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No matter the time, place or occasion, rely on this bitesized blazer style guide to see you dressed to impress this season.
The blazer is indispensable for those moments in life when you need to look put-together, but don’t want to wear a suit. Most modern office dress codes tend to be more ‘business casual’ than ‘formal’ today; so a blazer, open-collar shirt in sky blue or white poplin and washed cotton chinos are the perfect solution. We also like to see a silk pocket square in the top pockets of our blazers – something with a splash of colour and pattern is a chic finishing touch to a tailored look.
Plain navy blue is the traditional colour choice for a blazer, but black or airforce blue are just as versatile. For anyone looking to invest in a modern take on the classic, our Proper Blazer is just the thing. It comes in the aforementioned three colours and is cut from softly textured pure wool basketweave fabric that breathes in warm temperatures for year-round comfort.
Of course, blazers don’t have to be plain. Patterned tailored jackets in tweeds, linens, checks and herringbones are just as elegant and add some interest to a plain shirt and trousers. Most blazers are single-breasted with notched lapels and flap hip pockets, but jackets with patch pockets at each hip are just as useful and that little bit more relaxed. With this in mind, we think blazers with patch pockets work well with dark jeans and polo shirts.
Like all our tailoring, the Proper Blazer is made with a canvas chest piece for a superior fit and trimmed with traditional details like polished corozo nut buttons and a panelled lining. It even comes in both classic and slim fits too.
Tailoring today doesn’t need to be formal. Blazers are easily dressed down with the right pieces. Wear yours off-duty layered with our fine merino knitwear, open collar shirts and five pocket trousers (or even chino shorts in summer). Stick to classic colours in your knits, and subtle checks or stripes in your shirts for a truly timeless look that will take you anywhere.
The only thing to watch out for is which blazer buttons to fasten. You shouldn’t really fasten the bottom button on a blazer, said button is purely ornamental and a strange hangover from 19th century hacking jackets. Stick to the button at your waist and you won’t go far wrong.
You might not believe us, but the blazer was originally the 19th century equivalent of a sweatshirt. It was worn by college sportsmen, normally rowers or rugby players, over their sports kit to warm up beside the pitch between matches (or down by the river before heading out onto the water). The name comes from a throwaway reference in a newspaper article written in 1825, which complimented the “blazing red” jackets of Cambridge University’s Lady Margaret Boat Club before a regatta. It’s funny how these things catch-on sometimes.
If in doubt, you can think of blazers as your smart-casual go-to – always dependable and seldom out of place. We don’t advise that you row or play rugby in them, but our collection of blazers is on-hand to see you through the season and beyond in fine style.
