We used to dress to go to sporting events. The sports coat gave men a way to dress up without wearing a full suit. Men wore sports coats and ties to college games until I guess the early 80s. When we were in college we dressed for games and the guys always wore ties and sports coats.
No they were casual wear which allowed men to look nice for everyday activities without going formal or wearing a suit. Men looked good in them and still do.
not sure about this, but I think the term 'sport' as it applies to sport jackets or sport coats implies that they are not 'dressy', but 'sporty', sporty as in casual, etc.....not fussy......& nothing to do with real 'sports'.........