Blazer- single-breasted or double-breasted with patch pockets without flap. Often has metal buttons, an emblem sewn on the sleeve or chest. Classic models are usually made of wool, linen, plaid, flannel, tweed. Modern blazers are also made of silk, satin, cotton, suede and leather.
Blazer and sports jacket: differences
In Russia, the terms "blazer" and "sports jacket" often refer to the same model, but in the US there are clear differences. A blazer is a jacket with patch pockets and contrasting buttons, that is, the main differences here are the details borrowed by the blazer from the jacket. Metal buttons are arranged in one or two rows and can be copper, brass, silver, gold. The buttons on the blazers of members of closed aristocratic clubs and prestigious universities are often molded with heraldic insignia, on simple blazers - with anchors.
Unlike a blazer, a sports jacket is considered informal and often replaces a windbreaker. The only thing the two models have in common is the presence of patch pockets.
Story
- 19th century
The birthplace of the blazer is Great Britain, and the prototype is the uniform navy jacket, which is why the blazer has always been associated with the nautical theme.
The single-breasted flannel blazer appeared in 1825 in the uniform of members of the Lady Margaret Boat Club, part of a Cambridge college. The model got its name because of its bright red color - from the English blaze ("sparkle, shine"). Later, blazers were worn in English girls' schools. This model was a fitted woolen flannel jacket with an embroidered school crest.
In 1837, the captain of the frigate Blazer ordered a batch of jackets for his crew on the occasion of a visit from Queen Victoria of England. This variation was a navy, double-breasted wool jacket with blue and white vertical stripes and gold-plated buttons. The queen liked it, and upon returning to her residence, she ordered to sew the same uniform for the crews of other English ships.
- 20s of the twentieth century
One of the main periods in the evolution of the blazer was the Gabrielle era, which included many men's clothing items in the wardrobe of women. In the early 1920s, she turned her attention to the blazer, which became part of her famous women's trouser suit. She paired the blazer with wide-leg pants in soft jersey. Gabrielle opted for a solid black option. The lack of buttons and traditional stripes was compensated by the beloved.
- 50s
In the 50s of the XX century, the blazer became fashionable among the owners of expensive yachts and their guests. It has become an element of yachting style. Blazers in bright blue navy-blue combined with snow-white trousers were popular at that time. Until now, many yachtsmen wear such kits.
- 60s
In the 60s, striped single-breasted blazers with a single row of buttons were popular with British hipsters. In such models, the leaders of the British rock group The Whо appeared in public, and later - The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, The Animals.
- 80s
In the 80s, the cut of the blazer changed slightly: the shoulders were now extended. The model has become a versatile business style item suitable for both men and women. Women wore a blazer with wide shoulders paired with narrow and straight ones in the same tone. This image was firmly entrenched with the emergence of the definition of "business woman", when many women began to occupy senior management positions in companies.
- XXI Century
Nowadays, the classic blazer is still part of the uniform. It can be seen on airline employees, employees of large hotels and fashionable department stores, as well as on members of some sports clubs. It is also worn by businessmen, participants in business negotiations, etc.
At the same time, there are modern models of blazers: a structured tailcoat blazer with a trim on the back, a "boyfriend" blazer with a straight cut and a larger size with wide sleeves wrapped below the elbow, a navy blue blazer, etc.
Compatibility
Currently, a blazer can be supplemented with a formal, semi-formal and informal look.
- Classic models
Traditional is the combination of a dark blue double-breasted blazer with classic white or gray. For them, men choose a light solid color, tie and elegant classic shoes, and women - narrow or straight
For most of us, blazers and suit jackets are like two peas in a pod. Sometimes you can notice that the price on the tags of the latter is noticeably higher, but is this the only difference between them? And why can't you call everything in one word - "jacket"? It turns out that athletes from private English schools are to blame for all these difficulties.
What is the difference between items?
A little about the jacket and its differences
According to Nick Sullivan, fashion director at GQ magazine, a suit jacket is distinguished by the fact that it is always made from a higher quality fabric (such as wool) than a blazer, and is smoother and more pleasant to the touch. In addition, this garment is always paired with similar trousers.
The modern business suit (it would be more correct to call it "a jacket pair", according to The Atlantic, the oldest American literary magazine) dates back to the 17th century: then the nobility wore noble clothes (tunics and what we used to call breeches) in dark blue and gray flowers, because ... Yes, simply because King Charles II so wanted.
In the 1800s, the London-based Savile Row atelier began making high-society suits for daytime wear ("business cards"). These formal suits were soon replaced by tuxedos, and then - influenced by a more relaxed and casual American style - what is now a business suit.
Blazers, on the other hand, arose and developed in a completely different environment.
Dressed in costumes, Mark Twain, George Alfred Townsend, and David Gray relax while contemplating serious topics
The history of the emergence of the men's blazer
Phyllis J. Tortora and Keith Eubank associate the creation of the blazer with Queen Victoria in their Journey to Costume History. In 1837, she conducted a review of the crew of Her Majesty's ship, which was called the Blazer. Due to the lack of uniform, the captain had to put on dark blue jackets with sparkling copper buttons on all the sailors and in this form send them to the parade in honor of the queen. They say that it was then that she issued a decree establishing that jackets of this type will henceforth be called "blazers."
Jack Carlson tells a different story in his book Rowing Blazers. He claims that the jackets worn by rowers at the Lady Margaret Boatmen's Club at Cambridge University were a deep, blazing red ("blazing" in English). Incidentally, the team to this day only wears blazers of this shade.
Whichever of these stories turns out to be true, one thing is safe to say: the new jacket was very practical and fashionable - it not only kept athletes warm during training in cold weather and was bright and noticeable enough so that the audience could easily distinguish between teams, but also was a stylish and status item of clothing that allowed students of a prestigious private school to show off in front of each other.
Members of the Boatmen's Club in bright red blazers still used by the athletes of this association sing at the gala dinner (2005)
How to wear it correctly?
Time passed, and a blazer (in particular a blue piece of clothing) has become a thing that, as many believe, plays a major role in a men's wardrobe both in winter and in summer. Fashion marketing expert and exhibition curator Luigi Settembrini, who published the book "Fashion Dictionary", fully agrees with this, in which he laid out a strict and confident Italian view of fashion. How to wear a blazer? Settembrini writes: “The barbaric combination of a blazer and blue jeans, which for some unknown reason is so popular with some people, is so banal and obvious that tears well up in your eyes. In this case, be sure to choose brown boots, it is best if they are made of suede. Also, the so-called deserts look good with a blazer. This is a sports jacket, but you shouldn't think that it should definitely be in “American” colors (blue or red) ”. We do not quite agree with his statement and recommend wearing a blazer in any style and color.
It is advisable to choose desert boots as shoes for the look with a blazer.
Celebrity stylist and blogger Ashley Weston also explains how to properly wear such a piece of clothing. However, she does it in a more democratic way: "To be honest, the rule is one: a blazer should fit as flawlessly as a suit jacket."
A blazer, like a good suit jacket, should fit perfectly.
It's as simple as that: you can easily wear a suit jacket as a blazer. The main thing is not to match identical trousers to him. Sullivan clarifies that in the United States, a blazer is now called "any item of clothing with long sleeves and lapels that is worn with pants that are different from it." Good style should be available to everyone!
A traditional blazer is characterized by a dark blue color and large gold or copper buttons (usually six pieces). At the beginning of the twentieth century, the blazer began to play the role of clubwear for members of various aristocratic gatherings and clubs. The coat of arms was applied directly to the blazer, and sometimes the club was engraved on the large buttons.A classic jacket is completed with trousers of the same color and material. The blazer does not require this condition to be met. Nowadays, blazers are worn with flannel pants or even quality jeans. Modern blazers can be crimson, black, burgundy, mustard and other rich colors. Blazers are always solid, as opposed to a jacket, which can be made of patterned fabric.
Jacket buttons should always be combined with the main fabric, blazer buttons can be gold, copper or silver, modern blazers can be seen very bright, unusual buttons. The blazer should always have patch pockets and specially treated side cuts, when the edges of the fabric overlap, which gives a little more freedom of movement.
What are the reasons to wear?
Blazers are sewn from a smooth and durable fabric. Corduroy or light wool is considered ideal. Since blazers are often worn on the go, the fabric must be durable. A blazer is a relatively informal outfit; at formal events with a dress code or business meetings, a blazer is inappropriate. Unlike a formal jacket, which is usually made from more expensive and high quality fabric, a blazer is an element of the everyday wardrobe of a practical person.Jackets (and two-piece suits) are mostly worn by people in high positions in serious companies, or by people who aspire to such positions. Blazer is a completely different type of clothing. This type of clothing is worn by people of creative professions who work in companies with no dress code. Blazers differ from jackets in a looser fit and a lower level of formality.
It should be borne in mind that a blazer is a summer wardrobe item. It is worn in the warm season, complemented with light, light trousers; in winter, it should be abandoned, since this type of clothing in combination with tight trousers always looks inappropriate.
Blazer jackets have become a part of women's wardrobe so long ago and imperceptibly that many do not even notice their differences from a jacket or jacket. However, this garment has a number of differences that not only fashion historians, but also stylish girls will call without hesitation.
So, the blazer stands out with the following features:
- Often it has an elongated fitted silhouette.
- Differs in clear, even strict cut lines.
- The sleeves or breast pocket of the blazer may have embroidery or appliqué.
- For such models, a denser material is used.
However, thanks to the numerous experiments of stylists and designers, blazers often lose their classic features and acquire a more democratic look. So, fashion trends in 2019 suggest paying attention to oversize blazers (loose fit, voluminous sleeves), highly elongated models and even jackets without sides with a rounded neck. The only thing that remains the same is the impeccably clear silhouette and the absence of any prints and drawings.
Today, blazers are especially in demand by women of fashion. The ability to combine them with both loose jeans and leggings, with a tight T-shirt and a loose top, loafers and high-heeled shoes makes this outerwear option truly universal. And by purchasing a jacket-blazer in the La Redoute online store, you get not only a universal but also an incredibly stylish and high-quality item. Models from well-known brands will allow you to experience all the sophistication of real French style, and reasonable prices will be a pleasant surprise!
Style and simplicity have long been closely marching with each other in the fashion world. Therefore, women's blazers have become an indispensable part of the basic wardrobe.
What's this?
It is still difficult to give an exact description of the word "blazer". This English word came to the world of fashion thanks to the captain of the English cruiser Blazer. It was he who introduced a special uniform on his ship - a jacket with a vertical stripe in blue and white tones.
Initially, the blazer was a form of uniform worn by members of elite golf clubs, the staff of fashionable hotels and hotels, and airline employees. Now the blazer is part of modern fashion.
So, a blazer is a classic jacket with one or two sides and pockets, most often with metal buttons in one or two rows.
How is a blazer different from a jacket?
Modern fashion trends have erased the line between a blazer and a jacket. But, despite the fashion trends, there are still a number of differences.
So, a modern blazer:
- free cut;
- has patch pockets. There can be more than two of them. For example, an additional small pocket on the chest;
- metal buttons arranged in two rows. Although modern designers miss this distinction and produce buttonless blazers;
- does not have elbow patches.
Models
Classic
Classic blazers are the best solution for office style. Fitted blazers with buttons at the waist will add a feminine touch to your figure. Despite the fact that the model is classic, designers choose the most daring colors, such as orange or green.
Sports
The sports blazer differs from the classic one in that it does not have a pair of trousers made of the same textured material.
Sports blazers are made from lighter fabrics than jackets.
A sports blazer may have one or two slots, which is unacceptable for sports jackets
Without sleeves
A sleeveless blazer is a great addition to the summer heat. They can be decorated with pockets with buttons, zippers or buttons.
Sleeveless blazers are available in a variety of colors.
There are classic colors: black, white and brown. In addition, there are blues, turquoise oranges and coral hues.
Summer
Summer blazers differ from winter or autumn blazers only in the texture of the material from which they are made. The color of your summer blazer will also be a distinctive feature. You can purchase a white, mint, coral, or beige blazer.
Basque
The peplum can be in the form of ribbons, brooches or thin straps. This model is best suited for slender girls.
Materials (edit)
Tweed
Tweed is a fabric woven from woolen threads and dyed in different colors.
Color alternation can range from small houndstooth patterns to large checks, such as a tweed blazer with a round collar and asymmetrical buttons. Several colors are combined here: turquoise, gray, brown, yellow and blue.
A blazer with a pronounced pattern, as in the picture above, is best combined with solid colors, for example, trousers or a pencil skirt.
Blazers became a part of women's wardrobe thanks to Gabriele Chanel when she included them in a pantsuit.
Knitted
Knitted blazers can be in solid color or in a combination of colors such as blue and white
A stretch knitted blazer for curvy girls should be chosen with care. It is best if it is one size larger, then your figure will look thinner.
Knitted blazers can be presented in different colors, for example, in burgundy, purple or gray.
Denim
A light denim blazer for cool summer days. These blazers can be decorated with embroidery, patches or lace.
Denim blazers also come in sleeveless designs, such as a black blazer with welt pockets and rhinestones as decor.
Linen
Summer blazers are made from natural fabrics with the addition of elastane so that the product does not lose its appearance. They can be with or without buttons.
The most common colors are beige and white. Some fashionistas prefer bright shades, for example, coral or mint.
Knitted
A knitted blazer will become an indispensable and versatile piece of your basic wardrobe. It will keep you warm on autumn evenings. A blazer made of fine threads is perfect for warm summer evenings.
Most knitted blazers come in classic designs with patch pockets
Leather
Natural leather always stays in trend. Therefore, many modern fashion designers in their latest shows use leather for sewing blazers.
Leather blazers resemble genuine leather jackets. Most often presented in classic colors: black, white and brown.
Velvet
The material fashionable this season will give warmth and comfort to any fashionista. Velvet blazers are made with minimal décor. Velvet looks stylish anyway.
Velvet blazers are best worn by slender girls due to the fact that the material makes them look fat. Prefer darker colors like blue or black.
Lovers of military style should remember that shoulder straps on velvet blazers can visually shorten your neck
To look spectacular in your blazer, you need to choose the right one. Our editorial staff will give you several recommendations on how to choose it.
- Check the size. A good blazer should match the country's size chart. It must fit you or you will look ridiculous.
- The blazer is best chosen in the middle of the buttocks. This makes it look more stylish.
- The seams on the inside of the lining should be straight with no protruding threads.
- The shoulder pads on your blazer can visually enhance the shape of the shoulder. By adding massiveness to your figure. Which is strictly forbidden for girls with an "apple" figure.
- To make your new purchase comfortable, fasten the blazer with the middle button.
- For overweight girls, we recommend choosing blazers with wide cuffs, softening the figure in proportion.
Spectacular images
For a summer day, opt for a deep blue blazer. Consider teaming light blue denim shorts with a white top to create a great weekend-ready look. To add romance to your outfit, wear a fine thread of turquoise beads.
For a romantic date, wear a raspberry blazer, ripped jeans, and a white tee. For a romantic look, choose a boho colored beaded necklace. Finish your look with a leopard-print clutch bag. Pumps with heels are suitable as shoes.
A white blazer with a black lapel, light blue skinny jeans and a white blouse with a lace insert on the chest. Choose this combination for a classic black-white look. To complete your look, wear light-colored shoes with a black toe and ties at the ankle line. You can add a bracelet made of precious or semi-precious stones to your look.
Do you like youth style? Then wear a yellow skater skirt and a white polka dot blouse. Complete your look with a white blazer and a brown tote bag.
A velvet blazer, skinny pants and a white shirt are a good combination for an evening look. Complete the look with a crystal clutch. A velvet bow tie will help add zest to your look.
For a casual look, choose a tweed blazer, blue skinny jeans, and an olive green tee. A pendant on a thin long chain and a metal bracelet will complete your look.
