Lebanon Opportunities – August 2019

BUSINESS LIFESTYLE

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

S

port jackets make a perfect companion for any situation

that might require a little touch of formality, but that does

not require a full suit. This summer, fashion houses are

offering a huge range of stylish sports jackets for men to choose

from. The summer spirit can be clearly seen in the bright colors

and the breathable fabrics of this versatile garment.

IT’S NOT A BLAZER

Sports jackets and blazers are not the same thing, although they

can look very similar. Neither is sold with a matching pair of

trousers, according to Shadi Ghazal, Sales Executive at Emporio

Armani. Every blazer is a sports jacket, but not every sports

jacket is a blazer. The use and history of the two garments make

the difference. Sports jackets are tough and blazers are delicate.

Blazers are typically made of worsted wool, flannel, serge, or

hopsack. The blazer is a step down from the suit jacket in terms of

formality, according to Nadine Bechara, Store Manager at Boggi.

The Norfolk jacket is widely considered to be the ever first sports

jacket. As the name suggests, the sports jacket was originally

worn by a sporty man. But, as with anything that was originally

designed for practicality, the sports jacket has been modernized

over the last century. Special details such as pleats, arm patches

and ticket pockets are found on many sports jackets. Paul Smith

uses contrasting velvet collars and bold metal buttons for its

sports jackets for this season.

MORE FITTED

The sports jacket’s original function affects its fit. It should fit

looser on the body than a blazer or suit jacket. It should allow

for layering underneath. A sports jacket enhances the wearer’s

silhouette. A well fitting sports jacket broadens and raises a

man’s shoulders and can slim the appearance of the abdomen

area. “This season sports jackets come with unconstructed

shoulders, and lighter weights,” said Bechara. Boggi has included

a jacket that weighs just 350 grams in its collection. Paul Smith

has modernized and updated the traditional British sports

jackets in its collection. Single-breasted sports jackets are the

most common and practical options, according to Ghazal. Brands

like Adidas and Ralph Lauren have showed stylish, single-

breasted sports jackets in their collections for 2019. John Lewis,

Ted Baker and Hugo Boss showed a variety of cropped jackets and

blazers this season.

Sports jackets

Both casual and chic

60 LEBANON OPPORTUNITIES, AUGUST 2019