Suit jacket, a sport coat, a blazer - what's the difference?

Ever stood in front of your wardrobe wondering if the jacket you’re about to throw on is actually a blazer, a sport coat, or part of a suit?

You’re not alone.

While they might look similar at first glance, each one has its own purpose, level of formality, and best way to wear it. And here's how to tell them apart.

Suit jacket

A suit jacket is designed to be worn as part of a matching suit, meaning it’s more structured, tailored, and formal. Typically made from smooth, high-quality fabrics in solid colours like navy, grey, or black, it’s not meant to be worn separately.

Sport coat

The sport coat is the most relaxed of the three, originally designed for outdoor sporting events. Unlike a suit jacket, it doesn’t come with matching trousers, giving it more versatility. It’s often made from textured or patterned fabrics like tweed or herringbone and works well with jeans, chinos, or wool trousers. It can also be layered over knitwear for a refined but casual look.

Blazer

A blazer sits between the formality of a suit jacket and the casual ease of a sport coat. Traditionally, blazers were navy with brass buttons, but modern versions come in a variety of neutral shades. More structured than a sport coat but not as rigid as a suit jacket, a blazer is a go-to option for smart casual dressing.