You look at two ‘different’ coats at the store, and one is called a “blazer” while the other one is simply a “sport coat.” They look tremendously similar. Are they same? The answer is definitely ‘no.’ Why would they have two different names if they’re simply the same? Look at these two coats a little closer….
You’ll find subtle differences. Blazers are indeed a lot different than your everyday sport coat. Here are a few:
For one thing, you’ll find that a blazer typically gets styled with certain colors: blue, camel, black, green, red, and even purple. Sport coats are known for some patterns in the weaving. In addition, you normally won’t find those shiny buttons on your sport coat; that’s more of a stylish characteristic of the blazer. You’ll notice that a blazer, because of its cut, generally sits right in between the formality of a full-on suit and the casualness of a sport coat. Uusally you’ll find an insignia on a blazer, too–such as with a club or fraternity.
What are blazers suited for? Basically anything and everything along the spectrum of formal, especially with a traditional navy color. Sport coats do tend to be more versatile along the casual line, paired with jeans and lighter khakis, no tie, a few buttons unbuttoned off the dress shirt and even with the coat completely unbuttoned. Traditionally you don’t find a blazer unbuttoned as much, although it does work well without a tie.
Yes, they’re different. Now the question remains: which one suits you?