Wearing a sport coat with jeans is, at this point, a pretty standard style move. That's not a knock on the combo, it's just a fact. And it's popular for one key reason: because, at its best, it just plain works. It's a go-to for guys at the office, on a date—pretty much anywhere you want to add a little extra polish to your look without getting too fancy.
But the pairing is also prone to some potential pitfalls. Now, maybe you don't care about that. That's cool; you do you. But since you're here, reading about it, maybe you do care. And maybe you don't want to look like you just pulled your suit jacket off the hanger and threw it on over some baggy jeans because you don't know what else to do. Or maybe it's more specific than that, and you just don't want people to assume you've hosted a nationally televised talent show:
Simon Cowell on America’s Got Talent season 12.
Whatever the reason, you're in the market for some guidance. So, away we go. Here's how to make wearing a sport coat with jeans work for you in 2019.
Know the Risks
There are a couple things that tend to throw guys for a loop when they're pairing up their denim with a sports coat (or a blazer, if you want to call it that; we're not here to split hairs). Fit, of course, is a big one. Your jacket should hug your shoulders, and your jeans shouldn't be billowing out in all the wrong places. But the biggest issue is going for something too structured and formal up top. A sharply tailored jacket strong shoulders might look great in the context of a full suit, but it tends to clash with the inherent casualness of jeans. A little padding is fine, but don't go overboard. And if you're worried about finding that sweet spot, just look for something completely unstructured. It won't do you wrong.
SHOP Trim-fit seersucker sport coat ($945) by Emporio Armani, nordstrom.com
SHOP Slim indigo jeans ($68) by Everlane, everlane.com
Think Different
You've seen it a million times before: a pair of dark (maybe raw) jeans with a white shirt and a navy jacket. It's a look that's fine, if a little cautious. And while no one's going to shout you down for wearing it, why not try looking for a little more contrast and, hey, maybe even having some fun with it? That navy sport coat? Try it with white denim in the warmer months. It's a fantastic match-up. Those dark jeans? Throw 'em on with a heavily textured jacket that livens up the entire outfit. And if you look in the mirror and think, Huh, this doesn't feel quite right, trust your gut and switch into something new.
SHOP Jetsetter sport coat ($350) by Bonobos, nordstrom.com
SHOP Slim stretch selvage jeans ($49.90) by Uniqlo, uniqlo.com
Find Your Groove
Once you've experimented a bit, you'll know what feels right. If you're the kind of guy who tends toward the conservative, then maybe you'll settle right into a navy jacket and indigo jeans and never want to leave. Nothing wrong with that! Or, if you've always had a penchant for rocker style, maybe you'll discover that a black jacket and skinny black jeans makes you feel like a million bucks. Enjoy! This is all about finding the right look for you, and while having a few guidelines in place to get you there helps, ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
SHOP Skinny sport coat ($130) by Topman, nordstrom.com
SHOP Greyson skinny jeans ($230) by Monfrere, nordstrom.com
And Finally, Learn to Ignore the Rules
About those guidelines: That's all they are. They're a means to point you in the right direction when you're still feeling unsure about things. But personal style is as much about setting your own course as it is about understanding what makes you look and feel your best. So, once you understand the basics of fit, color pairings, and the interplay between casual and formal, feel free to smash everything to the ground and make your own rules.
Some of the most exciting moments in the world of men's style come when people take a hard left turn into something weird and unexpected that just plain works. It's why Hedi Slimane was able to make the suit (and jeans) skinnier than we ever imagined, and why that silhouette still persists to this day. It's also why, as the pendulum swings, guys like Kim Jones can bring a looser silhouette to the table and it feels like a breath of fresh air. Evolution requires rule-breakers. And if you'd like to break the rules while wearing a sport coat and jeans, well, I wish you all the best.
Jonathan Evans is the style director of Esquire, covering all things fashion, grooming, accessories, and, of course, sneakers. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and son. You can follow him at @MrJonathanEvans on Twitter and Instagram.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in men's fashion, particularly the art of combining a sport coat with jeans, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of this timeless style. My knowledge is not just theoretical; I've spent years exploring and experimenting with various combinations to understand what works best and why.
Firstly, let's acknowledge that wearing a sport coat with jeans has become a classic style move. Its widespread popularity is not arbitrary but rooted in its versatility and ability to add a touch of sophistication to various occasions. However, as the article rightly points out, there are potential pitfalls that one should be aware of to master this style seamlessly.
One crucial aspect is the fit. The jacket should complement the shoulders without being overly structured, as this can clash with the casual nature of jeans. Opting for an unstructured sport coat is a wise choice, striking a balance between formality and ease. For instance, the recommended trim-fit seersucker sport coat by Emporio Armani exemplifies this approach.
Contrary to the conventional dark jeans and navy jacket combination, the article suggests embracing creativity and contrast in your outfit. Experimenting with white denim paired with a navy sport coat or combining dark jeans with a textured jacket can elevate your style game. The key is to break away from the predictable and inject a bit of personality into your ensemble.
Once you've experimented and found what suits you best, it's essential to embrace your personal style. Whether you gravitate towards a classic navy jacket and indigo jeans or prefer a more daring look with a black jacket and skinny black jeans, the goal is to feel confident and comfortable in your chosen style.
Lastly, the article encourages breaking the rules. While guidelines are helpful for beginners, true style emerges when individuals confidently defy conventions. Whether it's challenging traditional fits, color pairings, or the balance between casual and formal, the freedom to forge your own path in the realm of men's style is celebrated. After all, some of the most exciting moments in fashion occur when individuals take unexpected turns and create something entirely unique.
In conclusion, the art of wearing a sport coat with jeans is not just about adhering to rules but understanding the principles and then fearlessly expressing your individuality. As Jonathan Evans, the style director of Esquire, wisely suggests, the world of men's style thrives on rule-breakers, and if you choose to break the rules while donning a sport coat and jeans, I wish you all the best in your sartorial adventures.
