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Blazer Versus Sportcoat - What's the Difference
 
Blazer - A blazer is a solid color jacket that is worn with contrasting (not matching) trousers, and can be distinguished by several features:
 
  • Classic lines and silhouette – e.g. a 2-button, single vented, notch lapel model.
  • Distinctive details – “metal” buttons  (gold, silver, brass, or enamel ) are usually used on your dressier blazer….should be worn more with a necktie and dress trousers.
  • Textured solid fabrics – gabardine, serge, hopsack, diamond weave, or basket weave cloth that are characteristically not used as  suit coat fabrics
  • Classic solid colors – navy, black, camel/tan, tobacco, wine, loden/hunter green are most common.
  • A navy or black blazer with contrasting horn buttons in brown is usually worn more casually than your metal button blazer. It looks great with jeans or khakis.
 
Sportcoat - A sportcoat is a patterned jacket that is also worn with contrasting (not matching) trousers, and is distinguished by these features:
 
  • Classic or more contemporary lines – a 2 or 3 button notch lapel model that can have either a tailored silhouette or something more relaxed.   A sportcoat is more likely to be worn without a necktie, and the 3 button model is more balanced when worn unbuttoned.
  • Details like patch lower pockets and leather or horn buttons will distinguish the sportcoat from a blazer – and in some cases a storm tab under the collar and suede elbow patches can be added for a more “professorial” look.
  • Sportcoats in general are more amenable to casual accompaniments like blue jeans and knit shirts, but can be dressed up with tailored shirts with French cuffs if so desired.
  • Classic patterns are the hallmark of a great sportcoat – glen plaid, houndstooth, windowpane, checks (a Gun Club or District Check are distinctive), plaids, crowsfoot, barleycorn, herringbone – to name a few.  The contrasting trouser is most easily selected by picking one of the colors in the pattern – hence most sportcoats have at least 2 different trouser coordinates.
 Men's 
Far too many people don't realize it, but there is a distinct difference between a blazer and a sportcoat. A blazer is a solid-hued jacket worn with trousers of a different color. A sportcoat is a patterned jacket that also is worn with trousers of a different color. A Tom James Company sportcoat is the more sophisticated option if you are looking to achieve a style that can transition from day to night and everything in between. Understanding the difference in the garments is instrumental in your education as to the ways fine fabrics can enhance your overall appearance.
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