Which is more informal, a blazer or a sport coat?
Are the sport coat and the blazer the same thing? Not at all. The many styles of men’s coats are sometimes unclear to define. This covers fairly frequent blunders like mixing materials and colors incorrectly or dressing inappropriately for the occasion. There is undoubtedly a lot of options, but for those who are unfamiliar with them, we will go into great detail regarding sport jackets and blazers today! The ABC is where it all begins.
What’s a sport coat?
Men had to wear separate jackets for outdoor activities like hunting and fishing in the 19th century, which is when the sports coat, also known as the sport jacket, first appeared. Specifically, it became customary to wear the jacket alone rather than with pants, and the tweed jacket with its belt, three or four buttons, and roomy bellows pockets was quite practical. The sports jacket has been the ideal male clothing item since the 1970s. Its usage has expanded to include work-related circumstances as well.
Features of a sport coat
The men’s sport coats are easily recognizable due to its use of less formal materials such as houndstooth, covert or Bedford Cord, tweed with herringbone or chevron patterns. Large pockets and elbow patches (often made of a different fabric and a darker color than the jacket) are optional.
What does a blazer mean?
Although we discussed this in our last blog article, it is important to remember that the blazer was a clothing item that made a lasting impression on men’s fashion history and eventually came to represent a sense of camaraderie in both the sporting and intellectual spheres. There is just one color for the classic blazer: navy blue. Depending on the style—double or single breasted—and little elements like the buttons and pockets, it can be either formal or informal.
The features and traits of Blazer
There are two variations of the blazer—one with two breasts and two buttons, and the other with six buttons—both of which are often made of metal. Naturally, the pockets have been repaired. In contrast to a suit jacket, a blazer is frequently constructed with shirt shoulders, or “a camicia,” since the same method is applied to shirts. It will appear softer and conform to the shoulders’ natural curve as a result. The jacket ought to fit snugly.
When should I wear a blazer and when should I wear a sport coat?
After identifying the primary distinctions between the two items of clothing, we can conclude that they both fall within the category of casual and informal wear. Both the sport coat and the blazer are appropriate for casual events, in contrast to the suit jacket, which is only appropriate for formal settings. Pair it, for instance, with a shirt and sweater or a turtleneck. Earth-hued pants, gray dolce vita, and dark green jackets are examples of complementary and harmoniously colored trousers.
The jackets and blazers at Overcoat USA
Two jacket styles that have entered the men’s tailoring scene are the sport coat and the blazer. With great attention to detail and raw material research, Overcoat USA has designed classic yet contemporary blazers and jackets for his ranges of handcrafted clothes made in Napoli.
Tips for Donning A Men’s Overcoat
In the last piece, we discussed the origins of a classic men’s jacket design known as the reefer jacket, which served as the basis for Overcoat USA’s fresh take on this highly sought-after item for the next fall/winter 21/22 season. As we go with our exploration of the masculine wardrobe, we come upon a piece that is essential to the modern outfit: the overcoat.
The Most Symbolic Overcoat Styles
Depending on the type you choose, the coat serves a different purpose in addition to being an article of clothing for keeping you warm in the winter.
The secret is in the quality and selection of a nice overcoat and, above all, in selecting the model that best captures our style, even though we occasionally go out for an aperitif right after work while still dressed in our office attire. Together, let’s view the most recognizable overcoat models:
The loose-fitting, informal overcoat that polo players initially wore is referred to as the “Polo Coat,” and it originated in England. It is constructed from camel hair material that has a tan tint and is sometimes blended 50/50 with wool. It includes six or eight buttons and either a full or half belt. The Ulster Coat is a strong-willed overcoat with patch pockets, an Ulster collar or peak lapels, and optional sleeve cuffs.
It’s one of the best ways a tailor can demonstrate their abilities. It was called after the Irish province of the same name in the North, whose residents made a certain type of tweed overcoat popular. A traditional Ulster coat has a rustic quality, akin to a Polo coat but constructed of tweed.
Large lapels, a horizontal or slanted gorge, eight horn buttons, patch pockets with flaps, sleeve cuffs, a half-belt, a back box pleat with slit, two deep pleats, and an over-the-knee length are some of its distinctive features. Since the 18th century, sailors on both sides of the Atlantic have worn the Pea Coat, also known as the Caban.
The classic design features a double-breasted design with six sizable buttons, broad lapels that fasten with a chin strap, vertical handwarmer pockets, and a length that varies depending on the military grade (the higher the grade, the longer the coat).
Meanwhile, the single-breasted Chesterfield Coat made headlines in London as early as the middle of the 1800s and has remained largely unchanged in terms of style. Formal, thin, slim, with a velvet collar, two horizontal pockets with flaps that occasionally include a ticket pocket as well, a breast pocket on the left that is optional, and a medium-sized revers;
Colors and Textiles
Make sure the overcoat you choose is made entirely of wool if you intend to use it for many years to come. Heavy coats tend to last longer due to their higher level of fabric durability. A combination of cashmere and wool strikes the ideal balance between warmth and durability. Since pure cashmere is more sensitive, it will probably deteriorate more quickly.
The colors that are worn the most for overcoats are the darker ones. Formal black, traditional corporate grey, and finally the more adaptable navy blue are the first three colors. These three hues may all be combined with ease. However, we must not overlook the camel hue, which is perfect for daytime meetings and is associated with refinement.
The Overcoats of Overcoat USA
While paying close attention to the modern styles, Overcoat USA has always honored the heritage of Neapolitan tailoring. A few of the overcoat types offered by Overcoat USA are genuine gems created in Naples that perfectly capture the essence of handcrafted apparel.
For instance, the belted single-breasted version with raglan sleeves of our Spitfire LFSD overcoat, Spitfire Rust Raglan Coat, Spitfire Check HS Overcoat, and Spitfire Grey Over Check Raglan Overcoat, as well as the double-breasted version including patch pockets of our De-Havilland camel.
Casual yet sophisticated coat designs, with hues that may allay any color ambiguity regarding winter attire. Wear them with suede ankle boots, moss green or cobalt blue high-neck wool sweaters, and white or dark gray pants.
