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.
Different blazer fits and fabrics
Structured Blazers & Sports Jackets
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.
Unstructured Blazers & Sports Jackets
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.
Casual details may be added though: front pockets, exposed seams, lack of lining, multiple buttons and sometimes buttons in contrast colour to the jacket fabric itself. Plus, they are more likely to be made from one piece of cloth, so they are thinner, making them great for winter layering or going solo as a light add-on for summer.
Blazer Fabrics
Most commonly, blazers are crafted with wool but you can get blazer 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.
Men’s Blazer FAQs
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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.
1/20Suitsupply
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.
Suitsupply is a no brainer for the best blazers for men.
2/20Hugo Boss
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 great blazers on the market.
3/20Bonobos
Bonobos then expanded into producing awesome shirts, suits, swimwear; you name a piece of men’s clothing, they do it; including blazers. Bonobos has a huge range with multiple colours, prints, fits, fabrics, and styles available. Whether you’re after a casual or formal men's blazer, Bonobos will have it.
4/20Ministry of Supply
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.
5/20Flint & Tinder
6/20Everlane
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.
7/20Uniqlo
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.
8/20Ted Baker
9/20Faherty
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.
10/20Todd Snyder
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.
11/20Charles Tyrwhitt
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.
12/20Reiss
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.
13/20Paul Smith
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.
14/20Club Monaco
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.
15/20J. Crew
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.
16/20Orlebar Brown
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.
17/20Manuel Ritz
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.
18/20The Kooples
Their range of blazers exemplify this with their modern fits and colours that'll make you look effortlessly cool.
19/20M.J. Bale
M.J. Bale's blazers are incredibly stylish yet versatile and will look at home in both smart casual and formal settings alike.
20/20Alex Mill
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.
