Suit Jackets, Sport Coats, & Blazers: What's the Difference? - Menswear Definitions

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Gentleman's Gazette
#suitjacket #blazers #notsponsored

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When you shop at a department store or large clothing retailer, you’ll often see any sort of tailored jacket for sale listed as a “blazer.” But not every jacket with lapels and buttons can accurately bear this name!

What is a Suit Jacket?
A suit jacket is precisely that: the jacket belonging to a two- or three-part outfit including matching pants and/or waistcoat, which together make up a complete suit. Thus, a suit jacket always originates from a pairing that uses the same exact fabric for both (or all) pieces. In other words, being made as part of an ensemble is the essential defining feature of a suit jacket.

What is a Sport Coat?
A sport coat is also known as an “odd jacket,” odd not in the sense of being weird–even though some sport coat patterns can be quite strange–but in the sense of being different from the pants (which can also be called “odd trousers”). Confusion can arise here, as well; look no further than someone who isn’t up to speed on the technicalities of menswear seeing your sport coat and saying, “nice suit!” This isn’t right, but accept the compliment graciously without correcting the mistake.

What is a Blazer?
Technically, a blazer is the most specific of the three jacket types–and also the rarest–because it has to fulfill certain criteria to be defined strictly as such. For example, a blazer can come in a solid color (most often navy blue), or incorporate features like a contrast piping or a striped pattern. All other patterns, speaking most technically, disqualify a jacket from being a blazer.

Everyday language often fails to recognize the differences when defining suit jackets, blazers, and sport coats. And while there are certain distinctions among these three forms of jacket, the endless options offered for sale today feature a great many hybrids, as well. There are casual suits with unstructured jackets that fit like sport coats, and blazers that fit the same way too. These reflect the prevailing trend for more relaxed and less formal cuts, blurring the lines in the process. Even so, those who appreciate precision will want to ensure that they’re using the proper terminology.

12:43 Outfit Rundown

[coltsavage]

Great video Preston. I get tired of people calling my suit jackets Blazers, and now all I have to do is show them this video.

[krunoslavkovacec]

Preston's face in the thumbnail is priceless.

[blackbeard]

I like the little liquor table in the background.

[westfieldartworks]

I froze the video at the 10 second mark. This should be good. This subject confuses SO MANY people, including me. I think Preston with his very articulate manner and attention to very specific detail, is exactly the person needed for this type of subject. Thanks.

[karenrich]

This is EXTREMELY informative! I almost couldn't handle it all, but I can always watch it again. Now I need to check out more of your channel.

[liem]

I have basically been wearing a sports coat for a while now and most people think its a suit. They have no idea.

[paulfuente]

I just met you at a whataburger in San Antonio! True gentleman!

[aravioli]

In old French, and archaic English, the word “Blazon” meant “crest”. Thus the Blazer, traditionally meant any jacket with a crest on it. And then the popularity of the blazer springing from academia, brought it into the mass market.

[jamesR]

I picked up a deep green blazer with rich brown buttons not too long ago. Absolutely love it. It is probably my most worn jacket now

[garmtpug]

Another very interesting video! I love hearing where some terms/words come from and "blazer" is one I won't forget. Very informative and succinct! Well done again, Preston! My favorite teacher!! :-)

[thestarkknightreturns]

Preston's diction is classy and perfect.

[WhimsicalEloquence]

Great video. Just to be clear when you refer to British field sports the term is "shooting" (e.g. pheasant shooting) or "stalking" for deer. Hunting refers to hunting on horseback for fox, deer etc. with hounds.

[ihavekalashnikovyoudomath]

The Italians call it "Spezzato." I call it "saving money on clothes"

[JohnRay]

I love this channel. It's nice to know not only WHAT we wear but WHY and HOW.

[ThunderRazorYT]

I certainly learned something, but didn't expect to. Great video!

[Camrographer]

I have a hypothesis regarding the blanket usage of the word blazer. I think that sport jacket/coat are commonly understood as casual jackets. Essentially denoting an active lifestyle type of garment. On the other hand a blazer will denote a type of structured garment similar in style to a suit jacket. It's utility to convey an idea (even as a misnomer) is helpful.



If I wanted to thoroughly search for a suit jacket style of garment I would use Suit jacket/separates, sport coat/jacket and blazer. I think this is particularly useful for finding second hand garments.

[jeremyt]

Great video as always, guys. I've always admired tweed jackets, though I've never owned one. I'm going have a browse through your older videos to see if you've done one on different ways to wear a tweed jacket today.

[SlimRhyno]

Thank you for creating this fantastic guide for the modern man.

[tomevans]

With the UK in a lockdown I'm dusting off the informal smoking jacket! The content on this channel is brilliant. Keep up the good work chaps.

[truthreigns]

Thank you!!! I have been very curious about this topic.