One of the biggest problems in style is identifying whether a particular piece is a blazer or a sport coat. Because people seem to get this one wrong all the time, we’ve decided to answer the overcomplicated question once and for all.
Difference Between Sport Coat and Blazer
We’ll start with the blazer; in order for a piece to be considered a blazer it must have the following three characteristics:
A blazer must…
- have metal buttons
- be single in color
- be patternless
Below is an example of the Ralph Lauren Classic Navy Blazer ($1,195 USD):
Notice the metal buttons – often nautical; this is a blazer.
Buy Men’s Blazers on Amazon
And now the sport coat; a sport coat is anything that doesn’t have metal buttons. Sport coats come in solid colors as well as rich patterns. In order for a piece to be considered a sport coat, it must have one characteristic:
A sport coat must…
- NOT have metal buttons
Below is an example of the Billy Reid Sport Coat ($1,015 USD) in a glen plaid pattern – as you can notice it’s being sold under the title ‘BLAZER’ which only adds to the mass confusion:
Ever wonder what kind of plaid that is? Check out the Sport Coat Pattern Type Guide.
