Over the years as I have started to invest in my wardrobe in find my personal style, there’s one garment that I can honestly say is a staple especially when it comes to the Fall and Winter seasons, and that is the sport coat.
Now, before I knew better I used to always mix up sport coats and blazers thinking they were both the same thing, not realizing that blazers are essentially a more casual suit jacket, whereas sport coats are even more casual and usually contain a pattern of some sort. Blazers are usually one color and sports jackets contain many via patterns and designs. Also, the make of the two garments differ as well. Understanding this present day, I can confidently say that my closet is chock-full of sport jackets and not blazers as I previously thought. So then with this being stated, why the sport coat?
Well for one, the sport coat is uncomplicated to layer. As stated previously, sport coats usually have a pattern of some sort on them, which makes them easy garments to layer over outfits that may be considered basic, that focus on 1 to 2 colors, and/or that have little to no design elements outside of construction. For those daring enough to do so, you can also mix and match patterns easily by throwing on a sport coat as well, but this takes a bit more confidence.
This leads me into number two; sport coats are a great way to add a nice flair to an outfit, especially if it’s simple in nature. Many times when it comes to layering, it can be difficult to choose outerwear or garments that elevate and accentuate your ensemble in a way that is not casual while still not skewing completely formal as well. The happy median between the two extremes, ‘business casual’ or ‘smart casual’ if you will, would be the sport coat. These jackets can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on what you lay them over.
This brings me to my third point; sport coats are adaptable. You can, as previously stated, dress them up or down. You can utilize them in more social settings, formal settings, or even casual settings where you want to dress up a bit more. Also with sport coats, though they are usually worn in the fall and winter months, you can definitely get away with wearing sport coats during the more warmer seasons as well simply by changing what you wear underneath the garment.
Sports jackets are great pieces to layer with and one of my staples when it comes to outerwear styles. These jackets come in many styles, patterns, colors and makes. You can find them in just about any store selling tailored clothing and suits for men, but I would also recommend trying the local thrift store or second hand shop. I myself have quite a few that I love to throw on, especially when I am headed to work or to meet up with a friend.
A favorite of mine is my black and white houndstooth printed one. It fits me well, adds a great personal touch of style to my looks, and grabs the attention of everyone I pass by. So tell me, will you be investing into sport coats of your own for the coming winter months? And if so how would you style them? Until next time…
Name Is Kanem 
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