How to Wear a Sport Coat: 5 Ways to Style a Sport Coat

Sport coats, or sports jackets, are fitted jackets that don’t come with matching trousers. For this reason, they’re also sometimes known as odd jackets. A sport coat is a classic menswear item that varies by fabric, the number of buttons and vents, and the style of the lapels and breast (i.e., double-breasted vs. single-breasted). A sport coat can be looser than a suit jacket since it’s a more casual garment, but it should still fit your shoulders snugly and not extend too far down your arms or torso. Seek out tailoring if needed.

Sport coats and blazers often get confused with each other because you can wear them in some similar situations. For example, both are appropriate for smart-casual occasions or even as substitutes for a full suit, depending on the dress code and style. Check out this smart-casual dress code and attire guide.

However, the main difference between the two is that sport coats tend to veer toward the more casual end of the spectrum than blazers do. That’s because—no matter the fabric—sport coats are almost always patterned (for example, with a houndstooth, herringbone, or windowpane design). In contrast, blazers tend to come in dark, solid colors (like navy blue) with contrasting buttons. Blazers are, therefore, a little easier to dress up, and sport coats a little easier to dress down. Learn how to wear a blazer with jeans.

A sport coat is an incredibly versatile piece of clothing that can make you look elegant over various occasions. Here are some different ways to tailor your sport coat look:

1. 1. Accessorize with a sweater or pocket square. Consider wearing a cashmere sweater between your coat and buttondown for a more academic look in the colder months. Similarly, consider throwing a pocket square in your breast pocket—so long as the pattern isn’t too similar to your coat.
2. 2. Choose formal pants. You can wear a sport coat with khakis, chinos, or slacks for a more formal look. In these instances, the color of your coat should still contrast with the color and pattern of your pants. Wear solid colors on the bottom to avoid looking too busy when donning a patterned coat.
3. 3. Incorporate patterns and textures with your shirt and tie. A dress shirt and tie can work well with jeans or more formal pants. Ensure that the fabric and pattern choices you put together don’t make the outfit look too busy. A simply patterned collared shirt is a safe bet. When it comes to your tie, a thicker, textured option (like one made from worsted wool) will likely look more at home with a sport coat than a smoother, shinier tie.
4. 4. Experiment with fabric. Opt for lighter fabrics, like cotton or linen, for summer and spring, and heavier fabrics, like wool or corduroy, for cold weather.
5. 5. Try it with jeans. Wearing a sport coat with a pair of jeans can create a casual look with a stylish flair. Dark denim and lighter denim can both work well, so long as the jeans aren’t too baggy and there’s color contrast between the jeans and your coat. If you wear a sport coat with jeans, opt for a leather belt or something similarly dressy, and avoid wearing sneakers. Instead, consider a slightly more formal shoe style, like loafers, Oxfords, or brogues.

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