What is Your Jacket Personality?

Fashion is about making statements, and when a man decides to put on a jacket he is sending a message -- consciously or not -- to the people who see him wearing it. Of course, it helps to know just what that message is when you are deciding what to wear out to a particular function, so that you can be certain there is no misunderstanding in your fashion communication.

For instance, consider the blazer. The blazer is perhaps the most common type of semiformal jacket for men, and it represents prep schools and button down jobs equally well. However, a few simple modifications let you create a far more unique image with a basic blazer. For example, simply wearing the collar popped up makes the statement that, while you might be wearing something formal, you are a not one to follow the status quo. Untucking your button-down shirt and leaving your tie loose will only enhance the rebel statement. For better or for worse, it will also make you look younger, which is why the look is usually reserved for younger individuals who are out with friends, not working or at school.

Suit jackets that are cut with broad shoulders can enhance your image and make you seem bigger. This can translate to perceived power, and can portray you as more aggressive or more stalwart, depending on the situation. Even in a business setting, physical perceptions of power can make a great deal of difference in how you are viewed and how others react to the image you create.

There is also the question of whether to go single or double-breasted with your jacket. Single-breasted jackets present a more slim and modern image; they can be adjusted to a variety of different situations, allowing you to wear them casually as well as at the office. They make a statement that you are ready to get down to business, and that you get straight to the point. Double-breasted suit jackets, on the other hand, create a higher-echelon look while at the same time harking back to older standards of wealth and power. These jackets can show that you take your business very seriously, and that you have an old-school outlook on life and decision-making. Wearing a double-breasted jacket tends to be a statement that you play hardball, whether you are at the office or out on the town.

Patterns on your jacket can also make a statement about your personality. For instance, the pinstripe is classic and classy, but is also a very formal pattern to wear. If you are just showing up for your average day as a lower-level office employee, wearing pinstripes might mean you are a bit overdressed. However, if you are a high-level manager or financier, people may expect that sort of formal wear as part of your overall image. This applies to other patterns and additions as well. For instance, elbow patches are typically seen as a hallmark of an academic personality, potentially giving you the aura of a college professor or someone that works in research and similar scholarly pursuits. A checked jacket is considered rather passé in modern fashion, while a herringbone weave is typically seen as muted and formal -- although it can add a necessary accent to any business ensemble while still giving the impression to a customer that you take matters seriously. Regardless of general trends, however, the important thing is to choose a jacket option that fits your personality.

REFERENCES

A Tailored Suite: Garment Types
Men's Clothing: Men's Jackets
Dressing to Impress: Types of Men's Jackets

Post contributed by Victoria, on behalf of a ChilliSauce.co.uk