The Complete Guide to Classic Men’s Blazers
A classic blazer is one of the most versatile pieces in any menswear wardrobe. Perfect for occasions where you want to look polished without wearing a full suit, blazers can be dressed up or down depending on the event. Whether you’re attending a wedding, heading to the office, or enjoying a smart-casual outing, a well-chosen blazer adds style and confidence.
What is a blazer?
A blazer is a tailored jacket that doesn’t form part of a suit, yet is still considered suitable for formal or smart-casual occasions.
The origins of the blazer are debated. Some say it began with Cambridge rowers, who wore brightly coloured jackets as athletic uniforms — the vivid red “blazers” giving the style its name. Others trace it back to 1837, when the Royal Navy ship HMS Blazer prepared for a visit from Queen Victoria and commissioned new blue double-breasted jackets for the crew.
Regardless of its exact origin, blazers quickly became a staple in menswear and are now suitable for weddings, work events, and smart-casual occasions.
Blazer vs Suit Jacket - Blazers are slightly less formal than suit jackets. The key difference is that a classic blazer stands alone, while a suit jacket is usually designed to be worn with matching trousers. A classic blazer adds style and polish to your wardrobe without the full commitment of a suit.
Men’s blazer styles
When shopping for classic blazers, you’ll most often come across two main styles: single-breasted blazer and double-breasted blazer.
Single-Breasted Blazers -
- Usually feature 1–3 buttons (sometimes more).
- Versatile for work, social events, or weddings.
- Comfortable, easy to style, and essential for any menswear wardrobe.
Double-Breasted Blazers -
- Feature two parallel columns of buttons with a fold-over front.
- Typically more formal; perfect for weddings, evening events, or special occasions.
- Less common but make a bold, sophisticated statement when styled correctly.
Blazer Fabrics: Choosing the Right Material
The fabric you choose affects style, comfort, and suitability for the season.
How to wear a blazer
Blazers are incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down, but this means that it’s not always easy to work out how they should be styled. Here, we’re going to break it down, so you know exactly how to wear a blazer, whatever colour it might be.
What to wear with a grey blazer
Grey blazers are arguably the most versatile, which means there are plenty of ways to wear one. For example, for work, you could pair yours with a pair of slim-fit trousers in black, brown or navy. And, they can be layered over a formal or casual shirt, a jumper, or a T-shirt.
These days, you can get away with throwing on a pair of stylish trainers if you’re going to quite a casual event. But, otherwise, a pair of Chelsea boots or brogues in brown or black will complement your outfit perfectly.
What to wear with a navy blazer
Navy blazers tend to look quite polished and are almost as versatile as their grey counterparts. Again, they can be worn over a casual shirt or jumper for a pulled together look, while a round-neck T-shirt will also work very well for more casual occasions. Pair a navy blazer with a pair of jeans in a medium or grey wash, unless you’re going for a smarter look — if so, a slim-fitting pair of grey or tan trousers will complement your jacket perfectly.
What to wear with a tweed blazer
A tweed blazer will always be quite formal, which means they look best layered over a formal shirt or smart jumper. You can give your look a more casual twist by pairing your tweed blazer with some dark wash jeans or a pair of tan chinos.
How to wear a blazer with jeans
When you’re choosing a blazer that you can wear with jeans, it’s very important that you pick the right colour. Navy is typically a failsafe option, because the colour is incredibly versatile and will complement a range of denim shades. Grey is also a great choice, thanks to the fact that there are so many different hues to choose from. If you want to go for a more classic look, tweed can also look great with denim.
Of course, any outfit styled with jeans is going to be inherently casual. And, you have a number of options when it comes to what you want to wear your blazer with: a casual shirt, T-shirt, or thin knit would all work well.
How to Measure and Fit a Blazer
A well-fitting blazer is key to looking sharp:
1. Chest – Measure the fullest part of your chest; tape should be snug but not tight.
2. Shoulders– Measure across the top of your back; blazer should allow natural arm movement.
3. Length– For standard fit, measure from shoulder to top of thighs. The bottom of the blazer should fall 1–2 inches above the thighs.
Check your measurements against our size guide for men’s jackets and blazers to find your perfect fit.
Final Tips for Choosing a Classic Men’s Blazer
When buying a blazer, consider:
With these tips, you can confidently select a classic men’s blazer that complements your menswear wardrobe and elevates your style for any occasion.
Shop our collection of men's jackets and blazers today!.