What’s the Difference Between a Blazer and A Suit?
Shopping for menswear shouldn’t leave you feeling confused and frustrated.
That being said, the suiting industry can make you feel like you need an intermediate knowledge of Italian and the vocabulary of a tailor.
One area where many men find themselves getting confused is the difference between a blazer and a suit.
Luckily, your worries stop here. Read on to find the key differences between these menswear essentials, and how to choose the right one for your special occasion.
Blazer or Suit, Who Cares?
You might think that choosing between a suit and a blazer doesn’t matter that much. If it fits and looks great, why worry about the details, right?
Don’t make this style mistake. Knowing the difference between a blazer and a suit is important for these reasons:
You want to look the part: Each of these menswear items has its time and place, and different events demand the right look. You want to stand out when you walk in the room-- but not too much. Knowing the difference between a blazer and a suit will ensure you show up in the perfect fit, no matter the occasion.
Value matters: If you know exactly what you are looking for, you can choose the right product that spends less time in your closet and more time being worn. By knowing your product, you ensure your investment is well spent.
Knowing what to look for: Many retailers use terms like a suit jacket, blazer, and sport coat interchangeably. If you can tell the difference between them, you can walk into your next suit fitting knowing exactly what you are looking for, saving yourself valuable time and money in the long run.
What Is a Suit?
Let’s handle the low-hanging fruit first. When you hear ‘suit’, it should immediately bring to mind the word “matching”. A suit jacket is meant to match with a pair of trousers, and you should be wearing the full set in most situations.
If you choose to purchase a suit, both pieces will have the same fabric and colour and will be structured in a way that is meant for formal occasions.
A suit is more formal than a blazer. You should choose to wear a suit for the following events:
Business formal events (conferences, job interviews, etc.)
Weddings and funerals
Certain religious gatherings
Suit Construction
To spot a suit off the rack, you will usually see fabrics like worsted wool or cashmere and features like the standard two-button front with flap pockets.
Suit jackets will have more structure in the shoulders, giving them the classic “padded” look.
How to Style A Suit
Styling a suit shouldn’t be stressful. The formal nature of a full suit means that you shouldn’t take too many risks-- especially if you are dressing up for the first time in a while. Follow these tips to stay on track:
Choose classic colours like navy blue, charcoal, or light gray. There’s a time and a place for plain black suits, but everyday use can give off a dull impression.
For accessories, opt for a well-made tie and simply-folded white pocket square. Close-laced oxfords or monk straps are great options for footwear.
What is a Blazer?
As ‘business casual’ becomes even more prominent in workplace culture, many men get caught thinking that they have no use for menswear at all, unless they find themselves at a wedding or cocktail event.
At Modello Bespoke, we dismiss this line of thinking. The blazer is one of the most valuable items in your closet, and this isn’t going to change anytime soon.
A blazer is the suit jacket’s casual, more versatile cousin. Blazers are meant to be worn with mismatched trousers, and also look smart when paired with casual pants like chinos.
Blazer Construction
Blazers fit in a more relaxed way than suit jackets because they can be worn over heavier sweaters in addition to button-down shirts and polos.
This typically takes the form of unpadded shoulders and a lack of lining (the silken part inside the jacket), meaning they are less restrictive and breezier to wear.
You will see blazers in a much greater range of fabrics and textures, so be sure to tell your Suiting Consultant when you intend to wear it so that you can get the ideal material for certain temperatures and environments.
How to Style a Blazer
There are so many possibilities when it comes to styling a blazer. For the best possible effect, try to stick with textured shirts like chambray, flannel, or linen. In the winter months, you dress for poor weather by layering a merino wool sweater underneath.
Denim can be pulled off if it is well-fitting and a darker wash, but slacks or chinos are always the safer bet.
Your footwear should reflect your casual look, so try loafer or derby style shoes, which make a strong impression at garden weddings in the summertime or business casual workplace.
Finally: Should You Choose a Suit or Blazer?
As you fill out your wardrobe, it is wise to have at least a couple of reliable suits and blazers.
Still curious about which one is right for your first big post-pandemic event?
Every man has a different way of expressing his personality through the clothes on his back. Let us help you find yours.
Contact us to schedule a fitting or learn more about our suiting options.
