Versatile, informal and casual, a sports jacket is the cornerstone of a well-groomed wardrobe. Whether you want to wear a nice blazer for a formal occasion or combine a plaid blazer with a rock band shirt, sports jackets are good for all occasions. Learning to choose the right one, to match it with your wardrobe and to wear it well is not necessarily a hassle: dressing well is pleasant.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Blazer
Step 1. Learn the difference between a sports jacket and other jackets
Although they are usually confused, a sports jacket is not a blazer or a suit jacket. Sports jackets do not have to match the fabric of the trousers, as is done with suits. The biggest difference between a sport jacket and a blazer is that the sport jacket is patterned, while the blazer is solid color with buttons in a contrasting color to the jacket.
- Stylistically, sports jackets are sometimes slightly wider than other types of jackets, allowing for a more “sporty” use. They are somewhat less formal than a suit jacket or blazer.
- The type of fabric is somewhat wider than that of sports jackets. Wool, linen, cotton and other types of materials are common to sports jackets. One thing a sports jacket must have, though, is fantasy.
Step 2. Wear the jacket correctly
Since a sports jacket is not as formal as a blazer or suit jacket, it may sag a little and appear a little looser. Length is usually standard. To choose the cut that suits you, find it below:
- A short jacket is usually used by people less than 1.73m tall, with sleeves up to 81cm.
- A regular jacket is for people between 1.76 and 1.80m, with 83cm sleeves.
- A long jacket is for people between 1.82 and 1.88m, with sleeves of 86-91cm.
- An extra long jacket is for people taller than 1,88m, with sleeves longer than 91cm.
Step 3. Choose a weight suitable for the season
Sports jackets come in summer and winter weight and are common for any season where you have to mix a little formality with fun. Having sports jackets that can be used for several seasons helps you stay comfortable.
- Wear cotton sports jackets during the summer. When it's hot outside, you can't wear a wool jacket. Cotton breathes well and helps you stay cool, even if you're wearing a relatively heavy garment.
- Wool jackets should be worn in winter. These warm up well and often don't need an overcoat.
Step 4. Check the slits
The slit is an open seam on the back of the jacket or on the sides, used to drop the jacket comfortably and make trouser pockets accessible. Jackets without slits are snug and stylized, but are somewhat less comfortable than sports jackets, which are less formal.
Jackets with side slits are common in Europe and have a casual and modern look. The rear vents are more traditional and comfortable
Step 5. Look for versatile models
The sports jacket can have different styles, which is why it is so versatile. You will find several pockets, buttons and even leather patches on the elbows. However, the pattern is the most important and most eye-catching element of the sports jacket, so it is important to choose one that you can wear in different ways.
- Beware of sneaky mistakes. Purple and orange checks might look cute on the mannequin, but how often would you be able to wear them? Think of nice colors to match the one you already have in the closet.
- What do you intend to do when you wear a sports jacket? If you move around a lot, look for a jacket that allows movement and that has creases or linings that make it possible to bend over at the golf club or at the cast of the fishing rod.
Part 2 of 3: Matching Sports Jackets with Your Wardrobe
Step 1. Match the jacket with the pants
While not everyone likes pairing a sports jacket with jeans, it's perfectly okay. The secret is to wear jeans in excellent condition and with a nice belt. Also make sure the jacket and jeans fit together well.
- Alternatively, wear pants. The more informal trousers will go well with a sports jacket.
- If the jacket is patterned, choose trousers in neutral colors (beige, gray, light fawn, cream, etc.). Pants shouldn't be more noticeable than jacket.
- Combine dark-colored trousers with a light-colored sports jacket. Combine light-colored trousers with a dark-colored sports jacket.
Step 2. Put on your sports jacket with a shirt and tie
Classic is always in fashion. Combine patterned sports jackets with solid color shirts for an informal yet elegant style. If you want to be sophisticated and attractive, wearing a patterned sports jacket with a solid color shirt and a nice tie will make everyone turn to look at you. Combine patterned jackets with plain colored shirts and ties and vice versa. It's hard to get by with three different fantasies.
- In cold weather, try wearing a sports jacket over a combination of sweater and shirt. It can be a great way to stay warm without an overcoat. It feels like the style of a man of letters, as if you were an Oxford student studying avant-garde poetry.
- Get creative in choosing your ties. A patterned are perhaps out of fashion, but think of those in wool, ties and other types that can be combined well with the jacket. Alternatively, undo a few buttons on top and wear only the shirt and jacket. This can be a nice look.
- Collared shirts should always be tucked into the pants and the collar should go inside the jacket if you have to wear them with a sport jacket. We are not in 1974! Do not let the collar hang on the outside.
Step 3. Pair it with a t-shirt or polo shirt
If you want to look like an MTV Movie Awards presenter or have to go to work in a tech start-up it's a nice look, less formal but still nice. Make sure the shirt is of good quality or in excellent condition. It shouldn't be transparent or wrinkled.
Wearing a printed shirt with a sport jacket communicates a slightly subversive, artistic and corporate attitude at the same time. Think of the artists during gallery openings as they try to sell their work. A cool sports jacket, designer jeans and a Rolling Stones t-shirt? Always casual
Step 4. Choose the right shoes
If you want to integrate a sports jacket with your look, shoes can help. It depends on the clothing, but generally you have to look for a complementary look.
- If you wear jeans, you can be tempted to wear casual shoes, but very casual sneakers or Converse can make you look like a kid dressed in daddy's clothes. For a more informal but elegant look, wear loafers, oxfords or brogues with jeans.
- If you are wearing dress pants, it may be okay to wear more casual shoes. For the final touch think about some types of boots or even cowboy ones, adding an extra tone of sparkle.
Step 5. Build complementary styles
A traditional thought might suggest that brightly colored patterned sports jackets should be paired with plain, less vibrant colors. This is definitely a good way to pair the jacket with other clothes, but feel free to experiment. Maybe your purple plaid jacket would look good with a gray sweater or with the pink shirt collar peeking out. Look for complementary colors and styles. Break the rules and see what works.
Add a pocket square. Pocket squares are making a comeback, offering an extra note of color that highlights your jacket. Match the color of the handkerchief with the shirt
Part 3 of 3: Put on the Jacket
Step 1. Unbutton your jacket when you sit down
Sports jackets have two or three buttons. The more buttons there are, the longer the line will be formed by buttoning them. Generally, it is recommended that you button your jacket while standing and unbutton it when sitting down. For some it is also normal to unbutton their jacket while walking.
How to wear the jacket is entirely up to you. You don't have to button and unbutton it all the time, but it usually fits better and buttoning it while standing helps to slim the figure. Button only the first button, if there are many
Step 2. If necessary, put on an overcoat
In very cold weather, an overcoat may be necessary, even if you are wearing a sports jacket. Don't forget to assess the weather and avoid walking around in light clothing. Woolen overcoats, coats and trench coats all go well with a sport jacket. Usually they must be of solid colors: black, gray, dark green or beige.
Step 3. Wear a sports jacket for semi-informal occasions
Informal jackets are versatile for everyday wear, but also suitable for formal occasions. Depending on your place of work, it may be okay to wear a sports jacket to work and to go to the bar later. If you go to a place where a jacket is required, the sports one should be fine.
- The sports jacket goes well in the restaurant, bar, pub and dinner with friends. Colors suitable for social events are beige, brown, cream, khaki, bronze and white. Light colors are less and less formal.
- For formal events, a sports jacket, especially in light colors, is less suitable. Go for a suit jacket or blazer.
Step 4. Take care of your sports jackets
Never wear a dirty or creased sports jacket, it's like wearing a polo shirt with a colorful collar. Sports jackets should be kept well and dry cleaned regularly to keep them looking good. You should generally not dry clean it more often than once every six months.
Helpful Hint: In Thornton Wilder's novel Theophilus North, the protagonist has only one dress that he irons every night between the springs of the bed and the mattress, to keep it wrinkle-free and clean. You don't need to go that far, regularly ironing your jacket should be enough to keep it in good condition
Advice
- Balance the weight well. Do not overload the jacket pockets on one side only, otherwise the jacket will fall badly on you. Rearrange your wallet, iPod, keys, etc., until the jacket falls straight.
- Accessories that can be added to a sports jacket are a pocket watch, an expensive pen (with the brand name on the outside) or a special handkerchief. If you smoke cigars, the ideal is to show them.
- The sports jacket has two or three buttons. Only button the top one in a jacket that has two; button two on a jacket that has three, leaving the top one unbuttoned.
