Live Action Getup: The Sportcoat as Casual Outerwear

These days, sportcoats act more as ornaments to create a dressy appearance, but they’re still coats. There’s no reason you can’t use it functionally too. After all, you paid for the damn thing, you might as well as get some use out of it.
19 December,2017By / Photos By Matthew Smith
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I can hear it now: “But Andrew, actually sportcoats ARE casual jackets. Did you know they were originally made for hunters in the UK?” Yep, that's true, and it's pretty crazy to think that what was essentially the Real Tree Camo of the day is now considered appropriate for a first date. BUT, let's be real. Sportcoats in today's culture are dressy. They're used as a tool to make a statement about the occasion or venue that you're showing up for.

Having said that, I ask you this: Isn't a herringbone sportcoat really just a shorter walker coat? The material is similar, the lapels are the same. The waist suppression is the same.

So if you're a guy on a budget, don't waste a couple hundred dollars buying a sportcoat and then only wear it twice per year when you have a wedding rehearsal dinner to attend. Get some use out of it! Throw it on over a sweatshirt and pair it with dark denim. It'll keep you warm on your journey and you can take it off when you arrive, just as you would any other coat. I would add the caveat that this works specifically with a tweed-like sportcoat like the one I'm wearing. A traditional blue-and-gold-button blazer doesn't work the same.

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Sportcoat (similar): J.Crew Factory, $114 / Sweatshirt (similar): Old Navy, $24 / Boots: Thursday Boots, $199 / OCBD shirt: Amazon, $18 / Jeans: DSLTD, $75 / Briefcase: Daniel's, $149

I really like my President boots from Thursday Boots and I find myself wearing them all the time. They're sleek and minimal, skipping the bulk and chunk of other heritage boot styles, making them complementary to everything you wear it with. Dress them up with wool trousers, or rock them with jeans and a henley. You'd be hard-pressed to find a full grain leather boot, Goodyear welt construction, and glove leather lining that doesn't require a break-in under $300.

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Thursday President Boots, $199

Most briefcases suffer from one of two problems: They either look like they're housing the nuclear codes or you feel silly carrying it anywhere that isn't a boardroom. Similar to the boots, this briefcase from Daniel's NYC has a design that looks appropriate in a coffeeshop or walking into a client meeting with some higher-ups.

Daniel's NYC briefcase

Boots: Thursday Boots, $199 / Briefcase: Daniel's, $149

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Sportcoat (similar): J.Crew Factory, $114 / Sweatshirt (similar): Old Navy, $24 / Boots: Thursday Boots, $199 / OCBD shirt: Amazon, $18 / Jeans: DSLTD, $75 / Briefcase: Daniel's, $149

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Andrew Snavely

Andrew founded Primer in 2008 and brings 15+ years of men's style expertise. Known for his practical, relatable approach to style and self-development, he has been a recognized speaker at conferences and has styled work for top brands. Off-duty, he loves photography & editing, and enjoys road trips with his dog, Leela. Raised in rural Pennsylvania, educated in DC, and living in LA for nearly 20 years, Andrew's diverse experiences shape the relatable and real-world advice that has helped millions through Primer. On Instagram: @andrewsnavely and @primermagazine.