Choosing a Men's Blazer: What You Should Know

Choosing a Men's Blazer: What You Should Know

Searching for a new men's blazer? If you are reading this, I'm assuming the answer is yes. Blazers offer a stylish, versatile form of outwear that can be worn for virtually any occasion. Whether you are attending an important business meeting or just heading into town to run errands, you can't go wrong with a blazer. But with so many different styles of blazers available, how do you know which one to choose?

The Color

First and foremost, decide what color you want in a men's blazer. Blazers have traditionally been made in either navy or black, although there are now dozens of alternative colors available. Black offers a more formal and sophisticated appearance, whereas navy is semi-formal. If you plan on wearing the blazer with a suit, consider the color of your pants and choose a similar color for your blazer. Remember, you want to create a cohesive appearance in which all of your garments flow together -- and this means using the same or similar colors.

The Buttons

One of the characteristics that distinguishes blazers from standard suit jackets and coats is the use of metallic buttons. While there are always exceptions to this rule, most blazers today are made with either gold or silver metallic buttons. Choose a blazer with buttons to match the rest of your outfit. Many guys prefer to wear gold watches, in which case a blazer with similar gold-colored buttons would suffice.

The Fabric

Men's blazers are available in a wide variety of different fabrics. Worsted wool is by far the most common choice, as it offers a semi-thick, durable, and comfortable characteristics that make it ideal for the upcoming winter weather. But when spring and summer roll around, you may want a lighter blazer, such as cashmere. Read the care label on the back of the blazer to determine what types of fabric it is made of.

2, 3 or 6-Breasted

There are three primary types of blazers: 2, 3, and 6-breasted. 2-breasted blazers are by far the most popular, as they offer the perfect combination of modern style with classic elegance. However, 3-button blazers have also been gaining ground. As the name suggests, they are designed with 3 buttons instead of the standard 2, adding a subtle new element to this garment. And 6-button blazers go one step further by introducing half a dozen buttons on the front.