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What Is An Unstructured Blazer? | THE STYLE INSIDER

Few items in your wardrobe will be as versatile or important as the unstructured blazer.

Use it to complement a shirt or polo neck for that smart evening look, throw it on over a t-shirt for a day out. It really is the clothing for all occasions, adding that little extra touch of class to an already good look.

The blazer remains a favourite for all seasons, equally as eye-catching when sipping champagne in the summer or dining out by an open fire in winter.

WHAT EXACTLY IS AN UNSTRUCTURED BLAZER?

In a nutshell, it is a more casual, comfortable and often lighter blazer, an alternative to the often thicker and stiffer style you would expect to see on a member at Lords or – dare we say it – Alan Partridge.

Less formal than asuit jacket but smarter than a sports jacket, they have a freer feel that allows you to mix and match with many different combinations of an outfit, allowing you to dress up – or down – with ease.

WHERE DOES THE TERM COME FROM?

The origins of the name blazer remain debated. Members of the Lady Margaret Boat Club, the rowing club of St John’s College, Cambridge wore jackets made of bright red cloth, which earned them the nickname ‘blazer’ because they were said to warm you like the sun’s blaze.

The genesis of the term has also been offered to the crew of HMS Blazer, whose captain commissioned double-breasted navy jackets to look smart ahead of a royal visit by Queen Victoria. Who knew there was so much history behind a simple jacket?

 

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR?

Unstructured blazers are most often single-breasted, one, two or three-buttoned, opposed to the more traditional six-button double-breasted number you’ll find at the boat club.

They are most commonly made from wool, cashmere, flannel and serge.

HOW DO I WEAR IT BEST?

The brilliance of the blazer is the fact that you can tailor it to complement your style.

If you want to dress down, pair it with smart jeans or, on those warm summer days, a well-cut pair of shorts.

Blazers look great over t-shirts, turtlenecks, even with polo shirts. But if you want to pull off the perfect dandy look then feel free to match with coloured chinos, a shirt and bow tie. Why not throw on a fedora for good measure too?

The beauty of the blazer is that they can be found in so many different colours and patterns, enabling them to lift a plain outfit or add some extra flair to any outfit.

Always feel free to shamelessly accessorise. Belts, chunky gold rings, hats – you name it, it can work with this timeless piece.

WHY UNSTRUCTURED?

Quite simply, the modern man doesn’t want to feel weighed down by a thicker, heavier outfit. Gone are the days of stuffiness, showing off your personality through your clothes is far more important than power dressing.

Unstructured blazers have done away with much of the tailoring that added the bulk to a blazer, such as additional lining, padding around the shoulders and the chest canvas.

This makes the wearer feel less restricted, creates a more natural look and allows the modern blazer to fit in with the slim-fit style currently in fashion.