Quick verdict
Craig Sager's legacy in fashion is permission - permission to wear the color, pick the pattern, and walk into the room fully committed to your choices. The Ted Baker bold plaid blazer and J.Crew Ludlow in a statement color are the strongest recommendations for accessible Sager-inspired dressing. Premium buyers will find the Hugo Boss blazer worth the investment. Honor his memory by picking something he'd have approve
Ted Baker Bold Plaid Blazer - Best Statement Blazer
Ted Baker's tailoring hits the construction quality that makes a bold blazer look intentional rather than accidental. A plaid or windowpane check in a non-standard colorway - burgundy, forest green, burnt orange - delivers Sager energy without requiring a full custom order. The British brand's slim cut and structured shoulder ensure the blazer sits correctly, which matters enormously when the fabric is doing this much work visually. Pair with a solid trouser in a coordinating neutral and a silk pocket square to complete the look properly.
Check price on Amazon →The best bold, colorful suits inspired by Craig Sager's legendary sideline style, from statement blazers to full suit sets that bring his fearless fashion spirit to any occasion.
Craig Sager spent decades proving that the sideline reporter’s jacket didn’t have to be navy blue. His suits were a statement about personality, courage, and the belief that sports media should be as entertaining to look at as it is to listen to. The five items below are the best ways to dress in his spirit, from bold blazers to full suit sets worthy of courtside visibility.
| Item | Style | Best For | Rating |
|—|—|—|—|
| Ted Baker Bold Plaid Blazer | Statement Blazer | Office and events with personality | 4.8/5 |
| J.Crew Ludlow Suit in Bright Color | Full Suit | Sager-level commitment to color | 4.7/5 |
| ASOS Design Patterned Slim Fit Suit | Budget Pick | Accessible bold pattern suiting | 4.5/5 |
| Hugo Boss Bright Wool Blazer | Premium Blazer | High-quality bold statement piece | 4.7/5 |
| Men’s Wearhouse Tuxedo Blazer Separates | Mix-and-Match | Building a Sager-style wardrobe | 4.5/5 |
How we test
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ted Baker Bold Plaid Blazer - Best Statement Blazer | Check price | ||
| J.Crew Ludlow Suit in Bright Color - Best Full Suit | Check price | ||
| ASOS Design Patterned Slim Fit Suit - Best Budget Pick | Check price | ||
| Hugo Boss Bright Wool Blazer - Best Premium Blazer | Check price | ||
| Men's Wearhouse Tuxedo Blazer Separates - Best for Building a Wardrobe | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Ted Baker Bold Plaid Blazer - Best Statement Blazer
Ted Baker's tailoring hits the construction quality that makes a bold blazer look intentional rather than accidental. A plaid or windowpane check in a non-standard colorway - burgundy, forest green, burnt orange - delivers Sager energy without requiring a full custom order. The British brand's slim cut and structured shoulder ensure the blazer sits correctly, which matters enormously when the fabric is doing this much work visually. Pair with a solid trouser in a coordinating neutral and a silk pocket square to complete the look properly.
J.Crew Ludlow Suit in Bright Color - Best Full Suit
J.Crew's Ludlow suit runs in a rotating selection of colors including options that go well beyond conventional navy and charcoal. A Ludlow in cobalt, rust, or kelly green with a contrasting tie is the most accessible version of full Sager commitment available at a mainstream retail price point. The Ludlow cut is tailored without being restrictive and the wool blend construction holds a crease well through a full event. This is the recommendation for someone who wants to arrive at a wedding, a charity event, or a sports banquet dressed the way Craig Sager would have.
ASOS Design Patterned Slim Fit Suit - Best Budget Pick
ASOS runs an extensive catalog of patterned and brightly colored suits at prices that make bold fashion experimentation low-risk. Fit is achievable across a wide range of body types given their size range, and the slim cut reads modern rather than dated. The fabric quality at this price point is not on par with Ted Baker or Hugo Boss, but the construction is adequate for occasional wear and the pattern options regularly include checks, paisleys, and colorways that Sager himself would have appreciated. A strong starting point for anyone exploring bolder dressing.
Hugo Boss Bright Wool Blazer - Best Premium Blazer
Hugo Boss periodically produces blazers in vivid colors and bold patterns at a construction level that justifies the premium price. A Boss blazer in emerald, cobalt, or a warm camel plaid sits on the shoulder correctly, drapes cleanly, and holds its shape through a full day of wear. The lining and button quality are noticeably superior to mid-range options. For climbers of the dress code ladder who want Sager inspiration at a level that matches a professional wardrobe's other investments, Boss delivers.
Men's Wearhouse Tuxedo Blazer Separates - Best for Building a Wardrobe
Men's Wearhouse sells blazer separates that allow mix-and-match construction of a Sager-style rotation without buying complete suits in every color. A red blazer paired with a black trouser, a cobalt blazer with grey flannel trousers, or a paisley dinner jacket over dark slim pants - the separates model lets you build the Sager wardrobe gradually. The rental history of their tuxedo section means the blazer fits are calibrated for looking correct in a room, which is exactly what Sager always achieved.
What to look for
What to consider
Color and pattern are obvious starting points, but construction quality determines whether a bold suit looks deliberate or chaotic. Look for a structured shoulder, clean lapel roll, and lining that lies flat without bunching. Fabric weight matters for seasonality - a heavy wool plaid reads differently than a lightweight summer check. Ties and pocket squares should coordinate without matching exactly; Sager was a master of the deliberate clash that resolved harmoniously. Start with one bold piece in a color you're genuinely drawn to rather than forcing a palette that doesn't feel authentic.
Our verdict
Craig Sager's legacy in fashion is permission - permission to wear the color, pick the pattern, and walk into the room fully committed to your choices. The Ted Baker bold plaid blazer and J.Crew Ludlow in a statement color are the strongest recommendations for accessible Sager-inspired dressing. Premium buyers will find the Hugo Boss blazer worth the investment. Honor his memory by picking something he'd have approve
FAQs
Craig Sager's suits were famous because they defied every convention of sports broadcast journalism, which typically demands conservative professional dress. He wore vivid plaids, bold solids, and elaborate patterns in colors ranging from tangerine to electric blue, coordinated with equally striking ties and pocket squares. The suits became his signature and a beloved part of NBA sideline culture, celebrated by players and coaches who looked forward to his appearances.
Sager worked with several tailors and designers over the years to create his custom suits, many of which were bespoke pieces that couldn't be purchased off a rack. Some suits were gifts from players and fans. After his death in 2016, his suit collection became a sought-after piece of sports memorabilia. Replicas and Sager-inspired suits have since been made available through specialty menswear brands and custom tailors who cite his legacy.
Start with one statement piece - a brightly colored blazer in a solid or subtle pattern - and pair it with a neutral trouser and a tonal tie. Sager's style was about commitment to the full look rather than expensive individual pieces. Budget suit retailers and department store clearance sections frequently carry bold colors that form the basis of a Sager-inspired outfit. Thrift stores are also excellent sources for vintage bold-pattern blazers.
