If there is one thing that many people still get confused about, it is the difference between a jacket and a blazer . There are quite a few who think they are the same item of clothing, but in reality each of the two items has its own distinctive characteristics and particularities that are not present in the other.
Although with social and technological advancement the differences are becoming increasingly thinner, it is important to know the differences and make a reasoned choice when choosing to buy one of these two items. Every man should have an understanding of the items he wears, even just to be sure he has chosen the right jacket or blazer for the occasion .
The differences between a jacket and a blazer
Let's start by understanding how the two garments are made, and then study their differences. The men's jacket is an outerwear item and is part of a set of garments that usually travel together, which are a jacket, trousers and sometimes a vest. Nowadays you can also see it worn over jeans or informal trousers, but tradition dictates that it be worn in combination with its trousers.
The blazer, on the other hand, was born as a garment that has its own identity and does not travel arm in arm with any other garment. There are different models and colors, from single-breasted to double-breasted.
Distinctive features of the jacket
The jacket is generally single-breasted , with two or three buttons , or double-breasted with four or six buttons . The pockets are welt or flap and the shoulders, especially in Italian jackets, are rollino. They are meticulously made by hand, first inserting the shoulder pad and then the padding at the attachment point of the sleeve. This allows the shoulder to be rounder and have greater definition.
The jacket has a canvassed or semi-canvassed construction , so that softness and structure can be modulated. The distinctive details of a high-quality tailored jacket are the internal lining, the picketing of the lapel and the horsehair canvas that goes from under the shoulder to the chest. Furthermore, the fit of a jacket is more fit than that of a blazer. As for the fabrics, those chosen for the making of a jacket are generally resistant, furthermore, being a formal garment it must follow specific patterns and styles.
Distinctive features of the blazer
The Blazer is available single-breasted with two buttons or double-breasted with six , the pockets are always patched and it is generally made with shirt shoulders. This last aspect gives it a softer fit and allows the fabric to follow the natural line of the shoulders.
As a garment it is less formal and this requires less internal structure, in fact it lacks all those typical characteristics of the jacket, lighter and also more comfortable , it can be combined with practically any other type of garment. You can also play a lot with fabrics, since the blazer is one of those garments to be worn even under other layers it does not necessarily have to be as resistant as a jacket.
How to wear the jacket
The jacket is perfect , as well as indicated, for all formal occasions where you need to make a certain impression. If before it had to be categorically worn with matching trousers, today you can also use it to stand out as long as you follow the basic rules of color and fabric matching.
The best way to match a jacket is always the trousers of the same color and fabric and if you want a vest. Its slim fit nature allows you to wear only a shirt underneath, or if it is very cold a wool sweater, as long as it is really extra fine.
How to wear a blazer
The blazer is a must-have in the wardrobe that can be worn on many occasions, from everyday outfits to make a good impression at the office, to more formal occasions. Less classic, if tailored it still allows you to have a high quality and workmanship garment that can be combined with a large quantity of garments.
Wear it with contrasting trousers, such as chinos, very casual but effective at the same time, and with a shirt or T-shirt underneath depending on the season. The blazer also looks great with a thin wool sweater with a high neck.
