The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Blazers

Every man should have a few blazers in his closet: they’re perfect for times you want to look put-together but don’t want to wear a suit.

When purchasing a blazer, there are numerous factors to consider. What kind of ensemble do you want to go for? What do you put on with one? Which material is the most suitable? Blazer buying can be difficult if you don’t know what you’re searching for, which can turn some people off.

If you want to add a blazer to your wardrobe but don’t know where to begin, we’ll show you how. We’ll cover all you should know in this ultimate guide.

Types of Men’s Blazers

 

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Blazers come in three different fits: slim, standard, and skinny (although you may also find super skinny at some stores).

Slim Fit Blazers

Slim-fit blazers are a terrific choice for all guys with an athletic build because they look more trimmed than regular fit designs. They have a streamlined silhouette with thinner shoulders and chests, ideal for fashion-forward combinations. For the most part, a slim-fit blazer is the most flattering appearance for most men.

Regular Fit Blazers

A regular fit blazer is your best option if you have wide shoulders and don’t like your articles to be overly snug. You can button up without too much breathing in and wear the blazer atop jumpers in the winter because it’s cut with a more relaxed fit than the slender and narrow designs.

Skinny Fit Blazers

Although the skinny fit has only been available for a few years, it is considered the most contemporary. If you don’t have a slender form, this style isn’t for you because you won’t be able to move your arms in the blazer, and it will appear two sizes too small. A skinny-fit blazer will look excellent over jeans and chinos if you have the body type to pull it off.

Styles of Men’s Blazers

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Men’s blazers are typically single-breasted in style; however, double-breasted blazers have recently made a comeback.

Single-breasted Blazers

This should be your go-to blazer style because it’s ageless and flattering on most body types. Single-breasted jackets normally have two or three buttons, and they’re easy to wear unbuttoned for a more relaxed look.

Double-breasted Blazers

The double-breasted blazer was fashionable in the 1980s and has recently resurfaced in favor. This look only works with a buttoned-up blazer, so if you prefer to wear your blazers open, this isn’t the style for you. Double-breasted blazers are flattering on most body types, and they’re especially wonderful for people who have a few extra pounds because they may be covered under the blazer when it’s buttoned up.

Blazer Fabric Types

 

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When shopping for a blazer, you’ll notice that there are many different fabric choices to pick from, some of which are better suited to particular events than others.

Wool

Wool blazers are ideal for the winter and autumn months since they keep you toasty warm. They have a formal appearance; thus, they aren’t appropriate for more relaxed settings. They do, however, look great when you want to look put together, such as at a smart-casual event or work.

Wool blazers are available in various colors: choose a neutral tone like light brown or go for something a little more unique like burgundy. You can wear yours with various trouser alternatives, ranging from dark jeans to elegant trousers or chinos.

Tweed

Tweed blazers are comparable to wool blazers in that they are more formal in appearance and will keep you warm. Checked, twill, striped, overcheck, and herringbone tweed are just a few of the styles of tweed you might come across while shopping.

Tweed blazers look wonderful with a pair of well-fitting jeans or elegant trousers or chinos in a neutral color. You may even go for a good shade of blue, green, or burgundy if you’re feeling daring.

Linen

Linen blazers are light and airy, making them ideal for warmer weather. They’re a popular choice for summer weddings and come in various colors, so you should be able to pick one that precisely matches your style and the event.

Linen blazers are typically available in traditional colors like blue and beige, making them timeless and a fantastic wardrobe staple.

Cotton Twill

Cotton twill is breathable, similar to linen; therefore, blazers made of this fabric are ideal for the summer. It is, however, considered more formal, which is why it is frequently utilized to produce workwear.

A cotton twill blazer would fit the bill well if you’re searching for an item that will be acceptable for more formal situations while also being comfortable enough to wear for lengthy periods.

Velvet

Because velvet is such a beautiful fabric, a velvet blazer will always seem formal. As a result, they’re best suited to more upscale gatherings. A velvet blazer will look great with a pair of black or grey slim-fit trousers.

A basic formal shirt will look nice if you want to look exceptionally put-together, but you may alternatively dress down your style with a plain grey or white T-shirt. A pair of Chelsea boots or a pair of brogues can help to complete the appearance.

How to Take Blazer Measurements

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Make sure to take your measurements correctly before purchasing a new blazer, as even the most costly blazers will not raise your style game if the fit is poor. Fortunately, it’s a simple process that takes less than a minute (or you can get it done at your nearest suit tailor).

Chest Measurement

Measure your chest’s circumference at its widest point with a tape measure. Wrap the measure around your shoulder blades, under your arms, and over your chest, keeping it level. Make a note of the inch measurement.

Sleeve Length

Unless you’re buying a high-end blazer, you’re unlikely to need this, but it’s always good to have. Ask someone to measure the back of your neck to the wrist, over the top of your shoulder, and down your arm.

Additional Measurements

When purchasing a blazer, the chest size (e.g., 38) is frequently accompanied by letters: S, R, or L (Short, Regular, Long/Tall). The length of the blazer, as well as the sleeve length, is indicated by these letters.

If you’re shorter than average, choose the short blazer if it’s available, as the blazer will be shorter, and you won’t need to have the sleeves altered individually for a better fit. If you’re taller than usual, choose the long or tall option, so the blazer sleeves don’t end halfway down your arms.

EU Blazer Measurements

If you notice a blazer with EU sizing, subtract ten from the chest size to get your exact size. A blazer in size EU46, for example, is the equivalent of a 36-inch chest.

Color Combinations for Blazers That Work

 

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Grey Blazer

Best to pair with: blue, red, black, light pink, white

A grey blazer is among the most versatile colors, matching well with both blue denim and elegant black pants. Grey will provide the most outfit alternatives for smart and casual events if you only have one blazer in your closet each season.

Black Blazer

Best to pair with: grey, stone, white, light brown

Black blazers can be mistaken for suit jackets, so if you usually wear black trousers, go for a grey blazer. Furthermore, a black blazer looks terrific with light grey slacks and jeans and a white shirt to finish the ensemble. Wear a black blazer with stone chinos and chukka boots on a more relaxed day.

Navy Blue Blazer

Best to pair with: white, light brown, light grey

A navy blazer paired with brown chinos is a classic combination that will never go out of style. On off-duty days, it’s more relaxed than black, and it pairs well with grey slacks for formal occasions or the office. Just avoid the ones with gold buttons; they may have been popular in the 1980s, but they should stay that way.

Brown Blazer

Best to pair with: other browns, black, white, and grey

To ensure that the entire outfit works, match a brown blazer with other natural colors like earthy greys and browns. If you do it wrong, it’s a rugged appearance.

Although brown blazers are best worn in the autumn/winter, a light brown linen blazer worn over a white blouse and blue/grey slacks can look excellent in the summer. At all costs, avoid wearing them with black shoes.

Green Blazer

Best to pair with: cream, black, white

Green is the most difficult color to wear. There’s a reason why you don’t see many men wearing green blazers: excellent color combinations are hard to come by.

A green blazer looks best with black trousers/jeans and a white blouse. Any other hues will make you look as if you’ve cobbled together random pieces of your clothes.

Red Blazer

Best to pair with: black, white, light grey

A red blazer can brighten up an ensemble, but it’s unlikely that you’ll want to wear it every day. It’s more restricted than other hues like grey and blue, but it’ll demonstrate that you care about your style on important occasions or impress your next date. Burgundy is the most versatile color, and it looks great with black shoes, black jeans/trousers, and a fresh white shirt.

What to Pair With a Blazer

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Blazers are quite versatile and can be dressed up or down, but this versatility makes it difficult to style them. We’ll aid in breaking it down for you, so you’ll know just how to wear a blazer in any color.

What to Wear With a Tweed Blazer

Tweed blazers are usually formal; they look best when layered over a formal shirt or smart sweater. Pair your tweed blazer with dark wash jeans or a pair of tan chinos for a more relaxed approach.

Wearing Blazers With Jeans

It’s critical to choose the proper color for a blazer that you can wear with jeans. Navy is a go-to color because it’s adaptable and has various denim colors.

Grey is also a fantastic option because there are many different shades to pick from. Tweed may also look wonderful with denim if you want a more classic appearance.

Of course, any ensemble that includes pants is going to be casual. And, when it comes to pairing your blazer with other items, you have many options: a T-shirt, a casual shirt, or a light knit all work well.

Wearing Blazers With Chinos

A blazer and chinos are one of the most popular smart casual outfits during the summer. It’s also one of the most straightforward looks to master.

Add chukka boots, brogues, or loafers to a blue jacket and slim-fit chinos. Then choose a traditional white shirt or add some color to your ensemble with a light pink shirt to stand out from the crowd.

Wearing Blazers With Smart Trousers

Only two restrictions apply to the trousers: 1) they must not be baggy, and 2) they must be a different color than the blazer.

Wearing a blazer with tailored pants is on the sharper side of the smart-casual continuum and can be an acceptable substitute for a suit. If you normally wear black pants, a grey blazer is good. If you prefer grey trousers, a navy blazer instead of a black one is easier to wear with chinos and light denim on off-duty days.

Wearing Blazers With Shorts

When wearing a blazer with shorts, the length of the jacket is the most significant consideration. You can dress the suit up or down depending on the shoes you wear, but an oversized blazer would instantly spoil the look.

For smart-casual parties like BBQs, a blazer with chino shorts is ideal; complete the ensemble with a pair of tassel loafers.

How to Take Care of Your Blazer

 

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Taking care of your new blazer can help it last longer while also ensuring that it looks fantastic every time you put it on. These easy-to-follow guidelines can help you take care of your blazer:

Make Use of a Hanger

Although it may appear simple, we’ve all been guilty of tossing a blazer over the back of a chair rather than properly hanging it up after usage. Use a hardwood hanger if possible, as it will provide extra support around the shoulders.

Hanging your blazer up can help it keep its shape for longer, allowing you to avoid having to get it pressed at the dry cleaners.

Dry Clean It Only When Necessary

If you use your blazer frequently, dry cleaning it a couple of times a year is an excellent idea. This can help prevent stains from forming, but you won’t need to dry-clean it as often because the chemicals will break down the cloth.

Make Use of Garment Bags

Place your blazer in a garment bag if it will be hung for an extended period (for example, your summer blazer during the colder months) to reduce dust accumulation and keep any potential moths away. It’s preferable to have it dry cleaned first so that it’s spotless and ready to wear when it eventually emerges from its hiding place.

Do Not Put Your Blazers in the Washing Machine

Don’t do that, even if the label says you can. You’ll probably have trouble getting the blazer back to its previous shape, which means you’ll have to send it to the dry cleaners.

Today’s blazer is a highly versatile piece of clothing that you may wear in various settings, including business casual, casual, and business informal. You can pair it with a range of other outfits, including open-necked shirts and a shirt and tie. If you’re beginning to put together your wardrobe, bear in mind that the blazer will most likely be your most versatile piece.

For more fashion guidelines for men, here are men’s styling guide to braided bracelets and using silver fashion jewelry.