How to Wear a Sport Coat: Style Guide For Men

A sport coat is an essential item in any man’s closet. More casual than a suit jacket or a blazer, sport coats can be styled in a variety of ways. That’s where part of the confusion comes in for the modern-day man – how do you wear a sports coat, exactly? Worry not – the menswear specialists here at Black Lapel are going to teach you exactly how to style a sport coat in a variety of ways.

First, we’ll take a look at what a sport coat is exactly and how it differs from other types of formal jackets for men. Then, we’ll discuss how to style a sport coat both casually and formally, and when wearing a sport coat is appropriate. We’ll also provide you with tip to put your best foot forward when stepping out wearing a sport coat. As you can see, there’s a lot on the agenda today – so let’s not waste any more time!

What Exactly Is A Sport Coat?

First, let’s talk about sports coats and how they’re unique from other formal mens’ jackets. While similar to blazers and suit jackets, the sport coat can be a good option for men due to its versatility. Plus, just as you can wear an overcoat casually, men can learn how to wear a sport coat with jeans casually in addition to styling it formally. The possibilities are endless!

Typically, sport coats are fitted jackets that do not come in a set with matching pants. There is no specific fabric that sport coats are made out of, nor do they have a particular type of buttons, lapel style, vents, or breast. Since they can be worn casually, they may have a looser fit than a suit jacket. However, they should still fit nicely on the shoulders and not be oversized on the arms or trunk. We’ll cover sizing later on – as this is an essential component to how your sport coat looks. First, let’s talk about the importance of learning how to style a sport coat in the first place.

Why Learning How To Wear A Sport Coat Is So Important

At any age, men can benefit from learning how to properly wear a sport coat. Not only is it important to know how to style a sport coat to look good, but it’s also crucial for men to feel good while wearing it. So, taking the time to learn how to style a sport coat should be a priority for all men. 

Plus, knowing that you can wear a sport coat both casually and formally, the sport coat can become a part of your normal outfit rotation – no matter the occasion. So, you need to know how exactly it should be styled to master the look for any occasion. Look good, feel good, right? With the advice we share down below, you’ll feel confident dressing for any setting – and you’ll be sure to make positive first impressions and score compliments.

How To Wear A Sport Coat Casually & Formally: Expert Style Advice For Men

Now that you’re aware of the differences between sport coats and similar garments, and why this is such an important aspect for men, we can begin talking about how to style a sport coat. They are an extremely versatile garment and don’t need to be matched to the pant like a suit jacket or blazer. So, men have a lot of options for where they can wear sport coats. Furthering their versatility, there are a number of dress codes that a sport code can be adapted to. 

Let’s continue by discussing how to wear a sport coat casually or formally – starting with where you can pull this look off.

Where Can You Wear A Sport Coat?

You may be wondering where it’s appropriate to wear a sport coat, especially since it is so easy to style this garment formally and casually. Since a sport coat doesn’t come with corresponding pants, they typically won’t be worn in spaces where a formal suit would be required. Instead, men often wear sport coats for business casual attire, or for informal social events where a full suit is not part of the dress code. So, with that said, let’s get into how to wear a sport coat casually. 

How To Wear A Sport Coat Casually

If you’re wondering if it’s possible to style a sport coat casually, the answer is yes! Just as you can master wearing a dress shirt casually, there are many different ways to do so, including learning how to wear a sport coat with jeans. Let’s take a look at a few different outfit ideas for how to style a sport coat casually according to the experts.

Paired With Jeans

Men can master the casual look by learning how to wear a sport coat with a nice pair of custom men’s jeans. Whether you want to wear light or dark wash denim isn’t important, as each denim type can look stylish in its own way. Make sure the color of the jeans doesn’t clash too much with the shade or pattern of the sport coat, and make sure that they are well-fitting and don’t sag excessively. 

Styled With a T-Shirt

A T-shirt and jeans alone may not give off the sophistication you’re after, though throwing a sport coat on top may be the perfect way to dress the look up without overdoing it. Go for a clean and solid color tee, or even consider a tailored polo shirt that looks nice under the sport coat. These tailored casual shirts in particular are a great choice for any smart casual look you have in mind.

How To Wear A Sport Coat Formally

On the other hand, men can still opt for a sport coat in more formal settings, they just need to make the right outfit pairings in order to nail their desired look. Continue reading as we describe some of the ways that men can wear a sport coat formally. 

Worn With a Dress Shirt 

This may seem obvious, but wearing a custom fitted dress shirt under a sport coat can give it a more elevated look, even if you’re still pairing the outfit with denim on the bottom. For even more of a formal look, add a tie or a pocket square to really take the outfit to another level. 

Mixed With a Formal Pant

Even though a sport coat does not come with matching pants by design, men still have the option of pairing it with a nice pair of formal pants when necessary. So for men trying to decide between wearing chinos and jeans with their sport coat, opting for chinos can give off a more sleek and elegant look that’s better suited formal events. Additionally, men deciding between chinos and dress pants can select a nice pair of dress pants in a color and material that don’t clash with the sport coat to look even more formal. 

Additional Tips For Wearing A Sport Coat

Aside from the outfit ideas listed above that can help men look and feel their best when wearing a sport coat, there are a few additional tips that experts have when it comes to styling this garment–either formally or casually. 

Follow The Care Guide

It’s important to select the right sport coat to accomplish a sleek and put together look, but you should also be caring for it properly in order to keep the garment in good condition. This is something we talked about in our guides on how to wash slacks and how to store dress pants. Wearing a dirty or wrinkly garment can do the opposite effect of what you’re after, so make sure you’re washing and storing your sport coat properly for maximum impact. Plus, it can be useful to have an iron on hand to make sure your sport coat is pristine and ready to wear for your next outing. 

Shoe Choice

Even though it can be tempting to throw on a more casual shoe like a sneaker when styling your sport coat casually, you should still be going for a more formal and classic shoe. Just like when wearing dress pants casually, this keeps your overall look elevated and elegant, even if you’re pairing the sport coat with jeans. Selecting loafers, Oxfords, or brogues can be a good choice, and can really compliment your outfit choice and pull the look together. 

Unbutton Your Coat While Seated

The last thing you want is to look unpolished while at an important social or work event. There are little details like unbuttoning your sport coat while seated that can really make a difference in your overall appearance. So, keep this in mind when you’re at your next outing, and notice that the other polished men around you are doing the same. 

Then, remember to button it again when you stand back up. It’s customary to only button the top button when there are multiple. The reason this is recommended is that it looks more slimming and elegant when buttoned while standing up, and is more comfortable to unbutton it while sitting down. Of course, everyone will wear their sport coat in their own way, but this is a good rule of thumb to follow when wearing this type of garment. 

It All Starts With Proper Sizing

Not only is it important to look good in your sport coat, but also to feel good while wearing it. Getting a sport coat in the proper sizing can help accomplish each of these aspects, so paying attention to how a sport coat should fit should be a priority. Nailing both comfort and appearance starts with buying a perfect fitted sport coat, so how can you make sure you accomplish both?

If you’re looking for a sport coat that fits like it was made just for you, you need to go custom. And there is no better place to buy a custom sport coat than Black Lapel. For a decade now, we’ve been helping men around the world look and feel their best in any situation – the workplace, the bar, or even at home. Customer service is at the forefront of what we do, and we provide a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else. Let us help you navigate workplace dress codes and after-work style preferences, and get garments that fit you to perfection – so you can look good and feel good.

Final Thoughts On How To Style A Sport Coat

Wearing a sport coat can be a great way for men to elevate their style in their everyday lives. Between learning how to wear a sport coat with jeans to dressing it up for an informal social event, there are many ways to style a sport coat that leaves men looking sleek and sophisticated. 

No matter how you’re styling your garments and what event you’re wearing them to, it’s important to find clothing that fits right to help you achieve the look you’re after. Going custom is truly the best way to accomplish this, and you can find premium custom pants for men, custom topcoats,custom made shorts, and custom fitting suits all from Black Lapel. Take your wardrobe to the next level and visit our online store to get the process started today. 

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