Modern sport coats and blazers have functionally taken a couple of diverging paths. While classic, structured tailored clothing is still highly relevant for professional and upscale wear, American fashion as a whole has become much more casual in modern decades. As a result, sport coats and blazers have evolved in a more casual direction as well. Softer shoulders, half or quarter-lining, and shorter and slimmer cuts are predominant in many men’s jackets today. These “softcoats” still look sharp and smart, but come off more relaxed and less “buttoned-up.” While classic blazers and sport coats still have a place in every man’s wardrobe, a softcoat can be perfect for a business-casual office environment, where suits aren’t necessary but projecting a professional image is. They’re also a great way to step up your outfit for a nice dinner out with your significant other.
