Modern Blazers: A Buyer's Guide to Casual & Formal Tailoring
As our patience with overhyped, bot-addled streetwear and sneaker drops dwindles, it’s only natural that we’re turning towards slower, more timeless styling. The rise in popularity of more formal pieces is present across the board, from the sneakers-to-loafers trend through to Brendon Babenzien’s J. Crew takeover. But, the piece that really embodies our new, grown-up tastes is the blazer.
Men’s blazers are a difficult game to play. You don’t want to go over the top and end up forcing it, but, equally, there’s not much worse than a badly fitted, scruffy blazer. That’s why it’s essential to plan ahead. We’ve split this article into casual blazers and formal blazers, narrowing down the scope for you to make a blunder.
In the casual blazers section, brands like Our Legacy and Wales Bonner show the power of sprezzatura — the art of effortlessness — while our formal blazers selection looks to names like Balenciaga and Acne Studios to prove that formal doesn’t always mean boring.
We rounded up 10 of the best men’s blazers of the season. Keep scrolling to find out which blazer works for you. Plus, keep in mind that you can secure free two-day postage on all of the blazers below.
Shop the best casual and formal blazers for men below.
Casual Blazers
Émigré
Émigré is a label proving that you don't need a long history to get in on the world of tailoring. The young label is crafting some of the best casual tailoring around. Fitted with features like hidden zipped pockets and a wrinkle-resistant 100% OEKO-TEX® certified Italian Marzotto wool build, this blazer is ideal for when you're on the move but need to keep things looking sharp.
Wales Bonner
Wales Bonner takes inspiration from workwear for this casual blazer. Large patch pockets punctuate the design at the hips and chest, combined with contrast stitching which frames the golden hue.
Dries Van Noten
A very easy way to minimize the formality of a blazer is by adding a print or a bold color. Dries Van Noten positions bold notches against a maroon backdrop to make sure that this blazer is striking but not too much.
Our Legacy
In similar style to the Wales Bonner option, this Our Legacy blazer typifies what we look for in casual blazers. The relaxed tailoring means that it's easy to style over a fresh oxford shirt or something more laid-back like a T-shirt or even a hoodie.
Polo Ralph Lauren
There's little debate around the fact that Ralph is the king of casual blazers. The prep OG knows a thing or two about relaxed tailoring and which fabrics to use. In this case, lightweight wool complete with a herringbone motif.
Men's Formal Blazers
Acne Studios
Acne Studios' Scandi minimalism shines through here. The classic, single-breasted build means that while this blazer would certainly work at a formal event, it's also possible to dress down.
Gucci
When it comes to men's blazers that make you drool a little, Gucci is top of the list. Take this double-breasted masterpiece, fitted with gold buttons. It's a reminder that suits were designed to make you feel powerful and important.
Balenciaga
Balenciaga of yore would have taken the formal assignment seriously but under Demna's control, the label couldn't possibly pass up on this opportunity to subvert. This blazer has been flipped inside out to give it typical Balenciaga character.
Givenchy
Matthew Williams has done wonders when it comes to giving Givenchy's tailoring unique character. Bringing in aspects like the Padlock fastening means that the blazer feels modern and carries the sleek finish we associate with Williams' Givenchy.
Gucci pt.2
Big lapels are the name of the game here. This shows that even within the formal blazers realm, there's room to have fun with proportion and print.
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