The sports jacket is the most important item in your wardrobe this season. You will be wearing it all day, every day, no kidding. There are countless ways to style it, whether you’ve got business to handle or you’re simply hanging out. Just remember: It’s called a sports jacket for a reason. You can dress it up, but it’s meant to be played in. Hard. That means throwing it on the backseat of your car or cramming it in your backpack once you’ve peeled it off. It doesn’t need an occasion, and it doesn’t need to match anything. It just needs to be worn…and worn…and worn, until it fits you like a second skin.
A sports jacket isn’t a suit, so don’t treat it like one. A plaid shirt, purple sweater, anything from khakis to jeans—it all works. If you’re uncertain, compose the outfit on your bed until you get it right. (We won’t tell anyone, promise.)
Navy blazers have been hugging the shoulders of dapper gentlemen for nearly two centuries. More recently, they’ve been adopted by businessmen and rappers alike. They’re that versatile. But do you know what your blazer says about you? Turns out the message is in the buttons. Choose the ones that suit your temperament.
There’s a new trend toward prewashed sports jackets. Think of them as you would distressed jeans—a little washing is a head start on breaking them in; a lot of washing looks ridiculous.
Any cotton suit jacket can be worn solo. But be careful with classic wool suits—it’s harder for the jackets to live without the pants.
