel, cashmere, etc.
For spring and summer, think linen, cotton/linen blends, open-weave wools, etc.
2. Sheen - sheen typically corresponds with texture but not always (think birdseye, fresco, etc.)
If there's any sheen to your jacket, you can't wear it on its own.
If there's any sheen to your jacket, you can't wear it on its own.
3. Structure - the less structure there is in the jacket, the better it's worn as a separate.
Light or no shoulder pads, unstructured or full-canvas chests, etc.
Light or no shoulder pads, unstructured or full-canvas chests, etc.
4. Pockets and stitching - the typical rule of thumb for all menswear is that the simpler a garment is, the more formal it is.
So, if you want your jacket to be more casual, go with patch pockets instead of flap or jetted (no ticket pocket though, that's the exception here)
So, if you want your jacket to be more casual, go with patch pockets instead of flap or jetted (no ticket pocket though, that's the exception here)
You can also choose to have pick stitching done on the lapels, pockets, vents, sleeves, etc.
Bigger stitches that are farther away from the edges (5mm vs 2mm) wins out here
Bigger stitches that are farther away from the edges (5mm vs 2mm) wins out here
5. Contrast buttons - Buttons that stand out from the jacket, rather than blend in automatically make it look more casual and make it easier to wear on its own.
6. Pattern - Be careful here, a lot of guys think pattern is the only thing that matters but if the jacket has a formal construction, smooth texture, and a lot of sheen, no amount of pattern is going to make it work.
That said, pattern is busier to it helps with casual vibes
That said, pattern is busier to it helps with casual vibes
7. Color - Same rule applies here as it does to pattern, the more unique the color of your jacket, the easier it is to wear as a sport coat.
Just don't think it overrides everything else.
Just don't think it overrides everything else.
Stick with these guidelines and you'll be fairly solid.
Now, are there exceptions?
Yes, but you're likely not ready for them and it depends on the pants and shirt you're wearing too.
Now, are there exceptions?
Yes, but you're likely not ready for them and it depends on the pants and shirt you're wearing too.
Here's an example of one that gets it wrong.
Notice the massive, structured shoulders, lack of texture, matching button colors, etc.
Notice the massive, structured shoulders, lack of texture, matching button colors, etc.
Whereas, here's one that totally nails it.
If you like deeper dives like this, let me know what else you'd like me to answer and I'll start doing more.
