Blazers are making a resurgence these days and rightfully so. Long gone are the days where country clubs and Ivy League schools were the only appropriate places to wear a blazer; these days men are wearing blazers to work, out to the clubs and even while shopping at local markets.
Few things say style, sophistication and elegance like a well tailored blazer. Donning a Blazer is perhaps the easiest way for man to take his wardrobe from adequate to excellent with a minimal amount of investment and almost no time involved. However to avoid looking like a cheesy character from a1980s drama it is important to know what to look for when purchasing a blazer.
Fit is King
When purchasing a blazer the absolute most important thing you need to be aware of is picking a blazer that fits well. Blazers that fit poorly look sloppy and undo any positive fashion gains you hope to achieve by wearing one. Nothing says parking lot attendant or security guard quite as much as an ill fitting blazer.
The two main areas to consider when you are trying on blazers are the shoulders and the torso. The shoulders on the blazer should perfectly match your shoulders so that the garment doesn’t appear to be slouching over your frame as a result of a shoulder cut that is too wide. Similarly the blazer should fit around your torso snugly but not tightly. Ideally the blazer should follow the form of your body and accentuate the slimness of your waist and a broadness of your shoulders even if you are neither slim nor broad.
2 vs. 3 Rule
Blazers generally come with two or three buttons. A simple rule to keep in mind is that two buttons are more casual than three buttons. Therefore if you are wearing a blazer to work or a formal event three buttons would be the most appropriate, and if you are going out to a club a two button blazer will serve you well.
Single vs. Double-breasted
What style of blazer you choose depends on the style you are going for. Typically single-breasted blazers are much sportier, while the double-breasted one is more traditional. Double-breasted jackets were most popular in the 1980s but recently some designers have brought this jacket style back into their collection. Make sure to try each style on and see what looks and feels best.
Color Matters
As with all articles of clothing, color matters. Don’t feel confined to navy blue blazers even if they are traditional. Pick a color that matches the event you’re going to and your personality. So long as you look good in the color and your comfortable wearing it it’s an excellent choice.
Hendrik is an expert on mens fashion and style. Besides writing on what and what not to wear, he is the founder of online neck and bowtie retailer http://www.bows-n-ties.com
