We've noticed quite the confusion between these three classic menswear pieces, with most men ending up using the terms interchangeably.

The reason behind this seems understandable, but nonetheless, it's necessary to know the differences among the three, or else a disastrous fashion statement could be made. After all, each of these jacket styles has its own set of rules regarding how and when to wear it.

And once you've mastered the cause, you'll be more confident when reaching into your closet and picking the right jacket.

Sport Coat vs. Blazer vs. Suit Jacket: Spot the Differences

There are multiple ways in which these jackets differ, starting from the fit to the fabric choice and even in the level of formality. Let's head right off without any delay:

Formal: Which is More and When to Wear

Suit Jackets

Suit jackets are the most formal option out of the three. Hence, you can easily pick a decent enough suit jacket that has flap pockets and combine it with a matching pair of trousers and formal shoes.

Be it a wedding or a daytime cocktail party with your buddies, this will be the perfect choice! It's even fair to wear suit jackets as blazers when paired up with the right accessories as well.

Blazer Jackets

The blazer jackets come next. When it comes to their formality, we'd rank them between a suit jacket and a sport coat. This way, you can whip it up to dress for both a formal and a casual occasion. The only difference, however, is that blazers don't really come with matching trousers, as you would see with suit jackets.

If you're invited to a casual event or want to take your loved one on a date, blazers are the best choice. Besides, just grab one blazer on your way to a business casual meeting, and you'll look effortlessly sleek in a jiffy!

As for sport coats, we deem them to be the most flexible of them all. Looking for a casual outfit? Just combine it with a polo and a pair of sneakers, and you're done. To spice it up, simply turn to colorful pants instead of solid colors! Wearing sneakers with subtle prints can be a nice alternative too, without making your outfit too eccentric or "over the top," as you might say.

Furthermore, if you wish to put up a more formal look with sports jackets instead, simply wear a dress shirt, a dainty tie, and a shiny pair of Oxford shoes. Furthermore, sport coats are an excellent addition to semi-formal attire that isn't necessarily black tie.

Know Their Fit

A well-contoured jacket is the best way to look effortlessly polished. Knowing the fit of each of these jackets is thus mandatory:

Suit Jacket

As these jackets are the most formal, the fit needs to be tailored to perfection. A fair fit is what you need—one that isn't too tight on the chest.

Just so you know, there are different fittings available for suit jackets—slim-fit, modern-fit, and classic-fit. The best bet would be to go for a slim fit that will showcase your physical features in a polite manner.

Blazer Jacket

Blazers, the best of both worlds, have a somewhat looser fit compared to a suit coat. This is because most blazers have multiple layers underneath, such as a sweater, on cold, breezy days.

Sports Coat

Sports coats are also paired with either a t-shirt or sweater underneath, so you'll need it to be pretty loose too. They're meant for outdoor sports and activities, so be sure to have enough room so you can breathe freely even after layering up.

Fabric for Each

Suit Jackets

A traditional suit, as mentioned before, is quite the deal in formal attire. In such cases, many fabrics, including worsted wool, cotton, linen, and silk, are used for a perfectly tailored suit jacket. Suit jackets, depending on the fabric, can be worn all year. 

Blazers

Contrarily, instead of the same exact fabric for suits (since suits are typically worn as blazer jackets by many), blazers are cut and sewn into flawless clothing with twill, flannel, and hopsack. Just a heads up, though: keep the buttons unbuttoned when wearing a blazer jacket during the scorching heat, or else the fabric will have you sweating buckets.

Sports Coats

Lastly, sport coats. As opposed to the common fabrics for suit jackets and blazers, sports jackets are made from sturdier fabrics such as tweed and corduroy. However, you'll also spot such jackets constructed from wool, cotton, linen, and blended combinations of them too.

Colors and Patterns

Suit Jacket

This ever-so-versatile jacket is a gem for outings. Based on the fabric and color you choose, you can instantly set your mood and the formality that is required. Choosing solid colors with little to no patterns for suit jackets is our simple suggestion in order to keep things more formal.

That being said, our most favorite choice is the color portraying British royalty, navy blue. It's a staple option to perfectly suit any occasion: casual, semi-casual, and even formal.

Black, charcoal gray, and light gray can be on your list too if you want to be bold in a very somber yet elegant way. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that light gray is more casual than formal due to its neutral aura.

Brighter, bolder alternatives to suit jackets could be dark burgundy, sage, or emerald green; earthy tones like dark brown or umber; or even funky colors such as hot pink, purple, and cobalt. Just combine the rest of your outfit (shirt, pants, and accessories) in a balanced way and be confident enough to pull it off, and you'll rock the floor!

Blazer Jacket

Because blazers are the most formal of the three jackets, we recommend keeping things simple and staying away from the color wheel and patterns.

So, navy blazers or gray ones are the best picks out there. In case you want something different, tan blazers can be a good choice as well. To finish, gray flannel trousers can be a stylish addition to easily complement your jacket. 

Sports Jacket

Sports coats, on the other hand, come in a variety of patterns based on the fabric choice. Plaids are the most common, but other fabric patterns such as herringbone and tweed will give off a subtle look as well.

Combine it with dark or tan pants to create a simple yet sophisticated look! 

Differences in Length

These jackets, despite their slight to major differences, don't really have a difference in length. In fact, the standard protocol should be maintained: the hem should cover up 4/5 of your bottom when your hands fall on both sides in a relaxed way.

In closing, we just hope that you find your personal style and feel confident in your own skin. Stay chic and handsome!