Despite the negative association of resentment and a need to rebel against “the system” that enforced the school blazer, outside the school gates men’s blazers play a rather more sophisticated role.
In essence, a blazer is just the top (best) half of a suit, sawn off and given the freedom to mingle with whichever trousers or jeans it pleases. For that reason, a smart, well-fitted blazer possesses a transformative power, injecting elegance into an otherwise unexciting outfit.
It is the ultimate smart-casual piece, and after a year of sweet little opportunity to wear one, now’s the time to invest in a brand new blazer for fancy dinners and evenings out which will soon fill out your calendar again. So, shed your school-day fears and embrace this most versatile tool to have in your wardrobe. From Cos to Gucci, here’s our pick of the best blazers a man can buy right now.
OLIVER SPENCER
Cultivating a modern, British aesthetic, Oliver Spencer’s collections are inspired by the worlds of art and architecture, as well as the city of London. In an indigo blue hue, this Finsbury blazer from Oliver Spencer captures a laidback feel courtesy of its unstructured shape and cotton-seersucker fabrication.
UNIQLO
More often than not with style simple is best and that’s why we often turn to Uniqlo’s essentials. This unisex blazer has been cut with a relaxed silhouette so it sits a little oversized while wearing. The result? Straight up elegance, especially if you pair it with a cream turtleneck underneath.
POLO RALPH LAUREN
Think The Addams Family‘s Gomez, but given a stylish, preppy makeover… and sans moustache. With bright white pinstripes standing out against a light navy blue, this blazer by Polo Ralph Lauren is clean-cut, sharp, and elegant. Complete with wide peaked lapels and a double-breasted fastening, it takes notes from styles of the ’60s, updating them for the modern man.