Why Everybody Loves A Blazer

You can make a stylish statement with the right blazer. But do you know what to look for when choosing one?

V. Kumara Swamy Updated: Sep 14, 2020 19:24:11 IST
2020-09-14T19:18:18+05:30
2020-09-14T19:24:11+05:30
Why Everybody Loves A Blazer Photo: Shutterstock

The blazer has many stories related to its origin. From a rowing team donning it for the first time in Cambridge, to the captain of a naval ship, HMS Blazer, making his crew wear it to welcome Queen Victoria on board, there is no definitive incident that marks the invention of this style. But the blazer has been around for almost two centuries. 

The evolution

When it first came into being sometime in the 19th century, it basically meant a thigh-length, double-breasted jacket with brass buttons on the sleeves. The blazer has undergone several changes over centuries. From being available primarily in shades of black and blue, blazers can now be found in bright colours and are made of different kinds of fabric.

A blazer is neither a suit jacket nor a casual sports jacket, but is somewhere in between. It’s what some would call ‘smart casual’. You can pair it with trousers and denim pants, and wear it to work, parties, or even weddings. So, what are the things you need to keep in mind when choosing a blazer? 

Size

The worst thing you can do with a blazer is to wear it the wrong way, with the wrong fit. Getting the right fit around the shoulders can be a bit tricky—it shouldn’t be too tight, nor should it sag. If the shoulder fit is not right, your hand movement will feel restricted. It is said that a blazer should cover 80 per cent of your back. Many like to wear shorter blazers, but you need not go too short here.

Sleeves 

The sleeves of your blazer should allow a little bit of visibility to your shirt’s cuffs. When choosing a blazer, see to it that you try it out with your long-sleeved shirt. 

Mind the collar gap 

When your blazer is not sitting neatly around the back of your neck and there is a gaping space between the collar of your shirt and the collar of your blazer, you should know that you are wearing an ill-fitted blazer.  

Fabric and style

Should you go for a single-breasted or a double-breasted blazer? It depends on when you would like to wear it. The double-breasted blazer looks more formal, whereas the former can be worn to a date, a wedding, a dinner with friends or even to a sporting event.

As for the fabric, you can choose from wool, tweed, cotton twill, linen and velvet. Tweed and linen blazers can be paired with almost anything and can be worn to all kinds of occasions. You should always go for a blazer that suits your style. 

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