A navy blue jacket or blazer is a versatile men's fashion staple. Even if you hate formal style and dream of living the hippie life somewhere in Asia, even then a blazer can come in handy.
What is a blazer
In Russia, a blazer is usually called any sports jacket - that is, not part of a suit with trousers. This is not entirely true: the traditional blazer is a sports jacket, which is distinguished by its dark blue color and large metal buttons. Then there are variations. The blazer can be either single-breasted or single-breasted, with square or peaked lapels (peaked lapels are more common on double-breasted blazers, they are more formal), with one or two vents (a slit on the lower back of the jacket). Also, such a jacket can be fastened with two, less often with one or three buttons; pockets can be patch or with flaps.
A little history
There are several versions of the origin of the item itself and the word “blazer”. According to one of them, the first blazers were worn by members of the Cambridge University Rowing Club. These were bright red jackets, and during the swims it seemed that the boats were “blazing” (from the English word blaze - flame).
According to another version, in 1837, Queen Victoria of England was supposed to visit the royal military frigate H. M. S. Blazer, and the captain of the ship ordered a new uniform to be sewn for the crew - a kind of naval jacket akin to a pea coat.
One way or another, the blazer has a distinct “maritime” origin, hence the dark blue color and copper buttons with anchors.
Classic navy blazer with metal buttons
Which blazer to choose
Classic brass buttons on a blazer, in our opinion, look a little old-fashioned and take away from the versatility of the blazer. Matching buttons can give the impression that this is not a blazer, but a suit jacket. Therefore, we recommend choosing blazers with buttons that are slightly different in tone: for example, brown buttons made of bone or horn will go well with both the blazer itself and other items of clothing (for example, brown shoes or a belt).
What to wear with a blazer
The blazer owes its versatility to its amazing compatibility with anything and anytime - it looks great both during a regular walk around the city and at any event, from going to a club to a picnic in nature. What is especially important for men: you don’t have to worry about what things to wear with a blazer. Pair it with a modest shirt and jeans to create a great smart casual look. And any combination with some ridiculous item from your wardrobe will look like a fashion find of the season. In general, it’s really difficult to ruin a blazer or put it on at the wrong time.
The blazer can be easily combined with any wardrobe items
Classic accessories - a dark tie with large stripes, a simple buttonhole decoration and a pocket square - allow you to choose many successful combinations for one blazer-pants-shoes combination.
The blazer has not gone out of fashion for many years and allows you to create any stylistic image, from a strict business woman to a glamorous socialite.
What is a blazer?
A blazer is something between a jacket and a coat. This garment typically features metal buttons, patch pockets, and lapels. The loose cut of the blazer gives it a special charm. However, each figure should take into account its own characteristics. Girls with an athletic build (wide shoulders and narrow hips) should choose shortened models, slightly covering their hips. For plus-size women, longer blazers that should cover half the hips are suitable. Slender fashionistas are free to choose whatever they like. It is especially worth paying attention to a blazer in the “boyfriend” style, that is, very loose in cut and minimal decorative trim.
At the moment, models made of thick fabrics with shiny lapels to match are becoming increasingly popular.
What to wear with a blazer?
Initially, blazers were red flannel jackets of a specific cut that served as a kind of uniform for members of the Cambridge Lady Margaret Club. Later, starting in 1830, blazers began to be called any jackets for playing tennis and cricket.
Today, blazers are made from a variety of materials, allowing you to choose the best option for any weather conditions. Sleeve length can vary from ¾ to full size. The cuffs on the sleeves may differ from the color of the entire product.
Blazers can be either plain or with colorful prints. This allows you to wear this item of clothing in the summer with a skirt or dress.
This item can decorate even the simplest jeans and T-shirt, adding a certain severity along with elegance.
Many fashionistas manage to competently combine a blazer with things (skirts and shorts) that are shorter than the blazer itself. Of course, such an outfit must be approached carefully so as not to look vulgar, and yet it has the right to life.
white floral blazer
A dark blue blazer is one of the necessary and, importantly, functional items of a classic men's wardrobe. Since the thirties of the twentieth century, this type of jacket has been invariably in demand by men of any income and who prefer a variety of clothing styles: office workers, lovers of preppy culture and adherents of the classics.
The blazer owes its popularity to its amazing versatility - it looks appropriate both while walking along the embankment and at semi-formal events (except, of course, for funerals, as well as events with a black and white tie dress code), and can be combined with almost any clothing. It also fills the gap between a formal suit and casual wear: less formal than a suit, but significantly more formal than a sports jacket.
What is a blazer
In Russia, a blazer is usually called any sports jacket (that is, a jacket that is not part of a suit with trousers). This is not entirely true: the traditional blazer is a sports jacket, which is distinguished by its dark blue color and large metal buttons. Then there are variations: the blazer can be either double-breasted or single-breasted, with rectangular or peaked lapels (peaked lapels can be found more often on double-breasted blazers, they are more formal), with one or two vents (a slit on the lower back of the jacket). Also, the blazer can be fastened with two, less often one or three buttons, and the pockets can be patch or with flaps.
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“The blue blazer is a classic men's wardrobe staple. It goes well with almost everything and is suitable for almost any situation that doesn't require a suit. In this context, classic brass buttons can be a little old-fashioned. Dark blue buttons in some cases can give the impression that this is not a blazer, but a suit jacket. Personally, I like the natural bone color - it's neutral and goes well with brown shoes. For the more daring, white bone or horn buttons are suitable. Sets of buttons, by the way, are easy to find on eBay, don’t forget to look for them made of precious metals, as well as club ones. You may not belong to a fencing club, but sword buttons might look good on your blazer.” |
Blazer history
1.
Designer Thom Browne in Japanese magazine Free & Easy. 2.
Michael Caine in Get Carter with his typical 1970s wide lapels. 3.
Old catalogs. 4.
Team USA at the Beijing Olympics. 5.
The naval uniform from which the blazer most likely originated. 6.
Prince Charles in a blue double-breasted blazer
There are several versions of the origin of the item itself and the word “blazer”. According to one of them, the first blazers were worn by members of the Cambridge University Rowing Club; they were bright red jackets, and during the races it seemed as if the boats were “blazing” (from the English word blaze - flame).
According to another version, in 1837, Queen Victoria of England was supposed to visit the royal military frigate H. M. S. Blazer, and the captain of the ship ordered a new uniform to be sewn for the crew - a kind of naval jacket akin to a pea coat. One way or another, the blazer has a distinct “maritime” origin, hence the dark blue color and copper buttons with anchors.
Buttons
Some believe that a jacket with dark bone buttons can be called a blazer - one can argue here endlessly, in any case, massive, eye-catching buttons are a must. Many people change the buttons on their blazer immediately after purchase - for example, they sew on buttons with the school or college crest, monogram or other personal symbols instead of the factory ones. Someone even buys gilded or silver-plated buttons - these can then be passed on by inheritance. But the most popular option is, perhaps, copper buttons with an anchor.
BUTTONS FOR BLAZER B
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Blazer styles
The classic American style blazer has a natural shoulder contour with small shoulder pads, two buttons, one vent and a baggy fit. The English style includes more accentuated shoulders, a tapered waist and two vents. The most fashionable Italian style right now: a natural shoulder line, a minimally structured, figure-flattering silhouette. Lately there has also been a fashion for particularly narrow lapels, but don't give in to this temptation if you don't want the jacket to look out of place in a couple of years, classic proportions never go out of style.
How to Wear a Blazer
The good thing about a blue blazer is that it can be paired with almost any outfit. For more formal occasions, gray wool trousers, black shoes and a white shirt are suitable. A more relaxed option is a polo or a blue Oxford shirt with a button-down collar, chinos in cheerful colors or traditional blue jeans, suede shoes, penny loafers or desert boots - whatever you like.
Classic accessories - a dark tie with large stripes, a simple buttonhole decoration and a scarf in the breast pocket - allow you to choose many successful combinations for one blazer-pants-shoes combination. A blue blazer also works well with bow ties, but in this case you should consider a vest - otherwise too much of the shirt will be revealed.
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“In a strange way, the formality of a blazer is somewhere between a suit and a sports jacket. Too casual for an office dress code and too formal for most other situations, this metal button blazer finds its way to sporting events, parties and weekend getaways, paired with tan or cream trousers, auburn shoes, a plaid shirt and a casual tie. It also works well for cocktail parties and other late-night events when paired with gray trousers, a white shirt and black shoes.” |
What to look for when purchasing
The shoulders of the blazer should match your shoulders. Many parts of the jacket can be adjusted by a tailor, but the shoulders cannot. The sleeve must be at the level of the wrist, from under it the edge of the shirt cuff should be visible. In general, the sleeve can usually be shortened or lengthened slightly, but on more expensive blazers there will be work cuffs - in this case it will be a labor-intensive job and perhaps not with the best results. With the blazer button buttoned, you should be able to get your fist through at heart level. If the blazer doesn't cover your buttocks, it's too short. You should also pay attention to the placement of the buttons - the top button (or middle button on a three-button blazer) should be buttoned approximately at the waist to ensure a harmonious silhouette.
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One of the most popular style questions that is still asked today is: how to wear a jacket with jeans and remain fashionable?
The combination of these two things will allow you to come up with a look for work or for the evening, dress in the spirit of the 80s, using different models of jeans and blazers from different fabrics.
In any case, the jacket is a wardrobe classic. As New & Lingwood's marketing director Simon Maloney says: "Thirty years ago, the blazer and jeans were the ultimate style statement, but like many things in fashion, they can pose some challenges as it's not easy to wear two timeless pieces together."
Style rules: blazer + jeans
It seems that a blazer and jeans are a universal option. But alas, everything is so simple that it can be easy to make mistakes, so let's start with some basic rules. It would seem that everything is elementary - we take a suit, divide it and put on a blazer with jeans. This is the most common mistake. Another mistake is wearing said blazer with a plain white shirt and cut-off "dad" jeans that scream "hello" to all the school kids.
Thus, the key to success is the choice of jacket. The basic rule: it should not be part of a suit, however, it should have some formality and match the fabric of jeans and the item that you will wear under it (shirt, T-shirt).
Remember one thing: not all jackets have to be suit jackets and not all blazers have to look like a sailor's uniform with gold buttons. As for jeans - they also don't have to be classic 501 blue - experiment and select options.
Feel free to try different shades of blue, gray and black and pair them with trouser-style jeans, such as the Brunello Cucinelli Rolled Skinny Jeans. Try to provide contrast between the blazer and jeans - you don't need to match the shade of these items to make them the same color.
When it comes to blazers and jackets, there is a huge range of styles and colors that, when used together, give the group the perfect effortless casual and fresh look.
Midnight monochrome style
The non-office, non-black tie monochrome style that has become fashionable is an excellent option for different occasions, be it a work meeting or even a romantic date. And then, of course, you start wondering what the right combination of blazer and trousers will look like in this case. A monochrome look is when you wear thin black jeans, a classic light (white, gray, but also black) cotton shirt, that is, maintaining monochrome throughout, and complete the ensemble with a black or dark gray blazer or a modern evening jacket with a thin chest slit. “If you want something more sophisticated, wear a blazer and jeans in dark tones, plus the jeans should be a little tapered,” says top stylist Kenny Ho.
What to avoid
If the jeans are tapered, the jacket should be thin. And since this is a casual approach to a strong color, avoid accessorizing with a pocket square, as this will disrupt the purity of the look and weigh down the look too much. Complete the look with simple suede chukka boots or Chelsea boots.
Retro style
Retro is in fashion, there's no doubt about it. We can actively refer to some eras when creating an individual, advanced and modern style. The photos of Richard Gere in American Gigolo, where he was leaning carefree against the wall, wearing Armani with all his Hollywood sexuality, were simply magnificent. The double-breasted jacket and slightly wrinkled shirt, paired with high-waisted trousers, only enhance the actor's attractiveness.
This look is very easy to imitate, you can look like this effortlessly. "The trend lately has been to wear double-breasted jackets unbuttoned for a more casual take on this formal element," says stylist Ho. “Paired with jeans, the jacket looks very casual and fresh.”
Creating a retro look
For a trendy look, go for nineties-style jeans, either lightweight or high-top. These jeans can be paired with a simple double-breasted blazer worn over a simple T-shirt. To achieve an eighties look, choose a jacket in gray or blue tones; for a seventies look, choose brown tones. For footwear, you can go for a '50s rockabilly look that looks great with darker jeans and white socks, or Nike Air Force Ones for a more modern, understated look.
Work clothes
Wrinkled cotton jackets, fortunately, have not disappeared anywhere. We can vouch for this style. Without any lining, unstructured, simple. This is the type of jacket that you throw on a T-shirt, throw on jeans and just go anywhere. It should be noted that this style is ideal for men of all ages, the main thing is not to be afraid to experiment.
Suitable for all body shapes, muscular or petite, this is more than just a suit jacket. It goes great with a coat and will look great with any style of jeans. A faded blue or green will provide the best look, and stylists advise simply layering it with a T-shirt - either a regular one or a striped one that's reminiscent of summer - perfect for a workday or week. Wear a blazer paired with faded jeans - perhaps a 501 tone Levi's - and worn-out work boots, that's what's truly on trend.
New fashion
If you have a big meeting with a client on Friday morning, that means you shouldn't have any sweat on your clothes, unless your last name is Zuckerberg. You want to convince others of your professional knowledge and experience. But at the same time, you strive to look like a free, relaxed person, not afraid of experiments. This is a fine line, but it is achievable, and every man can create such a style for himself.
How to create a fashionable look
It's very easy to create a fashionable look. There is no need to resort to the services of stylists, because everything can be done yourself. Take one pair of darker denim trousers, add a soft caramel or fall-toned knit polo, and finish the look with a heavier, thin-lined, slim-neck (a little more structured) blazer, also in softer colors. Just a couple of movements, and you will create a fashionable image that will provide you with admiring glances from the opposite sex.
Autumn vacation
One of the advantages of experimenting with jackets in different textures is the ability to wear them with camel coats or gray coats. A wool or flannel jacket layered over knitwear is ideal for changing seasons and is versatile. It can accommodate a range of dress codes.
One of the best options is a turtleneck with a short neck, which can be worn well under a jacket in a natural shade. Pair it with dark, low-rise jeans with natural distresses and boots or off-season winter boots made of brown suede. Add a subtle patterned wool or cashmere scarf to your look and you'll have a great fall look without the need for a heavy coat.
Remember: you should never wear an untucked shirt with a blazer, especially over jeans. This look is only for country singers and not for stylish men. Use the ideas presented in this article and you will never make a mistake in choosing your fashionable look.
In Russia, an opinion has formed that a blazer is a jacket that is not an integral part of a suit. This is not a very precise definition, but it is not too far from the truth, so it can be used.
A blazer is usually made from lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics such as cotton and linen, and is less formal and more versatile than a “suit” jacket.
A distinctive feature of a classic blue blazer is the buttons. Under no circumstances should they be plastic! They come in copper, bone or horn, which emphasizes some old-fashionedness. The so-called club products are very popular - they have the symbols of various clubs, for example sports.
In the old days, the blazer came only in dark blue with brass buttons that featured an anchor. And now, this symbol emphasizes tradition and recalls the connection with the uniform of the British Navy, as well as the club jackets of rowers and yachtsmen of the late 19th - early 20th centuries.
On a modern blazer you can often see factory buttons, faceless, without any image, without coats of arms or mottos. Therefore, the owner often rips off those sewn on by the manufacturers and puts on his own - with monograms, the school’s coat of arms, the emblem of the yacht club, etc. You can read what to wear with a blazer in the article. 
Men's blazer colors, prints and styles
Striped blazer
Stripe is a universal men's print, but at the same time unusual, because... By changing the size and color of the stripes, we completely change the perception of a particular image. In 2015-2016, the most relevant will be the “golden mean”, i.e. stripes of medium size, black or blue and white.
Brands in whose collections you can find jackets with striped prints: Zara, M&S, J.Crew, Uniqlo, Ralph Lauren, ASOS, Jack Wills, Hackett.
Blazer in neutral colors
A jacket in beige, gray, or nude shades will look equally good in both casual casual looks and more formal ones in style.
Also, a blazer in neutral colors is perfect for the spring-summer period, because... Such shades reflect rather than absorb the sun's rays, so this jacket will be more comfortable in warm weather. The only thing is that for summer you should choose a looser style that will allow air to circulate.
Another advantage is that a blazer in “light” neutral shades is universal and can be combined with almost any wardrobe item of a darker color: shirt, shorts, jeans, etc.
By the way, you've probably heard the rule that the shirt should be lighter than the jacket, but in fact this only applies to formal suits and. In casual style there is complete freedom of action and practically no restrictions (within reason, of course), so if you are confident in compatibility, then why not?
Brands in whose collections you can find jackets of this color: Massimo Dutti, Uniqlo, ASOS, Reiss, Beams Plus, Mango Man, Boglioli, Oliver Spencer, Incotex.
Green blazer
Updating this article, I decided to add green as the most.
It may seem strange to many, but shades of green are universal and go well with many colors: white, gray, pink, blue, beige.
Pastel shades of blazer
Unlike neutral colors, pastels are muted, “diluted” shades of bright colors (eg: red-pink, blue-blue, green-mint, etc.).
The most common and universal is the sky blue shade, which suits almost everyone + most men will be comfortable in it. Bolder pastel shades of yellow, red, purple and other colors are suitable for men who love experiments and are confident in their sense of style.
Brands in whose collections you can find jackets of this color: Zara, ASOS, River Island, Reiss, Aspesi, Richard James, Mango Man, Gant, J.Crew, Austin Reed, Suitsupply.
Double breasted blazer
A classic style that creates the perfect masculine silhouette: powerful shoulders and a narrow waist. has always been considered a formal element of a men's wardrobe and was the lot of office workers only, but the transfer of this style to a blazer made it possible to create loose casual looks.
Brands in whose collections you can find double-breasted blazers: Suitsupply, Dunhill, River Island, Hardy Amies, Burberry, Mango Man, Noose & Monkey, Zara.
Blazer with pattern
The trend towards the use of patterns, from camouflage to men's clothing, has been visible for several years now. A small, barely noticeable print or a large, eye-catching print, the choice is great and depends on the specific image.
Brands in whose collections you can find printed blazers: Topman, ASOS, Sisley, Noose & Monkey, Zara, Mango, Ted Baker, Etro, Paul Smith.
Where to wear a blazer?
Firstly, some models fit into the dress code, as I wrote above.
Secondly, it can be worn to most semi-formal events (the only clear exception is funerals). It fits well into the atmosphere of sports competitions, cocktail and party parties.
Thirdly, these are ideal clothes for romantic walks, and of course, such jackets look good on embankments and ship decks 😉
