A blazer is one of those rare garments that manages to flatter just about everyone, which probably explains why it’s been clinging on to the male wardrobe for the better part of two centuries. It’s the jacket you reach for when you want to look like you’ve got your life together. And these days they aren’t all stiff shoulders and slim fits either. The best men's blazers are softer, unstructured, and happy to be thrown over whatever you’ve got on, whether that’s a crisp Oxford shirt or a raggedy old T-shirt.
From heritage tailors to new labels giving classic cuts a gentle kick up the backside, these are the brands making the sort of blazers you’ll actually want to wear.
How to wear a blazer
When it comes to styling a blazer, the most important thing to consider is the context in which you'll be wearing it. If it's a work situation, think about how formal your workplace environment is. A business-casual dress code offers the opportunity for a slightly more relaxed look than a business-professional dress code, so you could team a navy or beige blazer with an Oxford shirt and chinos or even jeans (darker indigo or black hues work best). For an effortlessly elegant weekend look, try an unstructured blazer over a crisp white tee with slouchy tailored trousers and leather trainers.
Best men's blazers: The brands to know
LESTRANGE
LESTRANGE’s entire approach is about taking classic menswear pieces and making them feel as relaxed and wearable as possible. Its blazers are a good example: clean, soft and designed to work just as well with drawstring trousers and sneakers as they do with smarter separates. The fit is modern but never try-hard, the fabrics are breathable and forgiving, and you get the sense you could throw it in a weekend bag and still look vaguely respectable when you pull it out again. One for people who hate the idea of tailoring but secretly want to look sharp.
Wax London
Wax London sits comfortably in that sweet spot between casual and just about dressed up enough. Its blazers lean unstructured and easy, with enough subtle detailing to make them feel considered rather than stiff. You can wear one over a T-shirt for the pub, or throw it on with a proper shirt if you’re off to a wedding where you’ll inevitably lose the tie by 10pm. Good fabrics, flattering cuts and a sort of laid-back Britishness that never feels forced.
Closed
Closed has always had a knack for making those pieces you reach for without thinking, and its blazers tick the same box. They’re quietly stylish, gently tailored and cut in fabrics that feel relaxed rather than rigid. A Closed jacket is the sort of thing you could wear into the office and then straight onto a flight without feeling overdressed or underdone. If you like your tailoring with a European touch and a bit of breathing room, start here.
Besnard
For those who still enjoy the idea of proper tailoring but don’t want to look like they’re on their way to a black tie dinner, Besnard is well worth a look. The Dutch label does classic jackets with thoughtful details: neat lapels, well-placed pockets, fabrics that feel like they should be worn somewhere sunny with a cold drink in hand. They have a hint of old-world charm but never feel stuffy, which is exactly how a good blazer should be.
ISTO
ISTO is Portuguese, proudly transparent about how it makes its clothes, and refreshingly fuss-free. Its blazers are straightforward in the best way: well cut, easy to wear and built to be thrown on over whatever else you’ve got in the wardrobe. They lean towards casual but still feel intentional, which is ideal if you like the idea of looking put together without ever feeling too buttoned up. The sort of jacket you buy once and then wear until it’s threadbare, which is exactly the point.
Velasca
Velasca might be best known for its Italian shoes, but its tailoring deserves attention too. The label’s blazers feel unmistakably Italian: soft-shouldered, easy on the structure and best worn with a bit of nonchalance. Think lightweight fabrics you can wear well into summer, subtle touches that nod to tradition without being over the top, and a fit that looks good whether you’re on a city break or just pretending you’re on one. If you like your jackets with a bit of sprezzatura, this is a solid bet.
Form & Thread
Form & Thread does that thing minimalists love: simple, well-made clothes that do not shout for attention but stand up to closer inspection. Its blazers are clean and unfussy, with clever details that stop them feeling too plain. The cuts are modern but forgiving, the fabrics are comfortable enough for daily wear, and they pair well with just about anything else you might have hanging on the back of your chair. Ideal if you want one jacket to cover all bases without looking like you’ve tried too hard.
Luca Faloni
Luca Faloni has carved out a niche for itself with the sort of Italian staples that make you want to book a flight to the Amalfi coast immediately. Its blazers follow the same recipe: unlined, unstructured and made from airy fabrics like linen that practically demand a spritz in hand. They’re relaxed without feeling scruffy, just smart enough to carry you through dinner and late-night drinks, and likely to become that jacket you throw on every summer and refuse to retire.
WAHTS
WAHTS sits neatly in the bracket of modern brands making clothes that feel polished without the stuffiness. Its blazers are exactly what you’d expect: softly tailored, a little bit sporty, and comfortable enough to wear on a plane or to a last-minute dinner. The cuts are clean, the fabrics have just the right amount of stretch, and there’s an understatedness to them that feels properly grown-up. If you want a blazer that won’t make you look like you’ve just come from the office, WAHTS is worth a look.
Finish your look with a pair of minimalist men's trainers.
