Springtime is all about rejuvenation; the winter months recede, and newness abounds. From those first glimpses of fresh foliage to lambs in the fields, it’s easy to see why Springtime is one of the most nostalgic times of the year. It also happens to be the perfect time to put those winter wardrobe items into hibernation and crack out your Spring/Summer attire, as we transition into the warmer months of BBQs and social events.
For most guys, this seasonal change can be completed in a single weekend thanks to a few core pieces of clothing. Today I want to talk about one of my spring favorites, which is the blazer. This is one of the most versatile pieces of clothing you can own, second only to a quality leather jacket. What I love about a tailored blazer is how it compliments all your existing clothing and can be worn to different events – it can even be thrown over jeans for an easy-going yet chic look.
From a casual get together to an afternoon on a yacht, the blazer goes the distance. Keep reading to find out what styles to look for, what colors are timeless, and how to wear your blazer daily.
How to Choose the Right Blazer
The first step in choosing the right blazer for spring and summer is to understand what a blazer is; this is the offspring of two other popular jacket styles (the double-breasted jacket and a single-breasted jacket worn by men in rowing clubs, and as such, tend to have a nautical vibe to them). For spring and summer, I prefer to go with a country style blazer, which is more casual than other blazers that are formal in their function and tend to be paired with suits.
When most people think of blazers, they think of the classic American blazer, which has two buttons and a centerfold. This blazer will sit slightly open and appears to be a more relaxed fit. The English version is by comparison where you’ll see a double-breast with a double vent; giving the blazer a much more formal or militarized look. Both are fantastic options, although the American fit is what we are looking for during spring and summer.
For our purposes, I also recommend checking out a quality cotton or linen blazer, which has a lighter and more spring-worthy appearance. Cotton and linen are seasonal fabrics that replace wool in winter and are often more comfortable to wear. There is a spectrum of blazers, so the first step is to determine how you want to wear one, and to find the right blazer for the correct occasion. A heavy cotton, for example, is a great addition to your suit collection, whereas a linen blazer is appropriate for the beach.
How to Wear Your Blazer
What I love most about blazers is how functional they are; you can wear them with almost anything, as I am about to show you. But what you need to understand upfront is color is everything; your best bet is this classic navy seersucker blazer. When you feel more confident, I recommend choosing a pastel blue blazer for spring. When it comes to choosing the right one, you never fail if you choose Italian artisanship. Take a look to Canali blazers, for example: lightweight, versatile and sophisticated. The Brand also offers the Su Misura service is a great stop for guys who want to find an extract cut and color to fit their complexion and body type. Remember, style is all about the details.
And, as a blazer is an item you are likely to wear daily, quality matters. This is one piece of clothing that I recommend investing in. A tailored blazer will prevent you from looking bulky. Many times, guys tell me they tried on a blazer in a department store and wonder why they didn’t like the results. I’m often complimented on my blazers because I prefer a tailored fit; so, I know people can tell. If you’ve tried a blazer in the past but haven’t been happy, I’m betting this is why.
Light Blue Super 130s Hopsack Wool Kei BlazerWhat I love about this blazer (pictured above) is how simple the details are; this is a classic spring and summer blazer you can wear year-after-year. This version comes in a Super 130s hopsack wool and has undergone a special finish that renders it water resistant, adding practicality to the mix. The blazer is unlined, making it extremely soft and flexible for a relaxed and refined look. I would pair this with tan Khakis and a white button-down shirt for an effortlessly chic look.
Here’s how to wear your blazer:
- For tall men, wearing a blazer with Khakis is a classic spring/summer look that plays up the seafaring nautical look, although be forewarned this can make other men appear shorter. I love this
- With white cotton slacks – again, this is another timeless spring/summer look that carries a ton of impact. Pair with a bold print or bright colored shirt to make this look pop.
- With quality Demin – the easiest way to dress up a pair of jeans is to throw on a blazer, which is enough to meet the dress code of most establishments. However, this only works with skinny or form-fitted jeans.
- Keep colors throughout the outfit neutral or pastel for serious summer vibes.
My advice is to play around with different textures, colors and fits to find out what works for you. The best thing about blazers is they suit all men, and even portly fellows can get in on this look by simply layering in longer dress shirts with tee-shirts. From bright bold prints to causal undertones, this is the one look I can depend on to get me from the boardroom to a festival, and home again. It really can be that simple to look stylish.
So, there you have it, gents. The humble blazer is here to stay; will you be wearing a blazer this spring and summer? Leave a comment and let me know, or better yet, tag your photos @MaleStandard and @Canali, and show us! Don’t forget to check out the complete collection of Kei blazers; the colors are amazing and totally customizable!
I’d like to thank Canali for the collaboration. All opinions are 100% my own.