This weekend I attended a Tibetan wedding and although I thought my basic gingham shirt with chinos outfit looked OK, for the thousandth time I found myself saying, "I really need a navy sport coat." So, I'm bound and determined to finally get my first one in the next few months. I know there are lots of threads on this already, but thought I would try getting some advice specific to my situation. First, I have a pretty casual style, work in an extremely casual industry (environmental consulting), and live in an extremely casual part of the country (SF Bay Area, specifically Berkeley), so I'd likely only wear this when going to casual weddings, the symphony, semi-formal parties, meeting with clients, etc. Second, I'm thinking that a nice cotton sport coat would probably work best for me due to the mild climate and the fact that I overheat pretty easily indoors (needs to be less than 55 degrees before I can wear a sweater). Third, I have a somewhat odd body type in that I'm 6'1 and have narrow shoulders but am a bit hefty around the waist (42-43"), so finding shirts and jackets that fit me in the shoulders but with enough room in the waist is a challenge. The suits I have are 44 and a bit too large in the shoulders, so I'm thinking of trying a 42R (or 42L given my height?) sport coat, but am worried that it'll be too tight in the waist. Fourth, since I'd like to have this garment for a long time I'm willing to spend a bit more to get a well-constructed jacket ($300). Finally, I'd rather not get a classic navy wool blazer with brass buttons. I know that's what a lot of menswear blogs would recommend, but aside from being too formal for my needs it's just not for me.
Given the above criteria, can anyone give me some starting points for looking around? I like the look of some of the oft-cited BR and J. Crew blazers, but am just worried they'd be too small for my frame. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.
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