Every man needs at least one blazer (or sports jacket if you’re in the US) 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 men’s blazers – and subsequently the reason you should own one – is that they are a perfect piece for effortlessly 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 truly a 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 to.
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 their profession and don’t need traditional workplace attire. Or, perhaps you just prefer a relaxed approach to incredible style. Unstructured 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.
Most commonly, blazers are crafted with wool but you can get men’s blazers in a variety of fabrics to suit your needs. You can easily get a cotton or linen blazer if you’re needing a blazer for summer or warmer temperatures, but if you’re after an all-rounder that’ll be durable and comfortable enough to wear all year long, you really can’t go past a wool blazer.
If you’re ready to add a blazer to your wardrobe, take a look at these brands we’ve selected for making the absolute best blazers for men.
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.
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’ sport coat range is made from virgin wool, with pure wool and cotton thrown in for good measure. Available in multiple colours and styles, Hugo Boss make some of the best men's blazers on the market.
Bonobos
Bonobos was born because founders, Andy Dunn & Brian Spaly, couldn't find men's pants that fit (they were either too tight or too boxy) and wanted to fix this common problem men face while shopping. They fixed it with their not-so-secret secret: all Bonobos' pants have a curved waistband that conforms to the natural shape of men’s waists.
Bonobos then expanded into producing awesome shirts, suits, swimwear; you name a piece of men’s clothing, they do it; including men’s blazers. Bonobos has a huge range with multiple colours, prints, fits, fabrics, and styles available. Whether you’re after a casual or formal blazer, Bonobos will have it.
Ministry of Supply
You don't typically think of 'science' when you're clothes shopping and yet, science drives everything Ministry of Supply does. They use science and engineering techniques to create garments that are comfortable, breathable, stretchy, sweatproof, are easy to care for, and will give you a full range of motion.
Their range of blazers is excellent, and every style has been engineered with moisture wicking, wrinkle-resistant, and machine-washable fabrics for easy wear and care.
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.
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.
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.
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 sport coat collection often incorporates funky designs and patterns in the lining.
Faherty
Family-owned Faherty 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.
Faherty's small range of men's blazers will 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. Talk about versatility.
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.
His range of men's blazers is extremely impressive. Crafted from premium fabrics and available in various colours and styles, Todd Snyder's blazers will pair perfectly with suit trousers or can easily be dressed down with some denim.
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.
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.
Available in many timeless colours, Reiss' blazers will give you an effortlessly polished look whether you pair it with jeans and a t-shirt, or trousers, a button-up, and a tie.
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.
Expertly tailored, Paul Smith's blazers come in playful styles and colours. Any Paul Smith blazer will not only be 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 yet polished blazer.
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.
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.
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.
Orlebar Brown's blazers are incredibly lightweight and come in a few neutral colours. These blazers are perfect for summer weddings, or hot days where you have to wear a blazer, as they'll keep you looking good while also keeping you cool.
Manuel Ritz
Italian menswear label Manuel Ritz prides itself on its premium fabrics and expert craftsmanship. 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.
Manuel Ritz's range of blazers exude luxury and are extremely tailored. Available in classic colours, and premium fabrics; a Manuel Ritz blazer will give you a pop of elegance.
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.
Their range of men's blazers exemplify this with their modern fits and colours that'll make you look effortlessly cool.
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 as many materials from Down Under as possible, including merino wool.
M.J. Bale's blazers are incredibly stylish yet versatile and will look at home in both smart casual and formal settings alike.
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.
