I try to wear a vest or a sport coat every day. Not only do I like the look, but the function is very helpful. I like all the pockets.
Wearing a sport coat provides an immediate upgrade to your outfit. If it fits well and the style is right, your ‘business casual’ just got became ‘business professional’. Those that need to notice, will. From a function standpoint, you gain a lot of utility. The navy blazer is the standard, and should be a heavy player in your rotation. The Exploding Jackets also have their place, but wearing one of these requires a higher level of confidence, and it needs to fit just right (otherwise it looks like you are trying to hard). Building a good rotation is a lot of fun, especially once you get into a groove.
In the South, the hardest time to wear a sport coat is in the Summer. Mornings are usually OK, but by mid-afternoon, it’s just plain hot. This is why it’s really important to have the right fabrics. Avoid heavy wools and tweeds. Linens are an obvious choice, but look a little frumpy after a few wears. I wouldn’t recommend looking frumpy at the office. Cotton is another great choice, but like linen, it needs a little extra care. Blends are primo, as they provide the breathability needed in the hot summer months, and texture, which is the secret ingredient to a super cool jacket.
I just added a heavy hitter to my rotation:
I saw this jacket at Miller Brothers, and immediately knew it was coming home with me. The shade of green is just right. It’s not too bright…I’d call it more of a dusty green, which is gives this exploding jacket a little subtlety. I look at green as a great Earthy neutral. The tonal blue windowpane gives the jacket some jazz, but not so much that it’s too loud.
The jacket is has a GREAT texture. The wool-silk-linen blend is light to the touch, and light to wear. After a couple wears, it has started to break in nicely. By no means is this a stiff sport coat.
Administratively, I had to take it in just a touch, shorten the sleeves a little, and had them add working button holes. After all the work was done, it felt more like a bespoke garment rather than off the rack.
I plan on wearing this jacket quite a bit through the Summer and Fall. My normal outfit is a pair of dark jeans, some sort of loafers, and a solid dress shirt. This jacket works in almost all of those scenarios. It also looks good with tan pants: 501s, khakis, or 5-pockets. So far, I’m REALLY happy with this one. It was a bit of an investment, but it is worth it to me.
What’s your go-to jacket this summer?
