Made for play —the sports coat and how to style it

It’s fitted, but it’s not a suit jacket, and it doesn’t match your trousers. So, what is it? It’s a sports coat (or jacket). If you don’t already own a sports jacket, it’s well time to rectify that, because it’s going to save you from looking overdressed or under-dressed on so many occasions.  

A sports jacket is what it says on the label: and it’s comfortable no matter what you get up to, whether it’s wine tasting or horse riding.  It’s made for play.

It’s usually made from heavy, durable fabrics that are easy to look after and don’t require a lot of care, like, say, a silk jacket might. Think tweed, corduroy or wool blends - perfect for the seasons we’re heading into. 

They have a slightly more relaxed fit, often single breasted, and the details reflect the wearer’s personal style and quirks. This is where you can shine a light on your taste with some extravagant lining, quirky buttons or interesting patch pockets.

It’s not a blazer

Oh, so a sports coat is just a blazer without trousers? That would be a no. Sports jackets tend to be patterned — whether herringbone or tweed or window pane — they stand out just a little. They are clearly not part of a suit. Whereas a blazer is generally cut in a block colour than could, at a pinch, blend in with a suit.

The great thing about sports jackets is that they're completely liberated from the constraints and rules of suit wearing. You don’t need to worry about matching trousers, lapel width or anything else. But all that freedom can be a bit…intimidating, especially if you’re used to the effortless comfort of matching suits.

So, how do you style your sports jacket, depending on the occasion? We have some ideas:

A casual affair

Maybe you’re heading out for an afternoon with the family, or for a cruise with friends, or you’re meeting a client for lunch. Your sports jacket can be your go-to for any of these occasions and more.

If you’ve been adventurous with your choice of fabric and went for a nice tweed with an interesting lining that will get everyone wanting to take a closer look.

Pair it with a pair of crisp jeans (none of that too much stretch) or a pair of comfortable chinos. A bespoke perfectly-fitting polo is a perfect match for your sports jackets, be it tweed, wool or corduroy.

If it’s nippy, then a vest or a knit will work just fine, or if the sun is out, even a well-fitting t-shirt. 

Shoes depend on the activity. What’s going to be most suitable for the activity you’re embarking on? Buits? Loafers? Sneakers? They will all go well with your spront jacket. 

Business, but casual

Not every work event requires you to wear a suit. In fact, it’s a good idea to distinguish between your formal suited self and your more relaxed here-to-listen-and-connect selves. How? The sports jacket will come in handy.

A crisp white shirt is going to add some welcome contrast between casual and elegant and make you stand out, while not looking overdressed.

Say you’re going to an industry event of conference, or out for a dinner with colleagues. You might want to ditch the denim in favour of a pair of dress pants that contrast the sports jacket pleasantly. You can try navy blue wool trousers with a tweed jacket, or black trousers with a burgundy herringbone jacket.

Formal occasions — just add tie

If day turns into evening and you find yourself at a formal occasion without time to change, fear not your sports jacket will stand the test of formality, with a couple of well-matched accessories.

You can easily transition from a conference to a formal dinner, just by adding things like: a pocket square. A pair of shoes. A pair of silk socks. Or a crisp shirt. Then, just add a tie and you’re ready for play, mind you, in a formal setting.

So there you go, from day to night, from casual to formal, you can do it all with one jacket, with a couple of strategic garments to match, and a few accessories to signal the occasion.

Ready to upgrade your wardrobe with some bespoke garments? Drop by the shop Monday to Saturday.