A high quality sport jacket can do wonders for any wearer. Easily dressed up for the business casual occasions, or relaxed enough to look just fine in a more informal crowd, the sport jacket – also widely referred to as a sports jacket or sport coat – is one of the most versatile men’s clothing options available.
But how do men who demand superior quality apparel for their wardrobes locate sport jackets that fit that high standard of great fit, feel and style? Let’s take a closer look at these jackets and what youd should look for in order to find sport jackets that will stand the test of time and surely become one of your favorites.
The history of sport jackets
Before we go further, we should mention that sport jackets have been around for a while. They are routinely a favorite in many gentlemen’s wardrobe selections.
In fact, these coats go all the way back to the 1860s when a very close relative of sport coats, the Norfolk jacket, was worn for hunting excursions. The Norfolk button high, was belted and had big, flapped pockets. It was known for being very easy to move in and, like a sport jacket, was made of heavy fabric, usually tweed.
From there, the jacket eventually evolved into what we now know as the sport jacket. The fabric choice, though sometimes still tweed, started to head into a bit of a lighter direction.
The jacket steadily over time also started to be more acceptable in more casual scenarios where the wearers wanted to look good. Once the 1920s roared around, the sport jacket became a popular sight at less formal functions. At this point, the Norfolk jacket lost its belt and the buckle, which meant sport coats that resemble the current style became more popular.
But even throughout this time, the sport jacket was a bit of a status symbol. Most men had a traditional suit, but not an additional jacket that could be worn outside of formal events. Slowly but surely, though, more and more men of other socioeconomic backgrounds began to adopt this type of jacket and wear it more often.
Now, it’s an incredibly versatile coat that can go with just about anything – jeans, khakis and trousers.
What separates sport jackets from other jackets
Another point that needs to be cleared up is any confusion that may be out there about what exactly we mean when we say “sport jacket.” These are not blazers, nor are they suit jackets. Sport jackets are a specific garment that is distinct from those others.
What makes a jacket a sport jacket? For one, sport jackets are more durable than, say, a blazer. You can wear them to a party and not have to worry as much about it getting all out of shape if you happen to leave it lying around or let it get piled under a bunch of other people’s coats and jackets.
That hardiness comes down to the fabrics that are commonly used for sport jackets. These fabrics can be a little heavier than a blazer, but that just gives them that extra durability and some texture, too. Suit jackets also tend to be on the lighter side in the fabric category than sport jackets. However, some sport jackets do feature lightweight fabircs.
The fabrics used to make sport coats
There are four most common fabrics that are used to make sport coats.
First up is herringbone, a patterned fabric that is made in browns, tans, grays and a variety of blue shades.
Then there’s houndstooth and shepherd’s check. These are recognizable fabrics that have a more complex appearance. These two are popular in the UK, the rest of Europe and in the northeast portion of the United States.
Flannel is another popular fabric. Flannel is known for its soft feel. It’s also a popular choice of fabric for blazers, but in sport jackets, flannel uses colors other than navy and the weave creates accents in the jacket.
Last but not least is tweed, a thick fabric with a rougher weave. You can find different colors in tweed with weaves that are also unique. It’s widely popular for when you want a coat that is durable and built to last.
One button or two? Consider that and other options
Sport jackets can come in designs that feature either one or two rows of buttons. There are some with three buttons out there, but they can give the wearer a bit of a dwarfed appearance, unless the wearer is either bulkier or muscular.
There are other options that are available that help different jackets stand out from the crowd. Those options include patch pockets, leather patches on the elbows and shoulders to help keep wear to a minimum and expandable pleats for even better movement.
No matter how and when you plan to wear the sport jacket of your choice, you are certain to find a style that fits your situation and unique needs.
How a sport jacket should fit
Fit is important when it comes to sport jackets.
When shopping for a sport jacket, you want to make sure to find a coat that is going to hang a little looser on your body than, say, a blazer or suit jacket. In many cases, you may want room for layering clothes underneath the jacket, especially in colder weather.
You also want a looser feel that allows for good freedom of mvment. However, how loose you want to go is more of a personal taste issue than anything else.
Shop jackets at Hansen’s Clothing
At Hansen’s Clothing, we carry only the finest men’s clothing from brands from throughout the world. This includes sport jackets.
If you are interested in browsing truly unique jackets, then we might suggest you take a look at these jackets from Bookster Tailoring. They are exclusive, limited edition jackets made only for Hansen’s Clothing customers.
We also carry a variety of sport jacket and coat options from other respected brands. You are sure to find a quality jacket that will become a staple of your personal style.