Did you know that there’s a difference between blazers and sport coats? There is, even if it’s subtle. The rule of thumb is this: sport coats are patterned (even if the pattern is subtle) and are typically made of thicker fabrics, like tweed or wool. Blazers are typically solid in color and lighter weight.
But regardless of whether you’re partial to blazers or sport coats (or refuse to acknowledge that there’s an actual difference between the two), pay attention to this life hack: keep a nice blazer or sport coat in your office at work. Yes, even if your office vibe is super casual. Why? Because you never know when the CEO is going to drop by the office for a visit. You never know when you’re going to be called into a last-minute meeting with the client. Even if you’re wearing jeans and a casual button-down, you can throw on a good blazer and immediately look more formal, more ready to kill it at an impromptu meeting, and more ready for celebratory drinks afterwards with your boss somewhere nicer than you’re used to going. Check out 18 of our favorite blazers and sport coats that will make you look amazing, the minute you throw it on.
Bonobos Washed Chino Blazer
Bonobos is known for its colorful chino pants, but it brings its signature material to your top half with its Washed Chino Blazer. Washed to make it feel broken in and comfortable, the blazer is available in gray or off-white, and is perfect for a casual dinner while you’re on vacation somewhere beachy.
ASOS Skinny Blazer
Crafted out of comfortable jersey material, this Skinny Blazer from ASOS will make you feel like you’re wearing a sweatshirt but you’ll look 100% professional because of its structured fit and nice sheen.
J. Crew Thompson Linen Blazer
If there’s a staple for suiting these days, it’s J. Crew’s Suit Shop. They have a variety of offerings that range from casual suits to formal tuxedos, and—as is often the case with J. Crew—you can’t go wrong with almost everything they have on offer. This Thompson Linen Blazer is one of the suit shop’s more casual offerings, but because it’s in gray, it looks totally business appropriate.
Steven Alan Plaid Blazer
Since the ‘90s, Steven Alan has been crafting wardrobe staples with a little whimsy injected into them. This Plaid Blazer is one of the brand’s best offerings, and it’s the perfect way for you to try out a pattern without being obnoxious about it.
LL Bean Signature Cord Blazer
LL Bean is your go-to for waterproof boots and other rugged outdoor gear, but they do have some more formal apparel on offer, and this Signature Cord Blazer is evidence of that. This structured olive green blazer will look great over a flannel shirt, towing the line between casual and just a little bit dressy.
Scotch & Soda Quilted Blazer
Half sweater, half blazer, this Quilted Blazer from Amsterdam-based Scotch & Soda is sure to turn heads just because it’s so unique. Crafted out of padded wool, it can easily stand in for your jacket on a Spring or Fall day.
Club Monaco Marled Wool Blazer
For situations where a cardigan wouldn’t be formal enough but a full-on suit would be too fancy, this Marled Wool Blazer from Club Monaco is perfect. Spun from soft and breathable marled wool and cotton blend, when you’re wearing this, you won’t mind dressing up.
Apolis Washed Linen Civilian Blazer
Apolis is a brand that brings goods from global small batch artisans to the masses, and this Washed Linen Blazer is one of their best offerings. Lightweight and durable, this navy blazer is perfect to wear while traveling.
J. Crew Crosby Blazer
Another offering from J. Crew, this Crosby Blazer—which is made from premium Italian wool—will make you look like a classic gentleman, especially when thrown over a sweater.
Bonobos Academy Blazer
Another offering from Bonobos, classic Academy Blazer will immediately make whatever you’re wearing look formal. Available in a variety of colors, this jacket is crafted out of premium Italian wool and is unlined to ensure you don’t overheat when wearing it.
Relwen Woodsman Blazer
Another blazer perfect for traveling (this is the kind of jacket that looks good even when it’s a little wrinkled), the Woodsman Blazer from Relwen is made out of wool, and is made to be stylized—the collar will stand up easily, and the sleeves are made to be rolled up.
J. Crew Ludlow Blazer
If you are a brave man (perhaps known for his bold sartorial choices), this Ludlow Blazer crafted out of Tartan English wool, is for you. Featuring greens, blacks, blues, and a touch of red, this is the blazer you’re going to wear to every holiday party from now until the end of time.
SuitSupply Havana Light Brown Blazer
SuitSupply is a one-stop-shop for suits—from formal to casual—with in-house tailoring and affordable price points. But if you’re just in the market for a blazer or sport coat and not a full suit, they’re still a good place to go to. This Havana Light Brown Blazer is perfect to keep handy during warm weather—made out of silk linen, it’s half-lined to prevent sweating, and will look great at the bar of your father-in-law’s country club.
Gant Rugger Navy Slim-Fit Blazer
Launched in New England in 1949 by Bernard Gant, Gant Rugger offers preppy apparel with European influence, and its Navy Slim-Fit Blazer is one of its best offerings. Every man should have a high-quality navy blazer hanging in his closet, and this one is so well-crafted that it will be the only one you’ll ever have to buy.
Outerknown Boundary Blazer
Although Outerknown was launched by World Surf League Champion Kelly Slater, the brand still has a bunch of formal apparel on offer, and this Boundary Blazer is one of them. Crafted from a blend of organic cotton and hemp, the slate colored blazer will easily help you look more dressed up if the boss surprises you at the office on a Friday.
SuitSupply Washington Brown Check Blazer
Another offering from SuitSupply, this patterned Washington Brown Check Blazer will make you look instantly dapper. Made from a high-quality Alpaca wool blend, the jacket is half-lined, but substantial enough to wear in the winter months.
Oliver Spencer Grey Portland Herringbone Blazer
Crafted from a blend of lambswool and cotton, the Grey Portland Herringbone Blazer features a subtle herringbone pattern and has Oliver Spencer’s signature red button closure for extra flair.
Paul Smith Navy Wool-Twill Blazer
From legendary British designer Paul Smith comes this Navy Wool-Twill Blazer, which is crafted in Italy from premium 100% wool. The blazer is all business when buttoned up, but—as is typical in Paul Smith creations—there’s a bit of whimsy when you take it off, revealing a brightly-colored “blanket stripe” lining.
