So you’ve got a navy blazer… What next?

The first question I ask everyone when someone says they are looking for a sport coat is “Do you have a navy blazer?” If the answer is yes, the follow up is a little harder. There are several questions one could follow up with. Is it for a special occasion? Are you looking for something seasonal? Are you going to wear it to work? Where my job comes in, is to sort through these questions and really get to the core needs the sport coat needs to fulfill.

Reda Royal Navy/Brown Glenplaid

The actual fabric could be a four seasons worsted wool, a silk-linen blend, or even tweed.

Loro Piana Chargreen/Blue/Grey Glenplaid

One of the keys to success here is to look at the shirts and ties you already own. Are they warm colors (browns, tans, yellows, greens) or cooler colors (purples, greys, blues, blacks)? This will determine the windowpane or deco color in the fabric you choose. By selecting something that is similar in tone your existing wardrobe will make pair outfits together much easier.

Huddersfield Brown/Cream/Sienna/Lavender Gun Check

The scale of the pattern is also important as plaid jackets range from compact to exploded. Some degree of formality is attached to this scale. The more compact the plaid generally the more formal it is, and the more exploded it will be more casual. Thinking about how you plan to wear the jacket is important. If you are planning to wear it more formally to work or events, you should consider worsted wool with a more subtle color palette. If you are going to wear it more casually with 5-pocket pants or to less formal meetings, you could venture into a textured weave with a more contrasting color palette.

Reda Grey/Blue/Charcoal Glenplaid

Another option for the next sport coat is a “gun club check.” This design usually consists of approximately quarter ⅛’ to ¼’ lines interesting in a square pattern. These can come in light-weight summer fabrics and super heavy tweeds. For a jacket that you are going to get a lot of use out of Goldilocks is going to be the guide here. Go for something four-season, which is usually around 9-10 ounces. Generally these fabrics are pretty hardy so you shouldn’t have to worry about durability.

Huddersfield Brown/Tan/Navy/Slate Blue Gun Check

I'll end on this. What ever fabric you choose, just make sure you wear it an wear it often. Whether you're at the bar, office, or family party - you'll never regret that you wore a sports coat.

Cheers,

Jake Shields