There are subtle differences between blazers, sport coats and suit jackets. For instance, blazers are typically solids while sport coats are sometimes patterned, but oftentimes the terms are used interchangeable. Here, we put our fashion expertise to the test and found the best blazers for men: Charles Tyrwhitt’s Proper Blazer is our top pick overall for a traditional look while Bonobos’s Jetsetter Blazer is your best bet for an unstructured option. For affordability, you can’t beat Uniqlo’s AirSense Jacket, and if you have an athletic build, you’ll want State & Liberty’s Stretch Blazer.
The best blazers for men are stylish, comfortable and made to last. Dress Wholesale
A good blazer is the foundation of countless men’s outfits. It’s a foolproof wardrobe staple that can elevate jeans or work pants for office days, and polish up your style on nights out or weddings. The best blazers for men are cut from breathable fabrics, with an impeccable fit and well-executed details. Below, you’ll find all our top recommendations, along with additional shopping tips at the end.
Sizes: 36 to 48, in Classic and Slim | Colors: 3 total, including Indigo and Black | Materials: 100% wool
British retailer Charles Tyrwhitt really excels at well-made menswear at reasonable prices. Details such as flap pockets, four-button cuffs and subtle AMF stitching (i.e. stitching around the edges of the jacket, lapel and pockets) make this style a popular, all-around pick. It has a soft shoulder and slight texture, so it’s less formal than a structured suit jacket, but still crisp enough for the office or dinners out.
What the reviews say: “Fits exceptionally well, and great for both professional and casual settings.” —Charles Tyrwhitt
Sizes: XXS to 3XL | Colors: 3 total, including Dark Grey and Navy | Materials: 100% polyester
Uniqlo was founded in Hiroshima, Japan, in 1984, and the company’s signature has always been casual, good-quality-yet-affordable basics. This jacket has a rounded, unstructured shoulder, and the performance fabric is lightweight with two-way stretch. It’s also machine washable, which is a huge plus. Reviewers describe it as giving “enough space and flexibility while maintaining its sense of formality” and “ideal for a date or a night on the town with family or friends.”
What the reviews say: “I was duly impressed with this jacket, everything about it. It sure looks more expensive than it is, nicely designed and tailored, incredibly versatile and the perfect weight, too.” —Uniqlo
Sizes: 36 to 46, in Standard, Slim and Athletic | Colors: 8 total, including Navy and Light Grey | Materials: 100% wool
Two of the signature pillars of Bonobos clothing are comfort and style, which this blazer is all about. Popular with working professionals since it transitions well from work to going out, the sleek Jetsetter is unlined and lightweight, making it ideal for warmer days, too.
What the reviews say: “Nice jacket, goes with most shirt/trouser combinations. One of those rare jackets that is actually wearable during the East coast summer, but fabric also works in cooler weather.” —Bonobos
Sizes: 32 to 48, in Regular, Short and Long | Colors: Navy (although you can choose from a wide variety of the company’s fabrics) | Materials: 100% wool
Founded in 2000, Dutch men’s suit brand Suit Supply creates bespoke suiting at more reasonable prices than typical custom suit makers. This slim fit blazer features classic details like flap pockets and a notch lapel, and it eliminates shoulder padding for a more casual look. You can customize everything, though, to suit your preference—from the vent to the buttons to the stitching—with delivery in just two to three weeks.
What our senior fashion editor says: “There’s nothing like a custom-fit blazer in terms of style and quality. Suit Supply makes the process incredibly easy: You submit your measurements online, which are kept on file for future orders, and then you receive a bespoke blazer in a few weeks. The process is not as fast as ordering a ready-made blazer but the design will likely fit you much better.” —Kari Molvar
State and Liberty Clothing Company
Sizes: 36 to 48 | Colors: 9 total, including Heathered Navy and Black | Materials: Rayon, nylon, polyester, spandex blend
Steven Fisher and Lee Moffie founded State & Liberty in 2015 with the goal of creating dress shirts and suiting to accommodate and flatter athletic builds. This blazer, made with breathable, lightweight, moisture wicking fabric, is great for sporty guys who may be looking for a bit more room in the arms and chest. The two-button style has lightly padded shoulders, medium notch lapels and a double vent, and the sleeves have room to be taken up or down. State & Liberty also offers full custom sizing.
What the reviews say: “I wore this to an outdoor event and was worried I was going to be heating up in it. It’s very well built, yet breathable and comfortable. I’ve always felt blazers were restrictive but this was not at all.” —State & Liberty
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 2 total, including Deep Navy and Toasted Coconut | Materials: 94% cotton, 6% elastane
Cotton, by nature, is a more casual fabric than wool, and this minimalist performance blazer from ethical and sustainable brand Everlane gives off an unpretentious-but-business vibe. It has four-way stretch, and it’s quick drying and sweat wicking, so you can get through the day comfortably. For the best sizing, pay close attention to the detailed size chart for specific measurements.
What our senior fashion editor says: “Everlane really delivers quality menswear at affordable prices, and this chino blazer is great for all seasons, and can easily be dressed up or down, which makes it a versatile pick.” —Kari Molvar
Sizes: 34 to46, in Regular, Short and Long | Colors: 5 total, including Navy and Light Khaki | Materials: 100% cotton (although the Ludlow is available is also available in wool)
J.Crew’s Ludlow suiting has been a bestseller since its launch in 2008 for its flattering fit and quality craftsmanship at an affordable price. This blazer—in a less formal chino fabric—is in an updated, sleek silhouette that makes it equally appropriate for the office, work and nights out. This pick also comes in three different lengths.
What the reviews say: “A bit more formal than I anticipated but a well constructed suit that will serve me well in contexts where a jacket is needed. The back is left unlined making it a good choice for warmer weather. I’m going to dress it down with denim and a nice crisp fitted shirt left open.” —J.Crew
Sizes: 38 to 46| Colors: 4 total, including Baltic and Branch Green | Materials: 73% polyamide, 27% elastane
Since 1997, Theory has created modern, well-fitting wardrobe essentials. True to the company’s DNA, this sport coat’s versatility makes it an integral player in your wardrobe. It can be dressed up or down easily, and it has a lot of stretch and doesn’t wrinkle easily so it’s great for travel. Some reviewers note that they sized down in this style.
What the reviews say: “I am so happy I discovered the ‘precision pointe’ material. This material makes me enjoy wearing a suit. It’s the equivalent of wearing athletic clothing. Will be buying more colors.” —Nordstrom
Sizes: 34 to 44 | Colors: Black | Materials: 64% polyester, 34% viscose, 2% elastane
Think of this jacket as a modern twist on a classic. While most blazers are two-button styles, this coat features a single-button closure long with narrow lapels and a skinny fit. Reviews say this is great for tall, lanky builds. Pair it with your favorite jeans for weekends or nights out.
What the reviews say: “This jacket is the best fitting jacket I have ever purchased. It is perfect for my tall thin frame. Very sharp looking and very professional. Extremely well built.” —Nordstrom
Sizes: XS to XXL | Colors: 3 total, including Black and Classic Navy | Materials: 77% polyester, 23% elastomultiester
Lululemon has been making athletic wear in technical fabrics since 1998, and they’ve produced another winner with this easy care, slim fit, business casual blazer. It’s lightweight, water repellant and has two-way stretch and eyelets for ventilation, so you’ll look good whether you’re traveling across town to a meeting, racing to catch a flight at the airport, or wearing it out on a vacation abroad. Also great: There’s never a need for a dry cleaner—it’s machine washable.
What the reviews say: “I needed a travel jacket for Europe and a convention that wouldn't be as bulky. Granted, I am 5'10, 215 and rather on the solid side so was hesitant on the fit. Tried it on, fit like a glove (minus the sleeves being too long) but easily fixable as Lululemon will take in the sleeves for you on the house if you take it to any store.” —Lululemon
Sizes: 34 to 50, in Short, Regular and Long | Colors: 2 total, including Blue and Gray | Materials: 99% responsible wool standard (RWS) wool, 1% elastane
It can be challenging for guys with larger frames to find well-fitting suits that aren’t baggy or boxy without going to a tailor. This bestselling Banana Republic blazer comes in an inclusive size range, up to 50, and has a tailored fit that’s not clingy, and an articulated sleeve and natural shoulder for comfortable movement. Other key details include a single vent, notch lapel, two-button front, and three exterior and three interior pockets.
What the reviews say: “Lightweight Italian wool suit jacket that actually fits my athletic build right off the rack! I have a 10 inch drop which usually requires a bespoke or made to measure suit at a much higher price but I got lucky with this find.” —Banana Republic
Sizes: 34 to 55 (made to measure) | Colors: Navy | Materials: 100% wool
Indochino is a custom suit maker, but without the hassle of having to go into a showroom (unless you want to). You measure yourself at home in ten minutes—with help from a step-by-step video guide—and customize everything from the pockets to the buttons to the lining. This classic navy blazer in a premium wool will become your new day-to-day wardrobe workhorse. Delivery takes three to four weeks.
What our senior fashion editor says: “Indochino has made many custom suits for weddings, when the stakes are really high. For everyday situations, I appreciate the variety of blazer choices for guys who want either a traditional look or something that makes more of a statement.” —Kari Molvar
Sizes: 38 to 48, in Regular, Short and Long | Colors: Navy | Materials: 100% wool
Italian luxury brand Zegna is known for sourcing beautiful fabrics from the very best mills, and the brand is popular with everyone from company CEOs to Hollywood A-listers. We love this blazer’s discreet and tasteful tonal plaid, which adds extra visual interest.
What the reviews say: “Zegna is a top choice for quality when it comes to menswear blazers. The luxury Italian brand was actually founded at a wool mill, and today they continue to work with fabrics expertly woven in Italy. The blazers are an investment, but they will last a lifetime.” —Kari Molvar
At Forbes Vetted, we are a group of writers and editors with extensive backgrounds in fashion and lifestyle. Our take on fashion is straightforward: We appreciate stylish clothing, but we also know it must be practical. We’re constantly on the hunt for the finest in every category, from the most comfortable dress shoes to the best work pants for men. We meticulously research and test clothing and accessories to ensure they are high quality and perform well—so you can feel confident buying them.
Our seasoned senior style editor, Kari Molvar, has more than 20 years of experience covering lifestyle topics, including fashion. She helped streamline our selections and determine the best men’s blazers for everything from work to nights out.
For this story, we researched the top men’s blazers on the market to determine which were true standouts, and which fell others short. We carefully considered user reviews from both new and established trusted brands that specialize in men’s suiting and business-casual wear. Then, we narrowed selections down by analyzing details such as fit, fabric and design elements. To round out our background research, we spoke with a respected men’s stylist about what trends and blazer components matter most.
While men’s blazers might look like a suit jacket in that they both have lapels and a button closure, the similarities end there. Blazers are more casual and can be worn with any shirt and pants, offering many styling opportunities. Here are some other factors to consider when looking to find the best blazers for men:
Men’s blazers are typically made of natural fabrics like wool or cotton, or synthetic materials like polyester blends. Wool is the more luxurious fabric option and lends itself to a more sophisticated look, not to mention a higher price point (and dry cleaning bill). Wool can be more appropriate for cooler months and double as a warm layer, while a cotton blazer has a breathier quality to it, making it better for the warmer season. Synthetic fabrics like polyester, rayon or viscose can actually look high-quality, but usually won’t offer the same the warmth, ventillation or longevity as a natural fibers. Poly blends are affordable blazer fabric options and generally easier to care for: Most synthetic fibers are machine washable and wrinkle-resistant.
Blazers have a more laidback and less formal fit than suit jackets. While some blazers have a bit more structure with shoulder pads, most are unpadded today and tailored in a similar fashion as a shirt, which follows the natural slope of the shoulder. Padding or not, a blazer should fit squarely on your shoulders and not feel too tight. If it hangs over your frame or is too long for your height, it’s too big (and you risk looking like you went shopping in your dad’s closet). The blazer shouldn’t feel too stretched in the back or chest when you reach to shake hands or give someone a hug. Pay attention to your body type and fit details, and don’t hesitate to see a tailor for minor alternations if needed.
You can’t go wrong with a blazer in a versatile gray or navy. Both colors can be dressed up or down and worn with khakis, trousers or jeans, and they look polished when paired with everything from solid or patterned button-down shirts, sweaters and tees. A black blazer is a solid option for more formal situations and can be worn in a variety of settings while brighter colors or subtle prints like a mini-check or plaid tend to be more casual, depending on how you wear them.
I'm a technology reporter and senior writer at Forbes based in San Francisco. Have a tip? Email me at ebakerwhite@forbes.com or emilybakerwhite@protonmail.com.
Suit Supplier I'm a technology reporter and senior writer at Forbes based in San Francisco. Have a tip? Email me at ebakerwhite@forbes.com or emilybakerwhite@protonmail.com.