How to Choose the Perfect Blazer Jacket (2024)

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What does the well-dressed man wear when he wants to make an impression but doesn’t want to wear a suit? The traditional choice is a blazer, which is also called an odd jacket because it doesn’t have a pair of matching trousers. It’s a hard working wardrobe item that can be paired with jeans for dressing down or odd trousers for a dressy look. If you don’t already own one, you’re limiting your wardrobe options and style.

Men's blazersare incredibly versatile wardrobe items. A classic navy blue blazer is usually one of the first blazers a man should own or add to his clothing collection. Match it with odd trousers but remember, it isn't a substitute for a suit. Instead, it is a functional alternative to fill the gap between a tailor made business suit and casual attire.

Having evolved over the years, the modern blazer features these characteristics:

Blazer Styles

Like suits, there are three blazer styles:

American
Italian
English

Because of the increased frequency of travel and fluid borders, finding all three styles in your area shouldn't be difficult. Interestingly, while the country styles provide historical perspective, hybrid mixes of the three styles are common and often, preferred.

American Style Blazer: This is a two-button navy blue jacket with soft shoulders. It can have either patch or flap pockets and features a notched lapel. Although centre vents are commonly used, we recommend you choose double vents because they enhance your body type.
English Style Blazer: Designed with more structured shoulders and a suppressed waist, these blazers build out the chest. They are available in either single or double-breasted styles. However, they typically have double vents and if you select a double-breasted blazer, it will always have peak lapels. Single-breasted blazers usually have notched lapels.
Italian Style Blazer: The fabric of these blazers is lighter in weight and the entire jacket build is less structured. Extremely soft shoulders and a flexible, gently constructed inner lining allows the jacket to float next to the wearer's body. Italian blazers have more flair regardless of whether they have vents or not.

Blazer Buttons

Buttons are a blazer's most noticeable aspect and can range from delicate smoked-mother-of-pearl buttons to heavy, solid-gold family heirlooms passed from one generation to the next. Most manufacturers make their jackets with brass buttons, but if you'd like to increase the versatility of your blazer, buy a few sets of buttons and change them seasonally. For example, in spring and summer, use mother of pearl; for fall, use silver, and then switch to gold in winter.

Blazer Fabrics

Blue worsted serge is the classic blazer fabric, although any navy worsted or flannel wool can be a classic choice, too. Rougher weaves or fabrics with a slight pattern transform the jacket from a blazer to a blue sports coat. How's that for versatility?

How Blazers should Fit

Blazers should fit in much the same ways as suit jackets or sports coats should.

Shoulders should not over-extend by more than half an inch; they should allow a full range of arm motion.
There should be enough give in the chest to allow you to button the jacket.
Sleeves should extend to the wrist bone and show ¼ to ¾ of an inch of shirt cuff when you stand erect.
The jacket length should cover your back completely

What to Wear with a Blazer

Gray Flannel Trousers: These complement a wide range of sports jackets in addition to being the perfect partner for blazer jackets. These are comfortable, classic and durable.
White Cotton Slacks: A good choice for the summer, these trousers require some personality to pull off and should be worn with care.
Quality Denim (Jeans): While there are many styles and brands of jeans to choose from, we recommend Levi 501s and 505s. The quality and colour of your jeans dictates your outfit's formality. Dark-coloured 501s and a blazer enhance your appearance while shredded designer jeans and a double-breasted blazer detract from it. Never wear baggy jeans with a blazer. Period. A blazer works best with nice slip-on dress shoes, a crisp business shirt, and a simple pocket square.

As we mentioned earlier, if you don't own at least one blazer jacket, you're handicapping your style and mix and match opportunities. Once you own one, you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. While you could buy it off-the-rack, if you're like most men, who can't get a decent fit with off-the-rack garments, you'll discover it's less expensive to buy a custom made one up front than to pay the expensive alterations costs to get a good fit.

At Montagio Custom Tailoring, we pride ourselves on helping men get the best fit. Our master tailors help you:

Choose the right fabrics and designs to flatter your body type
Take meticulous measurements for the right fit
Create a customized pattern for your blazer
Make any final tweaks to the finished garment

Find out more about men's blazer jackets by visiting our Sydney showroom.

Tailor Made FOR EVERY OCCASION

We tailor make mens suits, jackets and shirts for all occasions. Each garment is custom designed, precisely made-to-measure and is guaranteed to fit you perfectly. Unlike others, we offer you end-to-end service and a personalised styling session where we take the time to understand your needs to ensure you get the colour, style and fit you want.

As an experienced fashion enthusiast and expert, I possess comprehensive knowledge about men's clothing, particularly blazers, suits, and the nuances of styling for various occasions. Understanding the intricacies of tailored clothing, fabric selections, fitting techniques, and the impact of different styles on an individual's appearance allows me to provide insightful information.

The article delves into the significance of blazers as a versatile component of a man's wardrobe. It emphasizes the role of a blazer, particularly a classic navy blue one, as a fundamental piece that bridges the gap between formal suiting and casual attire. The piece outlines various styles of blazers—American, English, and Italian—each characterized by distinct features in terms of fit, structure, and detailing.

Key elements covered in the article include:

Blazer Styles: Highlighting the American, English, and Italian styles, discussing their unique characteristics, shoulder structures, lapel variations, and vent choices.
Blazer Buttons: Detailing the significance of buttons, ranging from traditional brass ones to more elaborate options like smoked-mother-of-pearl or gold, and suggesting seasonal variations to enhance versatility.
Blazer Fabrics: Discussing classic blazer fabrics such as blue worsted serge, navy worsted, or flannel wool, and mentioning how different weaves or patterns can transform the blazer into a sports coat for varied styling options.
Blazer Fit: Outlining the crucial aspects of a well-fitted blazer, such as shoulder width, chest allowance, sleeve length, and jacket length, akin to suit jackets or sports coats.
Blazer Pairings: Recommending suitable pairings with blazers, including gray flannel trousers, white cotton slacks, and quality denim like Levi 501s or 505s, while also advising on the formality of jeans based on color and style.

Moreover, the article underlines the importance of owning a well-fitted blazer and the difference a tailored garment can make. It stresses the advantages of opting for custom-made blazers to ensure a perfect fit, citing the expertise of Montagio Custom Tailoring in providing tailored solutions for men's attire.

This comprehensive coverage showcases an in-depth understanding of blazers, from their historical evolution to contemporary styling preferences, along with insightful guidance on fit, fabric, and pairings, making it a valuable resource for men seeking to refine their wardrobe choices.

If there are specific aspects or further details you'd like to explore regarding blazers or men's fashion, feel free to inquire for more tailored information or advice!