How to wear a blazer with jeans the right way

There are certain clothing combos that anyone with an ounce of sartorial nous knows to avoid. Sweatpants and Derby shoes, for example. Or a tracksuit with a poplin dress shirt. Unless you're Demna Gvasalia, these things do not go together. Why? The contrast between smart and casual is too stark. It's tricky (if not impossible) to make it look anything other than awkward. To a lesser extent, wearing a blazer with jeans falls into the same category.

Here are two garments that were never supposed to cross paths. One was designed for toiling away laying railroad tracks or getting covered in grease in the workshop, while the other was made for sipping cocktails in country clubs. These are strange bedfellows to say the least. But contrary to popular belief, wearing a blazer with jeans can look good... provided you know what you're doing.

The reason this combination gets a bad rap is because, more often than not, it's executed poorly by people whose interest in menswear starts and ends on the high street. Done right, it strikes a winning balance that few other outfits can manage. Thinking of giving it a go? Here's everything you need to know in order to get it right.

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How to Wear a Blazer with Jeans

Pairing a blazer with jeans can be a stylish way to blur the lines between smart and casual. It’s a look that fits neatly between formalwear and weekend gear, offering versatility that few combinations can match. Done right, it exudes a sense of effortless confidence, making you appear polished without trying too hard. Whether you’re dressing up for a dinner date or aiming to smarten up for a casual Friday at the office, this pairing gives you plenty of room to express your personal style. In this guide, we’ll explore why the blazer and jeans combo is worth adding to your wardrobe, when it’s appropriate to wear it, and how to pull it off like a pro.

Why Would You Want to Wear a Blazer with Jeans?

So, why would you want to jump on a look championed by many of the most sartorially tone-deaf men on Earth? Well, when tackled with a little knowhow, a blazer worn with jeans can strike a unique balance between sharp and laid-back. It’s a combo that tells those around you that you’ve made an effort, but in a way that feels relaxed, not overthought. 

Jeans keep the outfit relaxed and approachable, while the blazer adds sophistication. It’s an easy way to elevate an everyday outfit without crossing into full-on formal territory. 

When Can You Wear a Blazer with Jeans?

The beauty of this outfit lies in its adaptability. You can wear a blazer and jeans in most smart-casual settings, from drinks with colleagues to a weekend lunch. It’s a good go-to for casual Fridays at work or semi-formal dinners where a suit feels over the top. As long as you avoid overly formal or highly casual events, you’ll find this look works for a variety of settings.

As a rule of thumb, anywhere a suit would feel too stiff, but a t-shirt and trainers might be too underdressed, that’s when you want to call on this combo. Just don’t rock up to a Royal wedding or a kid’s soft play in it and you can’t really go wrong.

What Is the Difference Between a Blazer and a Sports Jacket?

Before we go any further, let’s clear this up. A blazer and a sports jacket might look similar, but they serve slightly different purposes. A blazer is traditionally more structured and made from finer fabrics, often with metallic buttons. A sports jacket tends to be more casual, less structured, and made from textured fabrics like tweed or corduroy. For the sake of simplicity, though, we’ll use “blazer” as a catch-all term for both in this article.

Dos and Don’ts of Wearing a Blazer with Jeans

Do choose a textured fabric

When pairing a blazer with jeans, texture is your friend. A corduroy or wool blazer will work better than a sleek, shiny one. Look for fabrics with a bit of roughness to match that of the denim – tweed, herringbone, or corduroy – and make the whole thing look cohesive and considered..

Don’t go too structured

Blazers that are overly tailored or have too much padding in the shoulders can come across as too formal, especially when worn right next to what is essentially workwear Opt for something softer, with less structure, to keep the outfit casual yet refined.

Do take inspiration from Ivy League style

Ivy League style is the gold standard when it comes to combining blazers and jeans. Think of simple, timeless pieces that balance smart and casual. Navy blazers, light-wash jeans, and penny loafers are a few of the key ingredients.

Don’t take inspiration from Jeremy Clarkson

Avoid pairing a formal blazer with ill-fitting denim and driving moccasins – a look that has been much maligned due to figures like Jeremy Clarkson and the rest of his Top Gear cronies. Instead, aim for smart-casual harmony – nothing too polished, but nothing overly scruffy either.

Do team it up with a nice suede loafer

Loafers, particularly in suede, complement this look perfectly. They sit comfortably between casual and formal, just like the blazer-jeans combination. Avoid overly formal leather shoes and opt for something that feels relaxed.

Don’t wear sneakers

While sneakers can work in many casual outfits, they’re usually too laid-back for a blazer and jeans pairing. Stick to something more refined, like loafers or classic Derbies, to maintain the outfit’s smart-casual balance.

Five Key Ways to Wear a Blazer with Jeans

Neo Prep

Blending Ivy League influences with streetwear styling, neo prep is a fresh take on the traditional blazer and jeans combination. Brands like Aimé Leon Dore, Noah, and Polo Ralph Lauren are good sources of inspiration here. Think classic blazers and sports coats over graphic sweaters, teamed with straight-leg jeans, baseball caps, beanies, sneakers and loafers. Classic prep with a contemporary twist.

Brit Prep

Drawing on Oxbridge style, Brit prep is all about heritage fabrics and clean lines. Look for textured blazers in materials like tweed or corduroy, paired with cropped, mid-wash jeans and a crisp white shirt. Leather loafers finish the look, offering a smart yet understated approach. For visual reference, think Drake’s lookbooks – classic, refined, but not too stuffy. Another brand that nails this style in a bolder, attention-grabbing manner is Oxford-conceived, New York-based Rowing Blazers, which takes inspiration from the vibrant jackets associated with the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race.

The Italian Job

Effortless Italian style is all about soft tailoring and relaxed elegance. A double-breasted blazer in a light, unstructured fabric paired with light-wash, or even white, jeans is a perfect example. Finish with suede loafers or desert boots. The goal is to look put-together, but with an air of casual nonchalance. Check out brands like Velasca and Luca Faloni for inspiration.

High Contrast

For a bold take, go for high contrast by pairing dark blazers with light jeans. This look works best when balanced with neutral knitwear and footwear in softer tones. A navy or charcoal blazer worn with light-wash jeans and beige or cream loafers creates a sharp but approachable outfit that stands out in a crowd.

Key Blazer Brands

Velasca

Velasca focuses on high-quality Italian craftsmanship, offering footwear and tailoring essentials with a classic yet functional style. The brand's designs its blazers with soft tailoring in mind, using refined fabrics like wool and cotton. This creates a relaxed yet elegant fit. The brand combines tradition with modern touches, making its blazers ideal for those seeking Italian flair and versatile styling options. Velasca prioritises understated design and top-tier materials, ensuring its blazers complement both casual and semi-formal outfits, especially when styled with jeans.

Polo Ralph Lauren

Polo Ralph Lauren epitomises American preppy style, blending timeless elegance with casual wearability. The brand produces iconic menswear staples, including blazers that emphasise quality, heritage, and versatility. A Polo Ralph Lauren blazer offers a sharp, structured look that feels relaxed enough for jeans. The brand’s mastery of preppy aesthetics gives its blazers a polished yet laid-back vibe. This makes them perfect for both formal and casual settings.

Luca Faloni

Luca Faloni specialises in refined Italian tailoring, focusing on luxurious fabrics and timeless designs. Its blazers stand out for their understated elegance and expert craftsmanship, often crafted from premium materials like cashmere and linen. Luca Faloni takes a relaxed yet sophisticated approach to tailoring, offering unstructured, lightweight blazers that pair well with jeans. Soft tailoring and high-quality fabrics ensure Luca Faloni’s blazers add a touch of effortless Italian style to any outfit.

Aubin

Aubin is a British brand with a strong focus on heritage and craftsmanship, blending traditional British tailoring with modern sensibilities. Aubin’s blazers, made from textured fabrics like tweed and corduroy, are perfect for casual, outdoor-inspired outfits. The brand delivers quality construction with a subtle, rugged edge, ideal for adding character to a blazer and jeans combination. Aubin’s commitment to timeless British style makes its blazers a solid choice for anyone who prefers a classic, heritage-inspired look.

Drake’s

Drake’s is renowned for its craftsmanship and elegance, specialising in handmade accessories and high-quality tailoring. The brand’s blazers blend classic British style with modern versatility, using premium fabrics like wool, linen, and cotton. Drake’s focuses on unstructured designs, offering casual yet refined blazers that pair well with jeans. The brand’s attention to detail and timeless design ensures its blazers work in both casual and smart-casual settings, adding sophistication without excessive formality.

Key Jeans Brands

Closed

Closed focuses on sustainable fashion and high-quality denim, delivering jeans with precision and craftsmanship. The brand offers contemporary fits and premium fabrics, ensuring comfort and durability. Closed designs its jeans to be versatile, making them an excellent choice for pairing with blazers in a smart-casual setting. The brand’s commitment to ethical production and timeless design makes Closed jeans a go-to for those who value both style and sustainability.

Wax London

Wax London creates sustainable menswear with a contemporary edge, crafting jeans characterised by modern fits and high-quality fabrics. The brand often uses organic cotton, reflecting its commitment to responsible production. Wax London’s denim bridges the gap between casual and smart-casual, making its jeans ideal for pairing with blazers. This modern approach to design ensures its jeans are stylish, eco-conscious, and versatile.

Asket

Asket dedicates itself to creating timeless, minimalist menswear with a focus on sustainability and transparency. The brand designs its jeans with a minimalist aesthetic, offering clean lines and classic cuts. These elements make Asket’s jeans versatile enough to pair with blazers. Asket’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship ensures its jeans are built to last. Simple design and thoughtful production make Asket jeans a smart choice for anyone seeking stylish, responsibly-made denim.

Levi’s

Levi’s is an iconic American brand that revolutionised denim and created some of the most recognisable jeans in the world. The label’s jeans stand for durability, quality, and timeless style, making them a staple in wardrobes worldwide. The brand offers a range of fits and washes, ensuring there is a pair for every occasion. Levi’s rich history and heritage make its jeans an ideal choice for pairing with blazers, offering a blend of casual ruggedness and classic style.

OrSlow

OrSlow specialises in high-quality, traditionally made denim, offering jeans designed to age beautifully over time. The brand focuses on craftsmanship and attention to detail, crafting jeans from premium Japanese denim. OrSlow’s jeans, featuring traditional fits and subtle distressing, appeal to those who appreciate fine denim construction. OrSlow jeans pair well with blazers, balancing refined style with artisanal craftsmanship for lasting appeal.

Why not check out our guide to smart-casual dressing?