What is a blazer? Is a blazer the same as a suit jacket? How do you wear one?

These are all valid questions, so let’s begin.

A blazer is typically more casual than a suit jacket. The term blazer goes back to the early 1800s and can be attributed to the rowing club of St. John’s College, whose women wore bright red jackets. These jackets were coined with the term “blazer” because of their bright red colour. The moniker stuck all through the present day, even though the styles have evolved from boating jackets to wardrobe staples.

Today’s blazers come in a variety of colours, patterns, shapes, and materials. Over the past couple of years, more oversized looks have overtaken the shorter fitted styles of past years, which makes them more casual, and easier to wear on a daily basis. A comfortable blazer can easily replace a light jacket on a warmer day. It can also be used as a layering piece, both over and under other items. It is also a great wardrobe staple and doesn’t have to be expensive. The jacket shown here is a great neutral colour, it’s comfortable enough to wear every day, and was a great find for under $30 at Nordstrom Rack.

How Do You Wear A Blazer?

What you pair a blazer with depends on where you’re going. For a casual, classic look, it’s easy to pair it with jeans and a t-shirt, or even sweatpants and a hoodie, a look that has been gaining traction recently. The same jacket is perfect to wear with dress pants and a blouse for a formal or office look. A blazer’s versatility is truly endless if you treat it like a jacket, more so than part of a suit.

There is a wide variety to choose from, depending on your tastes. Not only that but, gone are the days that owning a blazer meant a trip to the dry cleaners. Retailers such as Zara, H & M, and Banana Republic, have blazers that are washable, making them a great choice for everyday wear. So what’s stopping you?