Need help picking a navy blzer

[Dangle]

I bought my first blazer a couple of months ago, the Gap Ticket Pocket in grey. Now I think it's time to pick up the staple navy blazer. It would be great to get input from you guys. I live in the South, it's hot, and I want something I can wear year-round. Also, I am looking to spend less than $200. Something that works with dress slacks as well as dark denim is what I'm looking for. Suggestions?

[tomservo]

What do you typically wear? Is this something you'd wear with a shirt and tie or would you want to dress it down more?

[Dangle]

It would be worn with jeans and chinos mostly, but also with dress pants occasionally. I would also like to be able to dress it up (shirt and tie) and down.

[MikeWinsThis]

I will be honest, what you are asking for is tough - blazers that are dressy enough to be paired with dress slacks/shirt/tie combo rarely can do equally well with jeans. Throw in the fact you are in the south, and your best bet is to either go with linen or a linen blend of some kind (BR has a tailored fit linen navy blazer if you keep an eye out for it on ebay) that will be tougher to dress up, or go for an unlined wool blazer but will still be tough to truly dress down.

[tomservo]

I'd agree it's tough. I think you best bet is to pick up a cheap cotton blazer, see how target's kensington works on you, and then get a nicer wool blazer for dressier occasions. Good wool is actually pretty breathable and should suit you for all but the hottest few weeks of summer.


I like this, though sizes are limited and it will almost certainly need tailoring. http://www.ctshirts.com/men's-outerwear/men's-sport-coats-and-blazers/Navy-unstructured-classic-fit-sport-coat-?q=usddefault||US016NAV|||||||||||||

[guiltybystander]

Navy blazer addict reporting for duty!


I agree with MikeWinsThis and tomservo's comments in that versatility can take you far, but it might be best to get a blazer for casual events and another for business casual ones. You might like an unstructured navy blazer, either cotton or linen/cotton, characterized by no shoulder pads, little or no lining (to reduce material weight and to promote circulation), and a more casual rumpled look. I would budget less on the casual blazer and spend more on the business casual one.


Casual Examples for summer/spring:
<ul>
Ben Sherman cotton 2 button notch lapel ($109.50 from $219): http://www.bensherman.com/us/sale/sl...on-blazer.html

Yoox 3 button Panama jacket: http://www.yoox.com/item.asp?cod10=4...tskay=3FD17CD7

Casual with pockets and epaulets (gabardine wool) ($79): http://www.yoox.com/item.asp?cod10=4...tskay=3FD17CD7

General Assembly ($79.99, down from $145) http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban...arentid=SALE_M

Hawkings McGill ($79.99) http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban...&guide-bn=true

Not navy, but rich blue Rether 55% Cotton/ 45% Linen: http://www.yoox.com/item.asp/dept/cl...sr_clearance80[/list]


Casual for Fall/Winter:
<ul>CIRCOLO NUOTATORI NUNZIO PILOTA 80% Wool, 20% Polyamid ($145), epaulets and casual flap pockets (in safari jacket style). http://www.yoox.com/us/men/clearance...&sort=3&ppp=40

FABIO DI NICOLA 75% Virgin Wool, 20% PA, 5% Cashmere ($109), nice roll. Note casual patch pockets. http://www.yoox.com/item.asp/dept/cl...sr_clearance80[/list]


Hybrid (dress up or down possible)
<ul>Howe: http://www.bluefly.com/howe-navy-str...mens-sleepwear[/list]


If you do get a wool blazer for business casual purposes, think about replacing the standard gold buttons with more understated buttons, such as brown horn or plastic buttons. Joe did a post on this here: http://dappered.com/2011/04/style-debate-a-navy-blazers-buttons/.


Where to get replacement buttons (recommendation from StyleForum folks):
<ul>http://www.waterburybutton.com/cart/pc/home.asp

http://www.ascuteasabutton.com/index.html

http://www.mjtrim.com/

http://www.gq.com/style/style-guy/su...vy-replacement[/list]

[guiltybystander]

Oh, and don't forget eBay!


http://www.ebay.com/itm/Classic-Navy...item4d0398e28c

[Dangle]

Thanks for the input guys. I have checked out the Kensington at Target and seem to be stuck between the Medium and Large sizes. Do they actually make unlined wool blazers? Lining in blazers = sweat in the south. I am starting to realize I may indeed need two separate jackets to fill both casual and dressed up needs.

[matt2]

I will be in the same boat in a few months when I can fit my first navy blazer/sport coat into my budget so will definitely add this to my favorites! I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where it hardly ever gets below 40 degrees and is pretty casual in terms of both my workplace and out and about, so will definitely be looking at cotton/linen options, as well.

[tomservo]

Excellent work guiltybystander! I really like that last one you posted from bluefly. Think it's the best hybrid jacket I've ever seen.

[guiltybystander]

Thanks Tom- I have about 7 navy blazers, and I was tempted myself. Must resist...


I think the $38 one off eBay was pretty nice too if it doesn't go too high.


Etsy is also a marvelous place to find vintage deals- often in good condition.

[Dangle]

I would go for the Howe if it wasn't polyester lined. I'm always a bit cautious when ordering jackets online since I could be anywhere from a 40R-42L depending on the brand. Do they make unstructured, cotton lined, more dressed up looking cotton blazers in navy? Also, do they make unlined wool blazers? Great input so far.