Every Man Needs a Blazer. Here Are 20 of the Best.

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You're not a kid anymore (or, if you are, go give your dad his iPad back). You should have a blazer. In fact, you should have an assortment of blazers, all reliable and tested and true, equally classy and functional. The blazer is, after all, one of the most important garments a man can own.

As with so many menswear staples that trace their origins to way, way back, the exact age and origin of the blazer depends on who you ask. Is it rooted in British Naval history? An old civilian boat club? Could be either. More likely, though, the blazer as we know it today begins in both of those places, plus a whole lot more. Thanks to its age, the blazer's history remains somewhat shrouded.

There's also the question of what, exactly, a blazer is. The strictest definition is a very specific: solid navy blue, with gold-tone (usually brass) buttons. That one seems to come from the military interpretation of the garment. But there were also wildly colored and patterned blazers worn by rowing clubs, the striped versions worn by Mods...the list goes on. These days, blazers come in all sorts of styles. There are plaid blazers and pinstriped blazers, blazers with wide lapels and blazers with no lapels, blazers of basically every fabric you can think of. We even use "blazer" as a catch-all term to encompass sport coats—which, like blazers, have evolved from their roots (tweedy things worn for hunting, shooting, and riding) into any tailored jacket worn with non-matching pants—and suit jackets.

If you're confused, you're forgiven. And really, how many people are going to scold you for mixing up one tailored jacket for another? We certainly aren't. Language has evolved, and fashion has evolved, and the way we talk about fashion has evolved. So we have blazers for you, which, while they aren't necessarily technically, historically accurate, remain, in modern understanding, blazers.

The best part about the blazer, buttons and colors and evolution aside, is that the blazer is kind of the holy grail of menswear pieces—not too intimidatingly formal, but a style that'll elevate your outfit nonetheless. Doesn't that sound like a win-win? Thought so. Now that that's settled and we got through our nice little history lesson, we have 20 of the best blazers on the market for you right here.

Long-Sleeve Button-Front Slim-Fit Stretch Blazer

This one is simple, clean, and classic. Plus, it's under 75 bucks.

Archive Blazer

This is a blazer in the traditional, historical sense. Metal buttons, classic tailoring, navy fabric—the whole nine yards.

Hutson Slim Fit Virgin Wool Blazer

This is the kind of blazer that comes to mind when you think blazer. It's giving gentleman spy, Wolf of Wall Street, and all of the Roy siblings.

Clinton Blazer

You can wear this with a ragged band tee under it and ripped jeans, or with a button-down and tie, and it'll look just as good either way.

Polo Soft Knit Suit Jacket

PRL understands one of the most important tenets of life: just because it's fancy doesn't mean it doesn't have to be uncomfortable.

Italian Wool Sutton Jacket

If you want to keep it classic with some pinstripes, Todd Snyder has the ultimate pick. This looks great with matching suit pants, but just as good with jeans, if you're dressing down.

Seersucker Blazer Single Breasted

For the warmer months, there's nothing better than seersucker. Ted Baker manages to make the fabric look as elegant and elevated as ever.

Jetsetter Unconstructed Italian Wool Blazer

A classic navy blazer is the perfect number to fill out your closet with—especially if you need some dressier options. This wool number goes perfectly with a suit or jeans, though.

Ludlow Slim-Fit Suit Jacket

Ah, the Ludlow—one of J.Crew's best-selling styles. It's no question as to why this is so popular—it's versatile as hell, and looks good on everyone, with just about anything.

Classic Blazer

Abercrombie & Fitch has perfected the blazer, giving it a simple, minimalist finish in a variety of colors.

AirSense Blazer

Uniqlo does a timeless rendition on a basic that every closet should have—and it's under 100 bucks.

Cotton Stretch Classic Fit Blazer

For something modern and sleek, turn to Calvin Klein. Even if you put this over a plain white tee, you'll look instantly smart and sharp.

O'Connor Brushed-Cashmere Blazer

If you're going to splurge on a blazer, it may as well be a brushed cashmere one. This is soft, stylish, and every bit the luxurious look and feel that Tom Ford is known for.

Tailored Linen Blazer

For spring and summer, linen is a must. Percival has the perfect tailored blazer in an assortment of colors, from forest green and burnt orange to classic black.

Unstructured Striped Linen, Wool and Silk-Blend Blazer

For when you want to feel instantly better. With flattering peak lapels and a soft, pinstriped fabric, this is a blazer you can (and should) pair with everything from suit pants to chinos to khakis.

Venture Blazer

I know what you're thinking: a blazer? At Lululemon? Welcome to the 21st century, folks.

Flannel Classic Tonal 4-Bar Sport Blazer

You can't really talk about blazers without mentioning Thom Browne, a certifiable master in the garment. The four stripes on the arm are a dead giveaway that, if you're wearing this, you know what the fuck you're doing.

Inlet Knit Blazer

A cross between a blazer and a hoodie, this gives all the style of the former with the comfort and coziness of the latter.

Eternal Oversized Mohair and Wool-Blend Blazer

For a funky blazer that's also soft as hell, look no further. Fear of God's avant garde take on the piece comes without lapels, but with a cozy mohair and wool fabric.

Cotton Jersey Jacket with Web

I mean, just look at those deep pockets with the GG monogram and classic stripe logo. Need I say more?

Why You Can Trust Esquire

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams.

When it comes to blazers, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear. We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these blazers are the ones that are simply the best.

Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who and care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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