Whether you have a particularly elegant event to attend or are simply looking to add flair to your everyday ensemble, a smart jacket is just the ticket. This is no average piece of outerwear that we're talking about. It's an elevated garment that will smarten up your look and lend you an overall air of sophistication. As a top layer, it holds the power to draw attention, so it pays to invest wisely. Wear one as a statement piece and keep the rest of your outfit relatively low-key, or opt for an elegantly understated style to maintain a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Ready to take your wardrobe to the next level? Scroll on for our pick of the best smart jackets for men. But first, a few quick pointers...
What counts as a smart jacket?
The term 'smart jackets' can encompass a swathe of jacket styles, but they are generally all collared, usually with a lapel or simple spread collar. When searching for a smart jacket, play it safe by opting for a single neutral hue like black, grey, navy or beige. If you're feeling brave, go for some pattern or colour, but be sure it's balanced out by a smarter base.
A blazer is a classic example of a smart jacket. Its tailored cut will add polish to any outfit, no matter how casual. A sports jacket is a slightly more casual take on the blazer, but still smart enough depending on the occasion you're dressing for.
A mac coat is another style to consider if you want to smarten up your look. Choose one in beige, navy or black with a clean front placket and simple silhouette for the perfect all-occasion outer layer.
Even certain chore jackets lend themselves well to smart dress codes. Be sure to opt for a semi-structured minimalist style in a neutral hue to avoid leaning too heavily into workwear territory.
How to wear a smart jacket
The best men's smart jackets are designed for ultimate versatility. You should be able to wear one to a semi-formal event (think summer wedding, business meeting or dinner with the in-laws), but also use it as a tool to elevate a casual everyday ensemble, without looking like you've overdone it.
For an effortless business-casual look, try teaming a navy blazer with a white heavyweight T-shirt, mid-rise tailored trousers and loafers. Or incorporate denim by styling dark denim jeans with a collared shirt, Chelsea boots and single breasted trench coat.
10 best men's smart jackets in 2024
ASKET The Car Coat
ASKET's timeless take on the car coat is a minimalist's dream. Crafted from a sturdy organic cotton twill weave, it's coasted with a water repellent surface treatment, so you'll look the part no matter the weather. In classic ASKET fashion, every component has been developed to maximise its lifetime, ensuring a garment that will stand the test of time and serve you well for many years.
Closed Pure Virgin Wool Relaxed Blazer
For a smart jacket that will take you effortlessly from boardroom to bar, Closed has you sorted. The brand's Relaxed Blazer is a slouchy, unstructured jacket that will team just as nicely with matching suit trousers and an Oxford shirt as with your go-to jeans and tee. Crafted from 100% virgin wool, it's a veritable investment piece that you'll reach for time and again.
Wax London Natural Wool Elland Jacket
This vintage-inspired wool jacket from Wax London references the classic check styles of yesteryear. Made from British wool with a traditional collar, button down detailing and patch pockets, it will inject just the right amount of retro elegance into any outfit.
ISTO. Work Jacket
Portuguese label ISTO. has created the ultimate smart-casual worker jacket. It's inspired by the original bleu de travail style worn by French labour workers, but boasts a cleaner, more contemporary cut. Made from premium heavyweight organic cotton, it's engineered for durability and versatility. Wear it to the office over an Oxford shirt, teamed with smart straight-leg trousers and Derby shoes.
Percival Pea Coat
British menswear label Percival keeps things classic with this timeless pea coat design. Its smart silhouette and simple detailing makes it one of the brand's bestsellers in the autumn and winter months. If it ain't broke...
Form&Thread Organic Twill Casual Blazer
This blazer from Form&Thread is guaranteed to be a smart-casual staple that you reach for all year-round. Made from a mid-weight, super-soft organic cotton twill, it's cut for a relaxed, casual fit. Dress it up with a collared shirt and belted tailored trousers or keep things low-key with classic sneakers and a sweatshirt.
L'Estrange the 24 Blazer
L'Estrange specialises in modular wardrobe staples, so you can count on the label to prioritise versatility. That's exactly what the 24 Blazer offers up. Crafted from 100% super-fine Merino wool, it's unstructured and unpadded, perfect for everyday wear as well as those more elegant occasions. Style it with L'Estrange's matching 24 Trousers for a casual take on suiting.
For more fantastic outerwear, check out our pick of the best men's fleece jackets.
Shop all men's smart jackets at OPUMO.
