Are you looking to buy a new blazer? With their semi-formal style,
blazers are one of the most versatile types of men's outerwear on the market. Unfortunately, though, there's a lot of misinformation out there on the topic of blazers. Neglecting to separate the facts from the fiction may lead you down the wrong path. To ensure you choose the perfect blazer for your personal needs and preference, you shouldn't believe the seven following misconceptions about men's blazers.
#1) Blazers Are the Same as Suit Jackets
While similar, blazers aren't the same as suit jackets. By definition, a blazer is a semi-formal jacket that can be worn for either casual or formal occasions. In comparison, a suit jacket is a formal jacket that, as the name suggests, should be worn exclusively for formal occasions. To the unsuspecting eye, blazers look the same as suit jackets. With that said, blazers are typically less formal, thereby offering greater freedom regarding how and when they are worn. If you're looking for a formal jacket, you should stick with a suit jacket. But if you want a more versatile semi-formal jacket, perhaps a blazer is the right choice. Blazers are universally more casual than suit jackets, making them a versatile choice of men's outerwear.
#2) You Must Wear a Blazer With Formal Trousers
Another common misconception about blazers is that they must be worn in conjunction with
formal trousers. Granted, you can always wear suit trousers -- or any other type of formal trousers -- with a blazer. However, many men prefer to wear casual pants, such as denim jeans, with their blazer. Assuming you choose form-fitting, indigo-colored jeans, they'll naturally complement the appearance of your blazer to create a stylish and cohesive outfit. Alternatively, you can wear khakis or chinos with a blazer. One of the great things about blazers is their superior level of versatility, meaning you aren't limited to wearing a specific type of pants or trousers.
#3) Blazers Are a Modern Form of Men's Outerwear
Contrary to what some people believe, blazers aren't a new or otherwise modern form of men's outerwear. They've actually been around since the early 1800s. According to Wikipedia, the English rowing club Lad Margaret Boat Club coined the term "blazers" to describe the red-colored, semi-formal jackets worn by their members. Throughout the 1800s and 1900s, other men and women began wearing blazers. Since then, blazers have become one of the most popular types of outerwear. While they are most commonly worn by men, many women wear them as well. A blazer is a smart investment that can help you achieve better-looking outfits.
#4) Blazers Are the Same as Spots Coats
It's also worth mentioning that a blazer isn't the same as a
sports coat. Upon hearing the terms "blazer" and "sports coat," many people assume they refer to the same type of semi-formal men's outerwear. In reality, though, a blazer is slightly more formal than its sport coat counterpart. There are three primary types of men's outerwear: suit jackets, blazers and sports coats. As previously mentioned, suit jackets are the most formal and, thus, should only be worn for formal occasions. Blazers are slightly more formal and can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. Sports coats are the least formal of the three options. You can still wear a sports coat for either casual or formal occasions, but they lack the intricate designs and high-end craftsmanship as blazers and suit jackets.
#5) All Blazers Are Dry Clean Only
It's true that some blazers are dry clean only, meaning you should only clean them by taking them to a local dry cleaners, but not all blazers fall under this category. When shopping for a blazer, check the care tag for more information on how to clean it. All high-quality blazers feature a care tag that includes instructions from the manufacturer on how to clean and maintain the blazer. If the blazer's care tag says "dry clean only," you should take it to a local dry cleaners for professional cleaning. If it doesn't say "dry clean only," on the other hand, you can clean it in the washing machine with your other clothes and garments.
#6) You Can Only Wear a Blazer During the Winter
Don't assume that you can only wear a blazer during the winter months. Whether it's spring, summer, fall or winter, you can wear a blazer during any time of the year. Blazers offer just the right amount of thermal protection to keep you warm and comfortable but not hot. When the temperature begins to drop, you can wear a blazer with a thick undershirt to stay warm. During the spring and summer months, you can choose a thinner, lighter undershirt. The bottom line is that you can wear a blazer year-round. There's no rule stating that blazers should only be worn during the winter months.
#7) Blazers Are Only Available in Traditional Fabrics
You can find blazers available in a variety of fabrics. While traditional fabrics like cotton and wool are some of the most popular choices, though, blazers are available in many other fabrics. Here at
StudioSuits, for example, you can purchase a high-quality denim blazer. The
Red Selvedge Denim Blazer lives up to its namesake by featuring a red-colored selvedge denim construction. It offers a unique denim style that's not found in traditional blazers. If you're looking to make a fashion statement by differentiating yourself from the crowd, you should consider purchasing a denim blazer such as this. As you can see, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions pertaining to blazers. To get the most value out of this classic form of men's outerwear, you must choose the right type. By familiarizing yourself with these blazer myths and misconceptions, you'll be able to choose the perfect blazer. Just remember to focus on quality, as some blazers are made with higher-quality fabrics and better craftsmanship than others.
