You don’t want to wear a sport coat when the occasion calls for a suit. Then how do you know what to wear when? It’s TheShops to your rescue.

Suit jackets, blazers and sport coats are terms that are often used interchangeably. Even when we go to a big clothing retailer, well-tailored jackets are often referred to as ‘blazers’.  Did you know that not every jacket with buttons and lapels can be called a blazer or a suit? Here’s your comprehensive guide to knowing the difference between them and how to wear them best.

The Suit Jacket

The classic definition of a suit jacket is that you’ve to wear it with a matching pair of trousers. These jackets are the most formal and the dressiest of the three. However, it has become quite common to wear it with something different such as jeans, chinos, elegant trousers in a different colour. And when it comes to style, there is nothing permanent, right? We say not in this case, as the suit jacket is supposed to be worn with matching trousers, so as to maintain the formal look.

Key characteristics of a suit jacket

• As a thumb-rule, suit jackets must have matching pair of trousers. You have the liberty to choose a waist coat of a different fabric, colour or texture, when talking about a three-piece suit.
• Since this kind of a jacket is the most formal, it mostly comes in solid and neutral colours such as navy, medium grey, tan and other such colours. Good to know info is that suit jackets mostly feature simple patterns such as chalk stripe, pinstripe and others.
• Avoid fancy pockets or buttons! Make the buttons match the colour of the suit.
• The lapel of a suit jacket will feature a notch or peak lapel. This characteristic helps in distinguishing between a suit jacket and a tuxedo jacket. A tuxedo jacket features a shawl lapel.
• When talking about fabrics, suit jackets generally come in cotton, linen, worsted wool, silk or cashmere fabrics.

How to wear them

• When it comes to suit jackets, always stick to dress shirts, which means no turtlenecks.
• Further, more importantly a suit jacket is not meant to be layered with anything underneath. Nevertheless, if it is a bit chilly, you can wear a thin sweater underneath at most! If this doesn’t provide you with enough warmth, go for an overcoat over your suit.
• Naturally, formal shoes are the way to go for suits. You can never go wrong with oxfords, brogues or dress boots.

The Blazer Jacket

Not as straightforward as the suit jacket, a blazer jacket lies somewhere between a sport coat and a suit jacket. Unlike the suit jackets, blazers were created to be worn with mismatched trousers.

Key characteristics of a blazer jacket

• A blazer is defined by solid colours, mostly navy. Although occasionally it might feature a striped pattern or a contrasting stripe.
• Blazers can be found in two different models: single-breasted with two buttons, and double-breasted with six buttons, and with patch pockets, of course.
• Most blazer jackets will come in flannel, worsted serge, hopsack or fresco, unless bespoken.
• The key feature of a blazer jacket are the buttons. This jacket will feature gold, silver or mother-of-pearls button. The buttons on a blazer will more often than not stand out.
• Unlike a suit jacket, a blazer is less fitted and structured, particularly around the shoulders.

How to wear them

A blazer jacket is highly versatile; it can be dressed up and down flawlessly. It is perfect for occasions when a suit is not appropriate, but you still want to dress up and stand out.

• You can pair your blazer with denims or chinos for a fun casual look. Have fun with your blazer, paring it with different bottoms, say corduroy pants or flannel trousers.
• You can also take the casual look up a notch with a turtleneck. Of course you can dress up the blazer with a crisp shirt and a tie or even a bow tie.

The Sport Coat

Let’s talk about the least formal of the three, the sport coats. These are patterned jackets that are worn with trousers which are not made of the same fabric or have the same pattern. You will typically hear sport coats referred to as blazers, but that’s incorrect. Technically, every blazer is a sport coat, but not every sport coat is a blazer. Bi-swing backs, belts, elbow patches, and throat latches are the details that make them different from the other two.

Key characteristics of a sport coat

• A sport coat does not have a restricted set of colours and patterns as in a suit jacket or a blazer. It comes in a number of patterns from subtle and classic to bold patterns.
• Since the traditional function of a sport coat was to be worn during outdoor activities, they feature rugged fabrics such as flannel, tweed, houndstooth and herringbone.
• A sport jacket may also occasionally feature pleats, elbow patches and ticket pockets. These were traditionally added to increase the utility of the jacket. Although they are just style elements these days.
• Lastly and most importantly, a sport jacket is less structured and fitted as compared to the other two. This gives you the ability to layer underneath.

How to wear them

A sport coat, being the least formal of the three can be styled in a number of ways. The wide array of colours and patterns that it comes in only increases its versatility.

• The most basic outfit for guys is a pair of jeans and a white t-shirt, elevate this look with a sport jacket.
• You have a wide number of options to choose from, we would suggest go for a blue sport coat with maybe a checkered pattern.
• Alternatively, you can wear it with a shirt. You can go for a printed shirt and don’t bother tucking it in! It will give you a cool and dapper look.
• If it is chilly outside, layer the sport coat with a sweater underneath. Wear a solid sweater with your patterned jacket to give your outfit a nice balance.