Often you’ll hear the term “blazer” and “sportcoat” used interchangeably in menswear, but they do have distinct origins and characteristics. I’m often still asked what or is there a difference? While technical notes like this would seem to matter less and less; at times you’ll prove to be more well rounded by understanding some of these subtle distinctions; especially as you break these traditional rules.

A blazer is a tailored jacket that is typically solid-colored (most prominent color of which would be navy) and has gold, brass or other metal buttons. The blazer was originally worn by members of rowing clubs in the 19th century and was later adopted by naval officers as a part of their uniform. The classic navy blazer with brass buttons is still considered a staple of men’s wardrobe although not quite the ‘must have’ it used to be. Your wardrobe was considered incomplete without one, and this was often where you would start.

On the other hand, a sportcoat is a more casual jacket made from a range of materials, including tweed, herringbone, plaids or other patterns and often has contrasting buttons. Sportcoats were originally designed for outdoor activities like hunting or fishing and were made from heavier materials to provide warmth and protection from the elements.

To quote notable icon Ralph Lauren, “A blazer is a jacket that can be dressed up or down, and is an essential piece of the modern man’s wardrobe.” In contrast, G. Bruce Boyer, a menswear writer and author of “True Style: The History and Principles of Classic Menswear,” describes a sportcoat as “a jacket made of a substantial, sturdy cloth that is not meant to be worn with matching pants and is usually worn in a casual or sporty setting.”

In a blog post on the website He Spoke Style, the author suggests that while the two terms are often used interchangeably, a blazer is more formal and should be worn with dress pants, while a sportcoat is more casual and can be worn with jeans or chinos. You can likely find some additional sticking points depending on the source, all these rules have truth to them but you do have to be mindful of today’s style changes and applications. A pair of cotton joggers would have been silly with a sportcoat in the past, but we have made some exceptional looks mixing formal clothing with joggers, hoodies and more casual items.

To sum it up I’d say a blazer is a bit more formal and traditional with a sportcoat being more versatile as a casual pairing. Of course your style and approach will dictate how to do this properly, or more importantly break the rules…’properly‘. We make beautiful casual options here at The Clothing Coach studio in downtown San Francisco. Our custom and bespoke options blazer and sportcoats are always exceptional and most importantly styled to your needs.

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is often used in athletic wear due to its durability and moisture-wicking properties. While it has some advantages for exercise, it also has some potential major drawbacks.

One of the main concerns with wearing polyester for exercise is that it does not allow for adequate ventilation. When worn during physical activity, polyester can trap heat and moisture against the skin, which can lead to skin irritation, rashes, and fungal infections. This can be especially problematic for people with sensitive skin or those who are prone to skin irritation.

Plus when working up a sweat during your workout, your open pores on your skin (your largest organ) can absorb some of the harmful chemicals from clothing treatments during production. It’s crucial to wash all of your clothing on purchase.

Additionally, some studies have suggested that polyester can release harmful chemicals, such as microplastics, when washed. These microplastics can end up in the water supply and harm aquatic life.

It’s important to note that not all polyester fabrics are created equal, and some may be treated with additional chemicals to make them more breathable and reduce the risk of skin irritation. It’s also worth considering alternative fabrics, such as natural fibers like cotton or bamboo, which tend to be more breathable and less likely to cause skin irritation.

So while polyester can be useful for certain types of exercise, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks and choose the right type of fabric for your needs. Here at The Clothing Coach in San Francisco, we often challenge our clients to avoid being a ‘polyester investor’ and learn to make better choices for you health, presentation, environment and overall quality of life.

Remember it’s not the fashion, it’s the passion.