The Navy Blazer

[ginghamphatts]

At present, I do not have a navy blazer, but I am looking to pick up a basic, solid, blazer that is neither too trendy, nor too old-fashioned. To be honest, I'm not completely sure what to look for, and I want my first purchase to be a good one that lasts me quite some time.

What should I look for? 2 or 3 buttons? Gold, silver, or black buttons? What else is important? Tapered/un-tapered? What other characteristics can I choose from, what should I look out for?

I would describe my typical fashion style as classic/traditional but bold. I like to stand out using classic styles, but I mostly steer clear of any fleeting trends.

Thanks guys!
G

 

[Wideknot]

Anderson Little. http://www.andersonlittle.com/

 

[patrickBOOTH]

Get an Attolini. Their RTW is good.

 

[BlackBrumel]

Originally Posted by ginghamphatts

At present, I do not have a navy blazer, but I am looking to pick up a basic, solid, blazer that is neither too trendy, nor too old-fashioned. To be honest, I'm not completely sure what to look for, and I want my first purchase to be a good one that lasts me quite some time.

What should I look for? 2 or 3 buttons? Gold, silver, or black buttons? What else is important? Tapered/un-tapered? What other characteristics can I choose from, what should I look out for?

I would describe my typical fashion style as classic/traditional but bold. I like to stand out using classic styles, but I mostly steer clear of any fleeting trends.

Thanks guys!
G

Golden buttons navy blazer are not necessarily conservative: they are classic (and kind of a joker).

 

[GBear]

Originally Posted by Wideknot

Anderson Little. http://www.andersonlittle.com/

Just emailed Scott and he said these blazers were fused. Isn't that an SF no-no?

 

[Matt S]

Are you looking for classic English or traditional American? The traditional American blazer will have a single vent where the classic English blazer should have double vents. Don't get black (or navy) buttons on a blazer. If not metal buttons then smoked mother of pearl. Some guys like brown horn, but that necessitates more sporting details (like patch pockets and swelled edges) on the blazer to be able to pull it off effectively.

 

[Matt S]

Originally Posted by GBear

Just emailed Scott and he said these blazers were fused. Isn't that an SF no-no?

Yes, they are fused and a wool/polyester blend. They are low-end and mostly recommended as a travel blazer.

 

[nerdykarim]

Originally Posted by Wideknot

Anderson Little. http://www.andersonlittle.com/

Originally Posted by patrickBOOTH

Get an Attolini. Their RTW is good.

This is why it's important for you to specify how much money you're willing to spend.

 

[.Impulsv]

Sorry for piggybacking, but... I'm looking for a blue blazer/odd jacket with soft, unpadded shoulders (specifically, 18-18.5" shoulders and a 21" chest). Double-vented and a slimmer lapel would be preferred. Not too concerned about buttons (I'll get them replaced if I don't like them) or waist (I always need to get my jackets taken in). Looking to spend $50-$200, so not too concerned about construction. Any suggestions? http://www.jcrew.com/mens_category/s...1509/21509.jsp This is very close; judging by a cord sportcoat I own, the shoulders and chest are perfect, but it's twice the price I want to pay for a piece I'd wear once a week.

 

[ginghamphatts]

Originally Posted by Matt S

Are you looking for classic English or traditional American? The traditional American blazer will have a single vent where the classic English blazer should have double vents. Don't get black (or navy) buttons on a blazer. If not metal buttons then smoked mother of pearl. Some guys like brown horn, but that necessitates more sporting details (like patch pockets and swelled edges) on the blazer to be able to pull it off effectively.

Matt, what is the overall difference aside from the vents? What would you recommend? I'm 6 foot, 160lbs, and generally wear everything in slim fit, I like my jackets on the more form-fitting side in general, but I understand blazers aren't meant to be too form-fitting, is that correct?

Also, I am looking to spend something in the $200-300 range at the moment, maybe a tad more if it's worth it.

Thanks for the info, guys.

G

 

[ginghamphatts]

Originally Posted by BlackBrumel

Golden buttons navy blazer are not necessarily conservative: they are classic (and kind of a joker).

I get that gold buttons are "classic", but are they also considered sort of lame? Like I said, I like classic, but not lame-conservative. So looking for classic but cool.

Thoughts? Silver buttons?

G

 

[GBear]

Silvers buttons can work also. Why are gold buttons lame?

 

[ginghamphatts]

Originally Posted by GBear

Silvers buttons can work also. Why are gold buttons lame?

I've heard people say they think gold buttons are lame. I don't necessarily think so, just trying to get a consensus. I was thinking by "lame" people meant that only non-SF types would be caught dead in gold, but if you guys approve, I'll go gold!

G

 

[Montrachet]

You could go with brass, bronze or even copper buttons as well if you want something more subdued than gold.

Here's a Paul Stuart blazer with brass buttons as an example:

 

[ginghamphatts]

Originally Posted by Montrachet

You could go with brass, bronze or even copper buttons as well if you want something more subdued than gold.

Here's a Paul Stuart blazer with brass buttons as an example:

Good call. I like that. Subdued is the word I was looking for. I didn't want to appear "tacky" and some of the cheaper navy blazers with gold buttons look just that. Thanks.

G