What’s the Difference Between a Suit Jacket, a Sport Coat, and a Blazer?

Tailored jackets, a cornerstone of menswear, are intricate garments defined by their materials, stitching, and proportions, with a rich vocabulary describing their features. Understanding terms like spalla camicia or button configurations can enhance your tailoring knowledge. A suit jacket, distinct from a blazer or sport coat, is the top half of a suit, traditionally made from solid, muted colors like navy, charcoal, or khaki. It is structured, often with padding, and commonly single-breasted with two or three buttons. Unlike sport coats or blazers, suit jackets are designed to be worn with matching trousers and usually look out of place with non-matching bottoms. While some suit jackets might double as sport coats, they are generally meant to be part of a cohesive set.