It
is a common misunderstanding among men to think that a cashmere sportcoat
or sport jacket and a blazer is the same type of jacket that could
be worn interchangeably. And, indeed, these jackets must have had
the same ancestor, possibly the first tail-coat, which contributed
to the stunning design similarities of these jackets. The truth is
these two jackets differ in their history, fabrics, and occasions
drastically and neither should be worn during official ceremonies.
The sportcoat originates in the mid-nineteenth century when a few fashion
designers worked on the improvement of sporting attire. Their goal was
to create a casual fashionable men’s jacket that could be worn during
outdoor sporting activities, such as hunting, and outdoor sports. The philosophy
behind the sportcoat was a warm, comfortable, and fashionable men’s
jacket that could be worn with any types of pants. Eventually, sportcoat
was designed to look edgy and sporty and was made with special features
such as pleats, stitched belts, offbeat pockets, and sometimes the elbow
patches. Some sportcoats had additional pockets and stylish stitching that
added to the fashionable look. During World War II the sportcoat was made
from the fabrics with bold patterns, responding to the tastes and business-casual
lifestyle of men. Shetland stripes and madras plaids were the most popular
patterns on sport jackets.
Blazer jacket, on the other hand, was made for more formal occasions than
the sportcoat. For example, certain schools in the English-speaking countries
used blazers for boy’s uniform. In addition, the English Navy used
blue blazers with golden brass buttons for official dress. At modern times
the wearing habits of these two jackets have changed little, according
to eHow.com
Besides the difference in occasions, these two jackets are usually made
of different types of materials – sportcoat is usually made of a
much thicker fabric, cashmere wool, for example. In addition, sport jackets
are famous for their bold pattern whereas blazers are usually of solid
colors.
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