Coats and Blazers: The Guide To The Right Dress Code

Going for a party or meeting? Does it have a dress code? Of course it does! Every occasion is important and all that is important has a dress code. Though easier for women to choose, it sometimes, becomes difficult for men to choose right attire for a particular occasion. For men, choices include suits and blazers along with the regular pant and shirt combination.

 

However, depending on the occasion, suits and blazers are two different terms referring to two different styles of clothing. For understanding the difference between a suit-coat and a blazer, one must understand the separate meanings of the two.

 

A suit is a set of garments made from a fabric of either wool or cotton (flannel and linen are also used nowadays), usually consist of at least a coat and trousers. Blazers are jackets that are similar to a suit coat, but sometimes with experimental pockets and metallic buttons or cufflinks.

 

Suits are traditionally worn with a shirt and a necktie (followed by a waist-coat in case of a three-piece suit and jacket). Blazers on the other hand, are usually more casual and can be mixed and matched with contrasting trousers and/or jeans. Suits are more formal, while blazers are used for informal purposes. Suits include trousers that are made from the same material, but blazers have the option to be paired with any type of trousers depending on the person. A blazer is heavier and sturdier as compared to a suit jacket.

 

The word suit is literally means “to suit” or to be exact or appropriate. These words are correctly used for a suit, as the different parts of a suit follow each other in texture and color, such that the pattern is exactly 'suiting' or matching each other.

 

Today, suits are most commonly worn for black-tie dinners, weddings and formal, or even informal meetings. Suits come in two styles: a two-piece suit or three-piece suit; two-piece suits include a coat and trousers, while three-piece suits includes an extra waist-coat, to add to the grace.

 

Previously, suits were all tailored according to the person’s needs and fittings, but following the trend nowadays, most suits are an outcome of mass production, and just require minor alterations to suit the requirement of one's body type. Suits are currently sold in three ways:

Bespoke suits: It is a suit that is made from scratch by a tailor, giving a proper fit and allowing the customer choice of fabric and print.

Made to measure suits: This kind has a pre-made pattern that is modified to fit the customer.

Ready-to-wear suits: These kind of suits are already made suits available for buying and wear, but may require a few adjustments. Such suits are also available online.

 

The fabric and color of the suit and a blazer, alter according to the occasion. Coat are offered in a single-breasted or a double-breasted pattern.

 

The variety of suits include summer suits, casual suits, business suits, wedding suits and dinner suits. All such kinds are now easily tailored and often, custom made to suit the requirements of a customer.

 

Blazers are usually more casual in use, compared to suits which are for formal events and meetings. Blazers are heavier compared to suit coats, as they are intended to be more outdoorsy. Blazers were originally used as part of uniforms for either schools or colleges; but are now associated with fashion trend in the society. Blazers can be paired with shirts and ties, also with kurtas and pyajamas for an informal gathering. Blazers can be single-breasted or double-breasted depending on the style. Blazers usually do not match the garment or the color of the trousers.

 

The biggest difference between the two depends solely upon the usage according to the occasion they are worn in. While suits are most commonly worn at formal occasions such as weddings, functions and business meetings, blazers are worn more at informal or business casual occasions or informal parties.