In an effort to keep up with my annual resolution of ‘upping’ my dress code by one level, I make an effort to grab a sport coat in quite a few situations. When wearing a sport coat, there are some people look at me like I have two heads, but I don’t care. I like the look and it makes me feel more confident.
Even as the weather warms up, I plan on continuing the habit. The tweeds and wool jackets are taking a bit of a break, giving way to the lighter guys: linen, cotton, wool blends, and silks. Luckily, this is an area where there is quite a good selection…here are some that I’m eyeing:
From top left:
1. Drake’s Seersucker Games Blazer: Solid seersucker should be on your list. Period.
2. Duck Head Easley Linen/Cotton Sport Coat: My favorite of the collection Duck Head has released this year. The green is just the right shade…do it with chinos, 5-pockets, or wool trousers, and all is well.
3. Onward Reserve Zegna Open Air Plaid Sport Coat: Onward is absolutely CRUSHING the sport coat game. This Zegna option may be my favorite that they’ve ever released. Immediate add to the list.
4. Onward Reserve Dusty Cedar Windowpane Sport Coat: Another great options from Onward – a little more Saturday night vs. Sunday morning.
5. J. Crew Ludlow Slim Fit Cotton/Linen Sport Coat: The J.Crew Ludlow fit is a great one off the rack. And the price of their jackets is very digestable. Worth the look.
6. L.B.M. 1911 Blazer: Don’t every sleep on Yoox. They have some KILLER deals at 80%+ off of extremely good brands. Don’t believe me? Just check it…
7. Peter Millar Mason Windowpane Sport Coat: A very handsome coat. This is a 3-season option that will do very well south of the Mason Dixon.
8. Armoury X Ring Jacket Linen/Wool/Silk Sport Coat: Ring Jacket always releases such a good lineup, and their collaboration with Armoury is one to appreciate. This one is the perfect shade of blue…
9. Onward Reserve Lollipop Check Sport Coat: A big pop of color is just what the doctor ordered.
What did I miss?
Really wish Onward Reserve sport coats fit better. I would love short or slim options – not everyone is built like a wide load with long arms. 80s-90s length/fit is not ideal anymore.
Interesting. I will say that the fits vary widely with OR sport coats depending upon the mill of origin. I have four OR sport coats, 2 of which are my regular 42R, one is a 44R, and one is 42L, and they all fit me about the same. The buttons are kinda cheap, but easy to replace.
My thoughts on Onward Reserve exactly. Their sizing is inconsistent – even ordering multiples of the same size.
The ghost blazer from Sid Mashburn. Eyeing the green this summer.
Spier & Mackay is strangely slept on on this blog. Huge value because of the fabrics they use and that all of their jackets are half-canvas, with some full canvas options available. They’re made in China, but I’m pretty sure that J Crew, Onward Reserve, Duck Head, and Peter Millar are all also made in China and of comparable, if not lesser quality compared to Spier & Mackay, Prices are very competitive compared to these, and, if you catch a sale, probably even less. Plus they have a bigger range of sizes.
I’m wearing a Spier & Mackay sport coat right now. My only gripe- they all have wide lapels (3.75 – 4″). Lean a little more Italian than continental, but great options and excellent prices. Most are minimally lined and travel well.
I get that, but I’d rather have wider than skinny lapels. But perhaps I do favor a bit more of an Italian style.
I do think the wider lapels are primarily in their Neo models, though.