Our clients often ask us – what is the difference between a men’s blazer, a men’s sport coat, and a suit jacket? Our clients often ask us – what is the difference between a men’s blazer, a men’s sport coat, and a suit jacket? These days, these terms are used interchangeably, but it’s important not to get too caught up in the sartorial semantics- especially when talking about men’s blazers or sports coats.
Just like a suit, it is not one size fits all. However, knowing the subtle nuances that make each one different can help you coordinate your outfits better and ensure that you don’t look mismatched – for instance, by accidentally pairing a suit jacket with a cotton chino (they really don’t work well together).
Building a versatile and stylish wardrobe that fits you perfectly and is fit for every occasion is easier once you understand the variety of suit options available to suit your lifestyle. Gone are the days of off-the-rack, ill-fitted men’s suit jackets worn for every occasion that does not compliment your style or body shape.
You may ask why understanding the difference between men’s blazers, sports coats, and men’s suit jackets is important. The answer is that understanding their different features is essential to know how each can coordinate with different garments in your closet. A modern wardrobe with multiple jacket styles is essential to create a multipurpose and adaptable wardrobe, and understanding the differences will help you avoid those wardrobe mishaps. For instance, showing up to a formal event in a sports jacket or layering a thick sweater under a fitted tailored suit jacket (you may feel hot, but chances are you may not look it!). It helps to know the variety of essential men’s suit jackets and classic menswear staples that cater to seasonal demands and the occasion.
So, let’s begin by exploring the differences and distinctive features of each to start levelling up your styling potential.
No, suit jackets and blazers are not the same. Men’s blazers are less formal than men’s suit jackets and are typically unpadded and unlined without edge-stitched lapels. Therefore, blazers are very light and comfortable and can be worn with a layered ensemble or in warmer weather.
Sports coats can be coordinated with trousers that are not made of the same fabric or pattern, they can also be paired with pants that are of the same matching fabric or pattern. That makes them very versatile and a staple for any weekend or holiday wardrobe. Another difference is whether they have a matching pair of trousers – a suit jacket does, whereas a sports coat and blazer generally do not.
Sports coats are also patterned jackets, whereas blazers are a solid colour.
It’s all about the structure. Suit jackets also have a more rounded and structured shoulder, whereas blazers have a more laid-back fit with simple, softer shoulders and are less formal than the classic suit jacket. Blazers are often seen as a wildcard whilst sporting a casual style that can be worn in both casual business meetings and in casual contexts or as a perfect companion for weekend activities.
Blazer jackets are typically characterised by a solid colour fabric with contrasting buttons and are unpadded or unlined. Historically, men’s blazers in Australia were a sign of membership in a group. They often featured some sort of ornamentation, such as a crest or nautical motif and feathered either metal buttons or very light-coloured buttons, such as Mother of Pearl.
The term ‘blazer’ stems from the ‘blazing red’ jackets worn by Cambridge’s Lady Margaret Boat Club members, which were made in red flannel and meant to stand out. There are striped versions of the boat club blazers called Regatta Blazers, which are also very bold and eye-catching. Blazers became a symbol of prestige and exclusivity as rowers from the club started wearing their blazers outside of the club.
Nowadays, the most common blazer colour is solid navy, although this has now expanded to a range of popular colours, including (but not limited to) cream, blue, wine, and camel-coloured blazers.