Every man needs at least one blazer in their wardrobe, ideally in navy. From there, guys can begin to expand their sartorial horizons with the introduction of new colours and fabrics.
The great thing about blazers – and subsequently the reason you should all own one – is that they are a perfect piece for turning casual outfits into smart casual outfits. Looking just as good with a pair of jeans or chinos as they do with matching suit pants, the blazer is a truly versatile menswear essential.
There is much to consider when buying a blazer, however, such as colour, fit and fabric, and you also need to determine whether a structured or unstructured blazer will work best for the occasion(s) you’re going to wear it.
Not sure what we mean by that? Read on for a brief rundown of all there is to know before buying a blazer, and then take a look at our selection of the best blazers for men.
The structured blazer is all about the fit: cut super close to the body while maximising shape, helped out with some padding, linings and the inner jacket mechanics. Richer looking, the structured blazer requires quality fabric and engineering best seen to by a tailor or a reputable suit store.
It will normally carry more defined shoulders than an unstructured blazer, feel luxurious to touch and hug the body to enhance the slim fit. At first glance too, the jacket will appear simpler, elegant, with minimal details and doesn’t discriminate against the lapel: peak, shawl and/or notch. Needless to say, it’s a seamless pairing with ties.
The unstructured blazer is for those gents who are maybe more blue-collar or artsy in profession and don’t have the workplace ‘need’ to be traditional. Or, they prefer a relaxed approach to incredible style. These blazers are designed to mould to the body, are relaxed and boast a less rigid shape.
More commonly known as a ‘sports coat’, they still cut sharp on the shoulder and can hug close to the body of the wearer. But, unstructured blazers give a softer, relaxed fit – falling from the shoulder peak fluidly. Stripped bare, the unstructured jacket is just that – unstructured, so the typical inner folds and shapes given to retaining a jacket’s shape, are gone.
Everlane
Sustainable clothing brand Everlane is one you should be getting behind. Consistently a producer of well-made and stylish pieces, you could easily have a wardrobe comprising all Everlane gear.
Everlane's Italian wool jacket – available in navy, charcoal and black – is the perfect entry-point into the world of blazers. Rocking a classic, single-breasted two-button silhouette and benefitting from a fully recycled breathable inner lining – and, being Everlane, is comfortably affordable – it's just begging to be experimented with.
Lululemon
Canadian clothing brand Lululemon is known for its range of active wear designed for use in the gym and sporting disciplines such as yoga. It's not a brand you'd think would produce a blazer, we imagine, but throwing caution to the wind, that's exactly what they've done.
The New Venture blazer is the perfect piece for urban commuters and hipsters alike, being incredibly minimal in its aesthetic, yet entirely functional. It's lightweight and water-repellent and has a hidden internal pocket to store your phone, while the recycled polyester lining adds a layer of breathability too, keeping you warm without overheating.
Bonobos
American clothing company Bonobos was founded to develop the perfect pair of pants, and with that taken care of (in its own words) decided to expand into shirts and suiting, which naturally, includes blazers.
This unstructured blazer is made from 100 per cent Italian wool and be had in slim, athletic or standard fits. Bonobos says its perhaps better suited for warmer days, due to the fact it has minimal lining – except for something in the sleeves – but it can easily be dressed up when needed. A truly versatile jacket.
Suitsupply
Dutch-based company Suitsupply has been supplying suits to gents since the year 2000. It has consistently been regarded as one of the best places for men to get their suiting needs, as it perfectly marries together well-made designs with incredibly high-quality fabrics. Best of all, Suitsupply charges much lower prices than the quality of its suits would suggest.
We could, therefore, have chosen pretty much any blazer from the company’s catalogue, but have settled on this green Havana jacket, partly because we just love the colour. However, it has plenty of substance too, such as being made from a silk-linen blend fabric from Italian company Ferla. It’s an unstructured blazer too, so is best suited for spring and summer, with its slim-fit silhouette making it the perfect partner to a pair of tailored chinos.
Faherty Brand
Family-owned Faherty Brand was founded to provide men with a range of beach-inspired clothing that is sustainably made, rugged and long-lasting. The brand now has an extensive collection of sweaters, t-shirts, shorts, swimwear and outerwear, with a long list of blazers included.
The Soft Flex Knit Blazer is an interesting piece. Sporting the softness of a sweatshirt but fitting like any other casual jacket, it will still be able to semi-formalise any outfit you put on, while also being a suitably casual piece paired with the likes of shorts and a t-shirt.
Taylor Stitch
American clothing brand Taylor Stitch was founded as a shirting company, but has since expanded into a fully-fledged clothier for guys looking for sustainably-made clothes that will last them year upon year upon year. In effect, Taylor Stitch wants you to buy from it once and never have to return, since your clothes should never falter.
The Everyday Blazer is made entirely from wool, making it both breathable and warm at the same time. It's wrinkle-resistant too, so will happily fold up inside a small travel bag, while an interior pocket has been specially designed to gobble up your phone.
Ted Baker
British designer menswear label Ted Baker is one that is well-associated with smart casual and formal dress, whether it be an eccentric shirt or knitted sweater. The brand is also known for its sartorial pieces, and its blazer collection often incorporates funky designs and patterns in the lining.
That's exemplified perfectly with the Hoop linen blazer. Made from a linen blend fabric that makes it suitable for summer months (and available in either summer-worthy blue or natural colours) it will look great slipped over either a t-shirt or a shirt, and if you ever take it off, the lining will be the talk of the party.
Uniqlo
Japanese brand Uniqlo consistently knocks out well-made menswear staples time and time again. Not just a brand to rely on for more casual clothing, but one that has formidable formalwear too.
Uniqlo does indeed offer woollen blazers for such formal occasions, but for outright versatility, its the Comfort Jacket you're going to want. Looking every bit the formal blazer, the Comfort Jacket is in fact made from a cotton jersey material that gives it a much more casual edge. It's wrinkle-free qualities mean you'll never have to reach for an iron while quick-drying properties ensure it's fresh to wear every morning.
Hugo Boss
German fashion brand Hugo Boss is one of the go-to brands when it comes to luxury suiting. With fitment and quality of fabric being two main factors that go into every piece it creates, you can be sure a Hugo Boss blazer will not only make you look impeccable but last you for years on end.
The main baulk of Hugo Boss’ sports coat range is main from virgin wool, with pure wool and cotton thrown in for good measure. This particular blazer, however, is made from a blend of virgin wool and hemp, not only for its durability but because it will only become softer as time passes. It’s cut to a slim-fit profile and comes partially lined to help with airflow and, due to it being midweight, can provide a touch of warmth on colder days.
Flint & Tinder
With blazers often being considered a piece of outerwear, it shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that outerwear specialists try their hand at producing their own interpretations. Flint & Tinder happens to be one of the best outerwear brands in the business and has a couple of blazers to back up that reputation.
We've picked out the Moons Wayfarer blazer, made from wool sourced from the UK's oldest wool mill that has been in operation since 1837. That wool is sent to Portugal where it is made into the blazer by a family-run tailors, and the result is a blazer that can be paired with matching trousers, or teamed with jeans and a t-shirt. Truly versatile.
Orlebar Brown
Orlebar Brown may be synonymous with tailored swim shorts, but in-keeping with the summer theme, has expanded its collections to include an array of clothing suited to warmer weather, including unlined blazers.
The Edgar blazer is finished in a light coconut colour, which can either be paired with Orlebar Brown's matching pants, or a pair of light wash denim jeans, white t-shirt and white sneakers, among many other options.
The Kooples
Uber-cool French clothing brand The Kooples is one that is heavily inspired by art and rock 'n' roll, which is channelled through its collections.
One of the best examples of this ethos lies with this black blazer with gray stripes. Grungey, punky and oh-so alternative, helped in part by a small badge with chain on the left chest pocket, this blazer does certainly lean more towards formal, but will team well with black denim and Chelsea boots too.
Alex Mill
American fashion brand Alex Mill was founded with the aim of creating the "perfect shirt". Since then its amassed a following of loyal fans who appreciate simple, timeless style.
The Mill Blazer is a prime example of a well-made unstructured blazer. Made from a combination of cotton and linen, the Mill is available in a multitude of garment-dyed colours, expanding the breadth of your wardrobe. Its unstructured nature certainly leans it towards casual settings, but the classic silhouette and linen material mean it be the perfect formal jacket for summer formal events.
Charles Tyrwhitt
British shirtmaker turned sartorial and formalwear king Charles Tyrwhitt knows all too well how to make a guy look good. Understanding the various bodily proportions guys can have, Charles Tyrwhitt pieces are produced in a wide range of sizes so you can find the perfect fit.
This cotton blazer is made from a blended fabric combining cotton and TENCEL, an environmentally-friendly fibre that is supersoft and allows for improved breathability. It makes it suitable for year-round wear, keeping you warm when its cold and cool when its hot.
Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder is a particular favourite for us here at DMARGE. The ex-Ralph Lauren designer has taken his knowledge of taking menswear essentials and giving them that expert designer twist to create a clothing brand that you really should be checking out. You name it, Todd has put his spin on it.
The navy herringbone blazer is made from a supersoft blend of lambswool and cashmere, sourced directly from Italy and put together in Canada. The designer’s own butterfly half interior lining is used for extra comfort, while the unpadded shoulders make it wearable all day long. Best of all, it will pair perfectly with suit trousers or dressed down with some denim.
Club Monaco
Offering gents a collection of everyday essentials that are made to a higher standard than your run-of-the-mill high-street brand. With a penchant for high-quality materials, Club Monaco is a brand for the modern professional who wants to look as good as he feels.
The Grant Wool Blazer is, as the name suggests, made from a woollen blend fabric and cut to a tailored fit to enhance your upper body proportions. You can forget about potentially unsightly sweat stains too, as the underarms are fitted with guards to save you the embarrassment.
Paul Smith
British fashion designer Paul Smith has always been one to rely on for well-made menswear staples, but he’s also one who enjoys being quirky where appropriate. Naturally, the brand can be well-associated with British formalwear and gents who care about their appearance, and so the company’s tailoring range has options to suit all looks.
Such as this single-breasted blazer in lilac. A perfect pastel colour for summer months, it's not only the ideal accompaniment for weddings and cocktail parties, but weekend drinks and even date night. She'll love the confidence you'll exude in such an uncommon colour.
Gant
Founded as a shirt company in New Haven, Connecticut that made shirts for other brands such as Brooks Brothers, Gant launched in 1949. Ownership may have changed hands to Sweden, but remaining true to its American roots, Gant offers guys of all ages eclectic collections of smart casual clothing.
This slim fit Tweed blazer is presented in a classic British two-tone wool, rocks patch pockets for an authentic look and a notch lapel. Fully lined for extra comfort and warmth, it's a versatile piece that can easily moonlight as both a formal and a casual piece.
J. Crew
The go-to clothier for preppy Ivy League students and young professionals, J. Crew certainly knows a thing or two about the humble blazer (and its natural chino partner). If you're after bold, garish prints or colours, then you'll want to look elsewhere, but for classic colourings, a precision fit and quality, J. Crew is one of the best.
The company's Ludlow suit series has been going since 2008, so must be doing something right. Available in both structured and unstructured, guises, it's the latter we particularly love. Made from a woollen/cotton blend from British fabric mill Abraham Moon & Sons, this blazer can be worn in practically any way you can imagine whether it be over a t-shirt in summer or a cashmere sweater in winter. If you'd rather something a little more substantial, it can be in a twill fabric too.
Manuel Ritz
Italian menswear label Manuel Ritz prides itself on its fabrics and craftsmanship employed the production its suits and jackets. It's based in the Le Marche region of Italy, where leathers used for luxury sneakers are sourced from, which only cements it as being a brand of quality.
This tailored double-breasted blazer can be had in dark blue or black, and will be the crowning price of any well put-together formal outfit. Made from a virgin wool-cotton blend, it exhibits all the classic qualities of a high-end blazer, including a rear double vent, straight hem and peaked lapels.
M.J. Bale
M.J. Bale is Australia’s answer to London’s Saville Row. Founded by Matt Jensen in 2009, M.J. Bale is a clothier for the gent who values quality tailoring. Sticking to its Australian roots, M.J. Bale aims to use any many materials from Down Under as possible, including merino wool.
The Devetto Jacket is made from a wool-silk-cashmere fabric blend from Italian fabric company Loro Piana. The blend used allows for the Devetto to be incredibly breathable, yet owing to an internal lining, will provide warmth too. Lightweight yet durable, the Devetto will be at home in both casual and formal situations.
Reiss
Reiss is another brand well-versed in the art of quality menswear. With its home country of Great Britain as inspiration, the brand has been creating pieces of quality for the dapper British gent since 1971 and has since expanded to other countries. And, having started life selling men’s tailoring, its blazer range continues to receive a lot of love and attention.
The Chay blazer, shown here with the Prince of Wales check and finished in navy is the epitome of modern British sartorial. Cut in a slim fit that hugs the body whether open or done up, its form-flattering tailoring at its finest. The wool-cotton fabric blend is both lightweight and soft, and it’s fully lined, so can offer up some warmth.
