The Best Men’s Blazers To Wear All Year Long

You should always keep a quality blazer close by because you never know when the boss is going to drop by the office for a visit, and you never know when you’re going to be called into a last-minute meeting. Even if you’re wearing jeans and a casual button-down, you can throw on a blazer and immediately look more formal, more ready to kill it at an impromptu meeting, and more ready for celebratory drinks afterward with your boss somewhere nicer than you’re used to going. So check out some of our favorite blazers that’ll make you look amazing, the minute you throw it on.

Blazer History

The term itself first came about in 1825, when members of the Lady Margaret Boat Club at a college in Cambridge wore club jackets with bright red fabric. Blazer was used to refer to these striking red coats, and although the style has changed over the years, the name has stuck. In the modern age, they’re a popular choice for both men and women, and a true wardrobe staple that can elevate a business-casual outfit to business-formal, and complete a dressy getup with ease.

Blazers vs. Sport Coats

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 also typically solid in color and lighter in weight.

What to Look For

Material: Wool is a popular (and classic) choice because it’s versatile and durable, cotton is great if you want a more casual look, and linen is perfect for summer outfits. The material you go with should largely depend on the current season, but you can wear whatever feels comfortable.

Fit: Like other professional/dress garments, it’s best to have a true-to-size fit that’s (ideally) been tailored to your body. Check the chest, shoulders, and sleeves to make sure they’re not too tight and not too loose. 

Lapels: Peak lapels are great for formal outfits, while Notch lapels are a bit more versatile, making them a solid choice for both formal and casual situations. You’ll find shawl lapels on tuxedos and dinner jackets, and they’re the most formal option out of the bunch.

Style: Stick with classic shades like navy, gray, and black if you want a blazer that can go anywhere. But if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some style with patterns like pinstripes or checks.

Buttons: If you want a classic look, two buttons are the way to go. However, more modern versions may come with one or three, and they look just as good.

Flint and Tinder Corduroy Blazer

Best Corduroy Blazer: Flint and Tinder is your go-to for high-quality American heritage apparel and other rugged outdoor gear, but they do have some more formal apparel on offer, and this Corduroy Blazer is evidence of that. This structured blazer will look great over a flannel shirt, toeing the line between casual and just a little bit dressy, with a retro vice all its own. It has subtle whaling for a slim look, an unstructured design to keep it casual, and three pockets (two on the front and one on the chest) for ample storage options. You’re getting a majority cotton blend with a little bit of spandex for some added stretch.

Alex Mill Mill Blazer in Vintage Wash Chino

Best Chino Blazer: Alex Mill is known for its premium shirts, and it brings more of its signature material to your top half with this chino blazer. Washed and garment-dyed to make it feel broken in and comfortable, the blazer is available in Dark Navy or Faded Khaki and is perfect for a casual dinner while you’re on vacation somewhere beachy. There’s half-lining in the interior, and the blazer is finished with backer buttons and contrasted piping. The versatile style and material construction make this a great year-round pick for any outfit.

Relwen Flyweight Flex Blazer

Best Durable Blazer: Another blazer perfect for traveling (this is the kind of jacket that looks good even when it’s a little wrinkled), the Flyweight Flex Blazer from Relwen is made out of lightweight cotton (with a little bit of stretch), and is made to be stylized—the collar will stand up easily, and the sleeves are made to be rolled up. It’s garment washed for a personal feel right out of the box, and features a soft cotton sateen interior trim. Plenty of storage is provided by a welt chest pocket, two hand pockets, and a zipped storage pocket on the inside right chest.

Ministry of Supply Kinetic Blazer

Best Stretchy Blazer: Made with 100% Primeflex warp-knit Japanese polyester, this unlined blazer from Ministry of Supply is designed to provide the ultimate stretch, while still looking the part. It’s constructed with a 4-way stretch, and the ‘Kinetic’ fabric is naturally resistant to wrinkles and dries quickly, making this a great pick if you live in a climate prone to rain. How is it wrinkle-resistant? The fabric utilizes your body’s natural heat to release any wrinkles in the blazer, making this a convenient pick for travel as well.

Outerknown Crosby Blazer

Best Sustainable Blazer: Although Outerknown was launched by World Surf League Champion Kelly Slater, the brand still has a bunch of formal apparel on offer, and the Crosby Blazer is one of them. Crafted from a blend of wool from the Manteco Mill in Italy, TENCEL, and polyamide, this blazer will easily help you look more dressed up if the boss surprises you at the office on a Friday. You get two interior stash pockets, two welted waist pockets, and a welted chest pocket. A majority of the materials used are recycled, with two faux horn buttons tying this sustainable winner together.

Bonobos Jetsetter Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer

Best Italian Wool Blazer: This offering from Bonobos, the Unconstructed Italian Wool 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 unlined to ensure you don’t overheat when wearing it. It’s also available in slim, standard, or athletic fits, so this is a great choice if you need a more custom fit (and don’t have access to a tailor).

J.Crew Ludlow Legacy Blazer in Italian Wool

Best Versatile 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 slim-fit blazer is one of the label’s more casual offerings, but because it’s in navy, it looks totally business-appropriate. It’s made with 100% wool sourced from Vitale Barberis Canonico, an Italian family that’s been known for premium fabrics since 1663 (in fact, the Duke of Savoy was their first customer).

Todd Snyder Knit Madison Sport Coat

Best Italian-Made Sport Coat: We already know Todd Snyder is going to knock it out of the park when it comes to wardrobe staples made with premium fabrics, and you’re getting yet another with the Knit Madison Sport Coat. This sport coat is made from premium Italian cotton, and will easily make you look like a classic gentleman, especially when thrown over a sweater. It’s nipped in slightly at the waist, with natural shoulders, a double vent, and two pockets on the front. There’s another pocket on the chest called a barchetta (Italian for “little boat”) to really drive home the Italian design inspiration.

Polo Ralph Lauren Polo Soft Herringbone Sport Coat

Best Sport Coat: When it comes to classic formal attire done right, Ralph Lauren is always one to count on. This preppy sport coat has the look of a classic jacket, with some modern design choices to keep things fresh. It’s made with a wool-blend herringbone fabric with half-canvassed construction, and features natural shoulders in a trim fit. Lined with cupro, this coat is an elegant choice that’ll complete any formal outfit, and it’s available in multiple lengths (short, regular, or long).

The Best Affordable Suits for Men Right Now

If you’re ready to enter the world of suits, our best affordable suits guide covers some great picks at reasonable prices.