How to Choose the Right Sport Coat for Men Over 45

You’ve reached your mid-forties and enjoy taking care of your appearance without chasing trends? The sports coat is the ideal piece to showcase a chic yet relaxed style. When carefully chosen — according to fit, color, and your body shape — it will quickly become a must-have in your wardrobe!

In this article, our experts share their top tips for selecting the perfect men's sports coat. Follow the guide to find a comfortable model that enhances your look and boosts your confidence!

Why choose a sports coat instead of a full suit?

Having one or more suits in your wardrobe is beneficial, but if you’re looking for something more versatile, a sport coat offers many advantages. With it:

- You enjoy more flexibility, as it’s both casual and elegant.

- You can easily pair it with trousers, jeans, or chinos you already own, as well as with sport shirts or turtlenecks.

- You make a great first impression every time — effortlessly.

In short, the sport coat is the perfect alternative to the slightly too formal full suit.

Colors to favor based on your style and complexion

Sport coats come in an endless variety of colors, from neutral to bold. To choose the right color for your men's sports coat, consider the image you want to project and opt for a shade that complements your skin tone.

- Navy blue: A navy sport coat is a timeless essential that flatters almost everyone. Like black, it’s classic but more approachable. It pairs beautifully with black, gray, beige, and denim blue.


- Medium to dark gray: For a discreet style that’s easy to match with many colors, a sport coat in shades of gray is also a wardrobe staple.



- Beige, brown, and terracotta: A sport coat in neutral, earthy tones, such as sand or soil, is perfect for weekends or the fall season.

- Patterned sport coats: For men aged 45 and above who want to make a bolder statement and assert their style, patterned sport coats — such as checks or herringbone — are a wise choice.

Here are some outfit ideas to inspire you:

- Navy sport coat + printed shirt + dark blue jeans

- Light gray sport coat + white shirt + black jeans

- Beige overshirt-style sport coat + patterned shirt + matching chinos


- Plaid orange sport coat + blue shirt + beige trousers

Keep in mind that there are no strict rules when it comes to matching clothing colors with your skin tone. However, it is generally accepted that skin with cool undertones pairs well with gray, brown, blue, green, and purple, while bright or light colors enhance skin with warm undertones. To determine your undertone, look at the veins on your wrist in natural daylight:

- Bluish veins = cool undertones

- Greenish veins = warm undertones

If you're unsure which color best complements your complexion, feel free to ask one of our in-store stylists for personalized advice.

How to choose the right size and fit for your sports coat

If a sports coat catches your eye, the next step is to try it on to check its size and fit. While some cuts work better for different occasions (work, outings, semi-formal events), you should always pay attention to the following elements:

- Length: The bottom of the coat should cover your backside and reach the midpoint of your hand when your arms are at your sides.

- Sleeves: The ideal sleeve length should allow 1 to 2 cm (½ to ¾ inch) of the shirt cuff to show.


- Shoulders: The shoulder seam should fall exactly on the shoulder joint to avoid awkward wrinkles.



- Fit: A well-fitting sports coat should follow the line of your torso without pulling or hanging loosely.



- Tapering: When buttoned, the jacket should show a smooth, defined waist with no pulling — avoid the “X” wrinkle at the button.


- Buttoning: If your jacket has more than one button, follow this style rule:

    - Top button: optional
   
    - Middle button: always
   
    - Bottom button: never

Need a few adjustments? Take advantage of our affordable in-house alteration service!

The finishing touches that make all the difference

To choose your sports coat like a pro, don’t overlook these small but impactful details:

- Collar: It should sit snugly, leaving no gap between the shirt and the coat.

- Lapel opening: It should match your torso's build and shape.

- Sleeve buttons: They should be neatly sewn — you should see 3 or 4.

In summary: the perfect sports coat checklist

If the sport coat you’re eyeing checks all the boxes, don’t hesitate — go for it!

- A color that’s easy to match

- A cut that suits my body shape

- Sleeves of the right length

- Clean shoulder lines with no wrinkles

- A design that pairs well with several outfits

To conclude, remember that if your sports coat is of high quality and well-maintained, it can last you a lifetime. Still hesitating between two models or sizes? Drop by and see us — our team is here to help you find the coat that fits like a glove.