Same sportcoat every day?

[izlat]

I just got (what I think is) a nice one from Jos A Bank ($75 reduced from 595) - here in a different color - and am wondering if it's acceptable to leave it at work and wear there pretty much every day with odd pants, khakis, and jeans? Of course, I'd wear a suit when I have to

I am trying to reduce my consumerism and have only a limited wardrobe (and other things) - just what I *really* need - but am not sure about the *etiquette*. I have seen (older) people in Europe wear the same everyday coat pretty much all the time, but how about the US? If I have to alternate several sportcoats - are 2 or 3 enough?

Thanks

 

[cvac]

I suppose that depends what you mean by "wear every day". If you mean keep the jacket at work and only put in on when absolutely necessary because you're meeting with someone important, etc. then that should be fine. If you mean you will wear the coat walking around and sitting at your desk everyday I would say definitely not.

 

[izlat]

in my case - it would just be walking around, on an off during the day - instead of a sweater or cardigan. For meeting clients I'd probably wear something else.

So why definitely not? - and is alternating 2 or 3 OK?

I am thinking it would be practical to just leave one there and still look better than the average sweater...

 

[forsbergacct2000]

It all depends on how often you will wear it. You certainly don't want your sport coat to be known as the "item he ALWAYS wears." I would think you could have two or three sport coats and not waste too many of our planet's resources.

 

[Orsini]

Originally Posted by izlat

...and am wondering if it's acceptable to leave it at work and wear there pretty much every day with odd pants, khakis, and jeans?...
I am afraid I do not fancy this idea. People (including management) will notice and, in time, the garment will tend to acquire an aroma...

Originally Posted by izlat

I have seen (older) people in Europe wear the same everyday coat pretty much all the time, but how about the US?...
Old people in California, USA wear the same clothes all the time because they are poor.

 

[izlat]

Originally Posted by forsbergacct2000

It all depends on how often you will wear it. You certainly don't want your sport coat to be known as the "item he ALWAYS wears." I would think you could have two or three sport coats and not waste too many of our planet's resources.

You are absolutely right! But for me this is also an attitude adjustment: work on getting by with very little and trim down what's not needed. E.g. I don't need 10 pairs of jeans, 2 are just about plenty. I don't need 20 pairs of shoes, 5-6 should suffice. (The math doesn't hold for everything, of course - just some examples)

In this line, I don't mind at all being the guy who wears the same sportcoat every day, unless it's considered very unhygienic and cheap - which is what I am asking here. I don't want to be considered either of these. If it turns out that 2 or 3 is necessary - I'd use 2 or 3

Thanks!

 

[izlat]

Originally Posted by Orsini

I am afraid I do not fancy this idea. People (including management) will notice and, in time, the garment will tend to acquire an aroma...
Old people wear the same clothes all the time because they are poor.

Thank you for the notes - I am not sure I agree, because there are English guys who wear the same tweed for ages and are definitely not poor - but I see your points, and I don't want people or management to think I'm too poor or cheap, let alone notice smells (other than cologne)

 

[HHD]

You can only get away with wearing the same thing every day if you are the IT guy. Get one or two more.

I'm trying to cut down my wardrobe too (reduce consumerism, as you say) but the current economic climate has given me pause for thought... what if things get really bad, like 1930s bad, and in 2012 I'm standing shoeless in the soup queue thinking, "if I hadn't thrown out all those clothes in 2008, I wouldn't be freezing my arse off now."

 

[Mr T]

Your wardrobe and goals would be better served returning your new coat and instead buying 3 used coats or blazers from a thrift store.

 

[Aluan]

If I wanted to wear the same sportcoat every day, it would be a navy blazer, not a plaid sportcoat. Plaid's much more memorable than a solid navy blazer.

 

[forsbergacct2000]

Originally Posted by izlat

You are absolutely right! But for me this is also an attitude adjustment: work on getting by with very little and trim down what's not needed. E.g. I don't need 10 pairs of jeans, 2 are just about plenty. I don't need 20 pairs of shoes, 5-6 should suffice. (The math doesn't hold for everything, of course - just some examples)

In this line, I don't mind at all being the guy who wears the same sportcoat every day, unless it's considered very unhygienic and cheap - which is what I am asking here. I don't want to be considered either of these. If it turns out that 2 or 3 is necessary - I'd use 2 or 3

Thanks!

You may not mind being the guy who is known for wearing the same sportcoat every day, but being that guy will not help you at all socially in your organization (or any organization.) It's a free country and you can do as you wish, I suppose.

 

[yachtie]

Originally Posted by forsbergacct2000

You may not mind being the guy who is known for wearing the same sportcoat every day, but being that guy will not help you at all socially in your organization (or any organization.) It's a free country and you can do as you wish, I suppose.

Welcome to the board Fors. good to see you here.

 

[Egdon Heath]

Originally Posted by izlat

In this line, I don't mind at all being the guy who wears the same sportcoat every day, unless it's considered very unhygienic and cheap.
.

I think you are unhygenic and cheap and I haven't even seen you in the coat.​

 

[TheFusilliJerry]

Originally Posted by Aluan

If I wanted to wear the same sportcoat every day, it would be a navy blazer, not a plaid sportcoat. Plaid's much more memorable than a solid navy blazer.

there is your answer

 

[mike540]

I have a guy in my office who does this. Same black sportcoat, white shirt and yellow tie, (askew with the top button undone) everyday. People notice and not in a good way.