I was recently asked by a reader how many blazers I had in my rotation. I thought that this was a great question that deserved its own blog post. I used to think that I only needed one blue blazer. Those were the days. I currently have 3 blue blazers and I have noticed that I still have a few holes to fill. Let me give you a quick run-down.
The first blazer up is my Madison fit Brooks Brothers 1818 3/2 sack blazer (pictured above). This blazer is my go-to-year-round blue blazer. It looks polished with grey flannels and at home with a pair of chinos. If I was going to recommend a first blazer it would be this one (or O’Connell’s worsted wool blazer). This is the type of blazer that is the cornerstone of a traditional business wardrobe. Also, this is the only blazer that I have purchased new and consequently it is the best fitting jacket that I have. There is a lesson in there.
Next, is my vintage Brooks Brothers wash-n-wear poplin blazer (above). This is a lightweight summer blazer with a relaxed look. Generally, you see wash-n-wear items sold as suits and similarly you will hear many people (mostly on clothing forums) advising you not to wear them as separates. This blazer helps to illustrate that it can be done. I love throwing this jacket on in the summer.
My newest blazer is a Deansgate blazer that was made for the Princeton University Store (above). This is another blazer made for warmer weather. Here it is not the material like the poplin blazer above that makes it suitable for warm weather, but the hopsack weave. Hopsack is a loose weave that allows for breathing. I actually had this blazer shortened about .5” (which deserves its own post). It is still a little big in the skirt area, but it has a fantastic lapel roll and drape to make up for it.
The three blazers above make up my rotation, but as I mentioned I do see a few gaps that will need to be filled at some point. The next blazer that I would like to add to my wardrobe is a fall/winter weight doeskin or flannel blazer. Doeskin and flannel are very similar in weight, but doeskin has less nap which may give it a hair of an edge in terms of formality. Both J.Press (pictured above) and O’Connell’s offerings are high on my list.
Although I already have two summer blazers I want another one. This blazer will be made from tropical weight wool. It is lighter than the hopsack blazer and more formal than my poplin blazer. Summer is a casual season, but business still happens and with this blazer you will be prepared. This one from J.Press looks great.
The blue blazer is one of the most iconic pieces of traditional American clothing. It is a workhorse. It can take you almost anywhere. If you are just starting out down this path I would start with a year round weight and add on from there, because as you can see the more you get the more you need.
