Basics: Everything There Is To Know About The Blazer (2024)

FAQs

What to know before buying a blazer? ›

A blazer is a type of jacket resembling a suit jacket, but cut more casually. A blazer is generally distinguished from a sport coat as a more formal garment and tailored from solid colour fabrics. Blazers often have naval-style metal buttons to reflect their origin as jackets worn by boating club members.

WHAT IS A BLAZER? A blazer is defined by its solid color and metal buttons. Oftentimes, those buttons feature a nautical motif as the blazer dates back to the 19th century when Britain's Royal Navy standardized its uniform to feature a simple navy jacket. Historically, a blazer was a sign of membership in a group.

When buttoned, the lapels of your blazer should only be loose enough to fit a tightened fist between the fabric and your chest, and they should be snug to your chest.

Navy is typically a failsafe option, because the colour is incredibly versatile and will complement a range of denim shades. Grey is also a great choice, thanks to the fact that there are so many different hues to choose from. If you want to go for a more classic look, tweed can also look great with denim.

T-shirts underneath Blazers can create the perfect 'cool' combination when done right. You don't want anything too graphic as it makes the outfit look busy, and a V-Neck tee can look like you're trying too hard. The safest bet is to go with a crew-neck in simple colours.

1 – SINGLE VENT

The single vent is common in American designed jackets and was originally created for men who rode horses so the two sides of the jacket would fall across the horses back and prevent the jacket from creasing.

They're not just for decoration. A suit jacket's outer pockets are functional and meant to be used as well. Why are suit jacket/blazer pockets sewn shut? It's so the garment keeps its shape while in store or in transit.

Though a blazer will look nice with anything from a t-shirt to a thin turtleneck, blazers look most classic with a crisp button-up shirt and a tie (or bow tie).

Although blazers, coats, and jackets are constructed the same way—sometimes even cut from the same material—the obvious difference is the buttons. Blazers have durable brass buttons because they're historically associated with nautical sports like rowing and sailing. You'll almost always see them in a solid color.

Why do you never button the bottom button on a blazer? ›

When wearing a suit, always leave the bottom button open for the waistcoat and jacket. The tradition dates back to King Edward VII from the early 1900s. He unbuttoned the bottom of his waistcoat because he was too fat. He unbuttoned the bottom of his jacket to pay homage to the riding jacket that suits replaced.

These jackets should ALWAYS be buttoned when standing. Unbutton the jacket when sitting down, so that it doesn't crease. The traditional way to button a two-button jacket is to Always fasten the top button and leave the lower undone.

With a single-breasted, three-button suit, simply close the middle button, always. The top button is optional and can be buttoned up or left undone. The bottom button, again, should never be buttoned, as it will put a strain on the fabric of the suit jacket and will not look flattering.

Your suit jacket should cover about 80% of your butt and crotch. Generally, the bottom edge of a jacket should end between the two knuckles on your thumb. This rule can be pushed a little bit when wearing a casual sport coat because they tend to be a little shorter.

A high-end suit brand such as Ralph Lauren purple label will have material labels with 100% wool. They may have cashmere in it, there may be silk or cotton, but never polyester or nylon, even viscose is a lower-end option so look for these materials that are good.

A solid black or navy blazer is a staple in everyone's closet — it goes with just about anything and can be easily dressed up or down. Same goes with classic prints like checks and stripes.

Now it's perfect for everything from running errands in your athleisure to spontaneous pizza and beer nights — that is, of course, if you're up to date with the latest blazer trends of fall 2022. Pick the right one (or two) and you're totally covered.

Blazer tip: Color

While most blazers can be styled for any occasion, grey and navy are the most versatile colors, with brown and tan better suited for more casual settings.

This detail is called a ticket pocket, or sometimes, a change pocket. It is a great way to add a touch of flair to any suit or sports jacket. What is a ticket pocket? Ticket pockets usually sit approximately three inches above the hip pocket beneath it and are half as wide.

What is the top pocket on a blazer called? ›

For the uninitiated, the ticket pocket is the small flapped or jetted pocket (occasionally, it can be patch, straight, or on a hacking angle), religiously placed just above the right main hip pocket on a men's jacket.

Simply put, a jetted pocket is a pocket pouch that sits inside your jacket, rather than sewn on to the outside. If you've ever owned a suit jacket and decided that you'd prefer to keep the pocket flaps tucked in, you're some of the way towards understanding jetted pockets.

It was designed to be removed, so you shouldn't run into any issues. Oh, and remember that the same principle applies to suit jackets and blazers. Like the brand tag on the exterior of the sleeve, it's a temporary thing that's meant for the store—not your life. Cut the thread.

1. Suits and Blazers. This one is easy; it should be buttoned while standing and undone when you sit down. Leaving it buttoned can stress the fabric and make the jacket feel a bit uncomfortable.

Vents are the slits you see at the bottom on the backside of a blazer or suit jacket. They originated out of pure function during military-on-horseback days to make wearing a jacket more comfortable to the rider. These splits allow for more moveability and less restriction or bunching while sitting.

A gilet (/dʒɪˈleɪ/) or body warmer is a sleeveless jacket resembling a waistcoat or blouse. It may be waist- to knee-length and is typically straight-sided rather than fitted; however, historically, gilets were fitted and embroidered.

The term 'blazer' itself first appeared in print in 1952, in an article that referred to a red jacket worn by Cambridge's Lady Margaret Boat Club as a 'red Guernsey or blazer'. It was a bright (or blazing) red colour, which is how it got its name – the blazer.

Hide It with a Blazer

Longer blazers will help you hide the extra pounds by camouflaging your stomach, especially from the side while you're walking. You're sure to have a blazer in your closet, but if not, you can find it anywhere!

“Buying a good blazer is important because it's such an easy way to elevate an outfit,” Yannetta says. “The upper half of your body is what people see the most — more than your pants or your shoes.” Expect to spend roughly $90 to $200 on a quality garment that fits perfectly, she says.

Always size up. It's much easier to make things smaller (via alterations) than to try and squeeze into a too small blazer.

Can people tell the difference between a cheap and expensive suit? ›

Flimsy plastic buttons and button-holes or pockets that don't work are common on lower-end suits. Cheaper suits often have polyester linings that don't breathe and feel less comfortable against the skin. They also won't have special cuts and hand-sewn pick-stitching.

With the top button fastened (never the bottom button), the blazer should lightly hug your midsection, but not feel tight or constricting.

Take a measuring tape and wrap it around thefullest part of your chest (under your armpits). If you measure 40 inches around your chest, then your chest size is 40 inches and, likewise, your suit jacket size is 40. The letter after the jacket size is thelength of your jacket (both body and sleeve).

Suit jackets and blazers: After four to five wears. Fleece jackets: After six or seven wears. Rain jackets: Once a month, if worn infrequently; twice a month, if worn regularly. You should also use a durable water repellent finish to ensure the jacket's waterproof coating is doing its job.

A blazer gives you endless outfit possibilities and can be worn year-round. Like I said earlier, it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Plus, if you get a neutral color you can wear it with all of the pants, skirts, dresses and tops you already own.

Summer blazers tend to be made with lighter, more breathable fabrics like linens and cottons, whilst winter weight blazers are more likely to use wool blends.

Natural fibers, such as wool or linen, make great first-time jackets because they shape and press beautifully. Opt for a darker color (it helps hide some of the interior construction) and/or a fabric with some surface texture or interest (which can help camouflage any stitching imperfections).

The most important factor that determines if a blazer is the perfect fit for you is the shoulders. Any indentations between your shoulder and the top seam means it is too big for you. Similarly, any bunching up in the lapels means the blazer is too small.