How to Style a Sports Coat for Any Occasion
Contents
A sports coat is a versatile piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to style a sports coat for any occasion.
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The Right Fit
A sports coat is a wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down for any occasion. But how do you make sure you’re getting the right fit? Follow these guidelines for the perfect sports coat fit, no matter the occasion.
Shoulders
Your sports coat should fit well in the shoulders. The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, or ever so slightly off. If the seam is too far down your arm (more than half an inch), it will look odd, and if it’s too far up, it will be uncomfortable. Again, ask a friend or a salesperson to help you check the fit in the mirror. Once you have the right size, take a seat — a good sports coat should also feel comfortable when you’re sitting down.
Length
The right sport coat should hit you mid hip. Any lower and it becomes a blazer, any higher and it starts to look like a suit jacket. The sleeves should also sit right at your wrist, with just enough room to show off a quarter inch or so of shirt cuff.
Sleeves
Assuming the coat fits you in the shoulders, chest and waist, the next step is to take a look at the sleeves. If they’re too long, they should be shortened so that about ?” of shirt cuff is showing. It’s a minor detail, but it will make a big difference in how sharp you look. The sleeves shouldn’t be so short that they expose your wristwatch, either.
If the coat is too big in the sleeve, there are a few ways to deal with it. The first is to add sleeve buttons — usually two or three — which will tighten up the fit and give the coat a more tailored look. (Sleeve buttons are usually an option when you buy a coat off the rack.) The other way to deal with excess fabric is to have the sleeves partially or fully taken in. This is something best left to a tailor or seamstress, as it’s easy to mess up and cause irreparable damage to the coat.
The Right Fabric
A sports coat is a versatile piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. The right fabric is crucial in achieving the desired look. For example, a wool sports coat is more formal than one made of cotton.
Wool
Wool is a classic material for a sports coat and can be worn in both casual and formal settings. There are many different types of wool, from heavy winter wools to lighter-weight summer wools. A good wool coat will last for many years if it is cared for properly.
Linen
Linen is a natural fabric that’s derived from the flax plant. It’s incredibly strong and lustrous, which is why it’s often used for high-end shirts, pants, and suits. When it comes to style, linen is seen as a fairly casual fabric. This is largely because it’s not very forgiving — wrinkles and creases are very visible on linen clothing. As such, it’s not the best choice for formal occasions. That said, linen can still be styled in a number of ways to make it work for more casual events.
Linen sports coats are a popular choice for summertime weddings and parties. They’re relatively light and airy, which makes them perfect for warm weather events. When choosing a linen sports coat, it’s important to select one that fits well. This fabric doesn’t have much give, so ill-fitting jackets will only accentuate any flaws in your silhouette. It’s also important to choose a color that complements your skin tone. Linen is available in a variety of colors, from light ivory to rich chocolate brown.
Assuming you have a well-fitting linen sports coat in a flattering color, there are a few different ways you can style it depending on the occasion. For example, pair your jacket with khaki shorts and a brightly colored shirt for a relaxed look that’s perfect for backyard barbecues or days spent at the beach. If you’re attending a more formal event, like a summer wedding, pair your jacket with dressier items like chinos or dark-wash jeans and a button-down shirt. Finish the look off with loafers or dress shoes and you’ll be good to go.
Cotton
Cotton is a versatile fabric that can be used for a variety of garments, including sports coats. Cotton is a natural fiber that is breathable and comfortable to wear, making it a good choice for warm-weather events. When choosing a cotton sports coat, look for a style that is well-tailored and fits you well. You can dress up a cotton sports coat by pairing it with dress pants and a dress shirt, or dress it down by wearing it with jeans and a tee shirt.
The Right Style
A sports coat is a versatile piece of clothing that can be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. It’s important to choose the right style of sports coat to suit your body type and personal style. In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to style a sports coat for any occasion.
Single-Breasted
A single-breasted coat is the most popular style and can be worn with both formal and casual looks. It is characterized by a row of buttons on one side, with the other side overlapping. Thelapels can be narrow or wide, peak or notch, and the coat can have either two or three buttons.
The most versatile way to wear a single-breasted sports coat is with the lapels buttoned and the lower button left undone. This look can be dressed up or down depending on the shirt, tie, and pants you choose to pair it with. For a more formal look, opt for a white shirt, patterned tie, and dark trousers. For a more casual look, go for a dress shirt or sweater in a light color, no tie, and jeans or chinos.
Double-Breasted
The double-breasted sports coat is making a comeback — and I, for one, am thrilled. It adds an element of formality to an otherwise casual item and can easily be dressed up or down. Here’s how to style a double-breasted sports coat for any occasion.
Wedding: For a summer wedding, pair your double-breasted sports coat with a white linen shirt, light gray trousers, and brown loafers. If the wedding is taking place in the evening, swap out the loafers for black dress shoes.
Work: To wear your double-breasted sports coat to work, pair it with a light blue dress shirt, navy trousers, and black dress shoes. If you want to add a bit of personality to your look, opt for a printed tie.
Date Night: For date night, style your double-breasted sports coat with a white button-down shirt, black skinny jeans, and Chelsea boots. Add a pop of color with a red pocket square.
Lapels
There are two primary styles of lapels on a sports coat – notched and peaked. Notched lapels, by far the more common of the two, are characterized by a V-shaped cutout at the point where the lapel meets the collar. Peaked lapels are much less common, and feature a pointed peak at this juncture. In general, notched lapels are considered more casual, while peaked lapels convey a dressier aesthetic.