Sports coat as outerwear

Metatron · Nov 25, 2013

As it gets colder and I start donning my tweed jacket, I find that it has one drawback as outerwear, and that is that the V lets in the cold wind, particularly when cycling.
At a time when tailored clothing was worn for every occasion, this folding of the lapels seems to have been quite common to keep the cold out:

What do you layer with to face the elements while still looking dashing? waistcoat? cardigan? scarf?

Tomasso · Nov 26, 2013

Metatron said:
What else do you do to cope with the elements while still looking dashing? waistcoat? cardigan? scarf?

I'll add turtleneck sweaters, gloves, fedoras and caps to the above mentioned items; not worn concurrently of course.

For trousers it's usually corduroy (big beefy wide wale) or thick flannel. Shoes are almost always suede though sometimes boot are called for.

Hal · Nov 26, 2013

Though I wouldn't wear a trilby/fedora without a proper overcoat or raincoat, AC's suggestions above are excellent. But to me a sports jacket as outerwear is primarily an autumn/spring ensemble rather than one for winter.

Fading Fast · Nov 26, 2013

It was low to mid 40s in NYC last weekend: the lower end of when I'll wear a sport coat without overcoat. I layered underneath to address the V. I put on a heavy cotton turtleneck that fits tight to the body with a heavy flannel collared shirt over it. That keeps the core warm and seals off the neck as an air shaft. Then, the sport coat (a heavy tweed herringbone), a pair of gloves, my heaviest chinos and I was good to go. It's a good look and feels great to wear. I look forward to this time of year as I get a chance to wear my heaviest sport coats. Once it gets colder, I move to the overcoat and, other than zero degree days, I don't wear the heaviest sport coats as it would be too much wool and I'd boil.

Chrome · Nov 26, 2013

From last winter.. serge suit

Hal · Nov 26, 2013

Fading Fast said:
I look forward to this time of year as I get a chance to wear my heaviest sport coats. Once it gets colder, I move to the overcoat and, other than zero degree days, I don't wear the heaviest sport coats as it would be too much wool and I'd boil.

Would you still "boil" when out walking (standing about might be a different matter)? Or are you referring to over-heated interiors? (We have the latter problem here as well.)

Two Types · Nov 27, 2013

Since you mentioned cycling, I would agree that finding a solution to the overcoat is an important one. I usually go for a waistcoat with scarf tucked into it. Flat cap and gloves, and a bit of body heat once you are on the move, and it should be ok. If things are really cold I put on a windproof cotton smock over the top as an additional layer that can be slipped off and carried once I've parked the bike.

Boinciel · Nov 27, 2013

I've taken to folding my lapels up in high winds and colder weather as well. A number of tweeds have a button hidden under the opposite lapel which buttons through the boutonnière hole or a throat latch, and I feel this feature should be carried over to other sportcoats for greater utility.

Fading Fast · Nov 27, 2013

Hal said:
Would you still "boil" when out walking (standing about might be a different matter)? Or are you referring to over-heated interiors? (We have the latter problem here as well.)

Mainly boiling inside as everyplace is overheated in the winter now, but sometimes just walking outside with too much wool can do it. But if we didn't overheat inside, I would wear my heavy sweaters and jackets much more.

Hal · Nov 27, 2013

Two Types said:
Since you mentioned cycling, I would agree that finding a solution to the overcoat is an important one. ...If things are really cold I put on a windproof cotton smock over the top as an additional layer that can be slipped off and carried once I've parked the bike.

The problem with cycling is that one can go from boiling hot to freezing cold (and vice-versa) on quite short runs. You suggest a very sensible solution to this problem.

Boinciel said:
I've taken to folding my lapels up in high winds and colder weather as well. A number of tweeds have a button hidden under the opposite lapel which buttons through the boutonnière hole or a throat latch, and I feel this feature should be carried over to other sportcoats for greater utility.

I have seen this, but not for a long time. You're right - it's a desirable feature for a winter jacket.

Fading Fast said:
Mainly boiling inside as everyplace is overheated in the winter now...But if we didn't overheat inside, I would wear my heavy sweaters and jackets much more.

Yes, indeed! I set my thermostat to 18C and wear a jumper or jacket (or both) indoors. Better for the environment, for economics and for health.

Fading Fast · Nov 28, 2013

Yes, indeed! I set my thermostat to 18C and wear a jumper or jacket (or both) indoors. Better for the environment, for economics and for health.[/QUOTE]

In our apartment, we keep it in the low 60F all winter and wear sweaters / layers and love it, but everywhere we go is overheated - stores, offices, etc. In the summer, it's the opposite. Inside most stores, offices, etc., you freeze in the summer. It's all a big waste and it impacts one's ability to dress for the weather outside.

Metatron · Nov 30, 2013

Some good ideas here.
Though with the increasing cold, it looks as if sports coat is probably not going to be sensible as stand alone outerwear for much longer!
All coats should have those lapels that button up imho!

Stanley Doble · Nov 30, 2013

Sweater and a muffler or scarf.

Dick Ireland · Dec 23, 2013

I think the sportcoat's natural companions are a V-neck sweater vest and a neck closed with a tie. That effectively covers the chest an is about as classic as it gets.

When that isn't quite warm enough, I add a heavy wool scarf with the ends tucked into buttoned jacket.

Metatron · Dec 24, 2013

Yet another reason to wear a tie!

cpdv · Dec 24, 2013

The state of Maine is far too cold to wear a spots coat as a jacket.

Tomasso · Dec 24, 2013

I once saw a fur lined tweed sportcoat hanging in a tailor's shop in Geneva. The tailor said that the customer planned on using it for ice skating. Or was it for an ice skating coach. I forget......And somebody (Brooks Brothers?) used to offer a Thinsulate lined tweed sportcoat as well. Either one could probably take you into the low 30s (° F).

Hal · Dec 27, 2013

Dick Ireland said:
I think the sportcoat's natural companions are a V-neck sweater vest and a neck closed with a tie. That effectively covers the chest and is about as classic as it gets...

Metatron said:
Yet another reason to wear a tie!

Metatron, I agree with you 100%. When I retired I tended to adopt casual wear, but except in summer I increasingly "revert" to jacket and tie, partly because so much casual wear is nondescript and partly because of the thermal advantage of the closed collar in the cooler seasons.

Sports coat as outerwear

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Sports coat as outerwear

One Too Many

Incurably Addicted

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Practically Family

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One Too Many

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