Where is the line drawn on when a suit jacket can be worn as a sport coat?

[2711383]

So I understand that suit jackets aren't supposed to be worn standalone because they look off without the trousers. My confusion comes from looking at Natalino's website and seeing that they essentially market all their suit jackets as "sport jackets".

So I guess my question is, why can this be a sport jacket but the top half of this Spier and Mackay suit can't? They both have jetted pockets, similarly sized lapels, etc.. Is it because of the sheen from the weave of the S&M suit?

 

[Using Technology]

I believe the rule of thumb is the more formal a suit looks, the less you can wear it as separates and conversely the more casual a suit is the more you can. This goes for both the fabric (shiny worsted wool is formal vs patterned tweed or linen as casual) and also details like jetted pockets vs. patch pockets.

In your examples, I agree the Natalino seems pretty close to an orphaned suit jacket to my eye. That said, it does have a herringbone pattern that makes it more casual than the S&M

 

[2711383]

That makes sense. Thank you!

 

[Using Technology]

That makes sense. Thank you!

No prob! Someone else here will probably have a more detailed explanation, but in general I think a flat untextured color doesn't really work for sports coats or wearing a suit jacket as separate. You want something textured (linen, tweed) or patterned (windowpane, herringbone, etc.). Obvious exception is a pinstripe which would look silly without the pants...

 

[maxalex]

I’m guessing those examples are flap pockets with the flaps tucked in (probably not yet unbasted), so the underlying jets are visible. Actual jetted pockets don’t have flaps and are considered ultra formal, like a tux.

Regardless, in these days where anything goes, whether to wear a suit jacket as a separate is more a matter of personal taste. Also where you live. Americans obsess about orphan jackets more than here in Europe, for example.

Better to think more about how the jacket goes with your other gear. I personally would never wear a worsted navy super 120s suit jacket with chinos and chukkas; that would just look odd to me, and not in a good way. But I might wear that suit jacket with solaro wool dress trousers and cordovan loafers, or with grey flannel trousers.

 

[mhip]

Also where you live. Americans obsess about orphan jackets more than here in Europe

I can tell you here in Southern California, I'd be shocked if I ran across someone who would have a clue about it.
It's a big country with a lot of jeans and flip flops...

 

[RobertSoren]

The question might be better framed as WHY does it look off without the matching trousers? Because you're pairing it with the wrong pant?

Pair fancy tailored jacket with equally fancy trousers
Or sporty jacket with sporty trousers

It's much simpler to buy the matching set (a suit) then to try to effectively pull off these combinations (although not that difficult).