Men's Cotton Sport Coats

When the warmer months roll around, a men’s cotton sports coat can be the perfect addition to complement any outfit.

A men’s cotton sports coat is the perfect addition to your wardrobe because one can wear it to a variety of events, including:

• Dates: These jackets are perfect for a romantic date, particularly a first date because they show that you care about your appearance (and took the time to dress for this date), but are not so fussy that you can’t relax and play. In short, this jacket sends an excellent message of competence and fun.

• Special Occasion: From a niece’s graduation party to a co-worker’s informal baby shower, this jacket, even when thrown over a T-shirt, makes one look instantly presentable.

• Work: Some of the more structured men’s cotton sports coats are perfect and light enough to wear to an office job, but if you work in a more creative field, like web design, some of the more “slouchy” jackets in this category will suit you best.

Here are some more helpful tips:

To be quite honest, it’s virtually impossible to wear this jacket the wrong way, save, for example, pairing them with shorts! However, if you happen to be an archeologist digging in the sands of the Sahara, even this look wouldn’t appear wrong. Practically speaking however, pairing this jacket with a well worn pair of jeans or a pair of khakis is optimal. The addition of an open-collared shirt makes the look that much more attractive.

The days of playing "matchy-matchy" with one’s wardrobe are pretty much long gone, but wearing outfits housed within the same color family is not. Unless you have a very distinctive sense of humor, your best bet is to wear a khaki colored sports coat with a similarly styled pair of pants. The exception, of course, is when you are wearing jeans, as jeans go great with everything. Just keep in mind that sports coats in navy and black tend to look more formal, while shades of army green and light brown look more causal.

To be sure, the prices for these types of jackets can vary considerably depending on where you buy them. Minimize the cost by buying off season (for example in the winter months) and by shopping around. While it’s true you can get a handsomely made jacket at Brooks Brothers, the odds are fairly good that you’ll find a comparable look, at say, Banana Republic. The point here is that shopping around for the best price is usually in your best interest.

Some of the best places to purchase a great men’s sport coat include:

• J Crew: J Crew actually offers some of the best prices out there, but that’s not to say that these looks are cheap!

In fact, prices range from about $138.00 to $268.00, but all of the cuts are stunning. Classically cut, and in a wide array of colors, the sports coats here are sure to complement your spring wardrobe. Not in particular the Corded Cotton Sportcoat; its chic lines are the epitome of classic cool, while the price of $138.00 also strikes the right note.

• Nordstrom: Make no mistake about it, the prices here are steep, but the quality is also stupendous. Colors range from navy to white to grey, and some of the details on these jackets are just as varied; everything from wider than normal buttons to satin trim, can be found here.

• Brooks Brothers: While it’s true that Brooks Brothers has a reputation for pricey threads, you’ll be delighted to see that the prices are actually “much” cheaper than the ones at Nordstrom. In fact, two styles in particular, the Linen/Cotton Sport Jacket and the Striped Linen/Cotton Sport Jacket, both come in at $248.00.

If you are on a budget, or just can’t bring yourself to pay $648.00 for a sports coat at Nordstrom, then try Macy’s. The selection is enormous, with everything from Calvin Klein’s Olive Un-constructed Cotton Coat ($59.99) to Hugo Boss’s Orange Osmo Brushed Cotton Military Blazer ($69.99), and as you can see, the prices will also be easier on your wallet.

As one can see, there is no shortage of men's sports coats on the market; the choices are enormous. So how to choose? Always consider your own personal style preference and then couple it with where you’ll be wearing the jacket. This way, you’ll always look fashionably appropriate.

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