Ah, the classic black blazer. It’s as timeless as a vintage watch and yet it’s often the most underrated tone because men prefer a bit of colour in their lives. Well we’re going to kick off this style guide with an ancient quote from a notable philosopher. Wesley Snipes, Passenger 57: “Always bet on black.”
Before we go through mix and match, let’s get real about why every man needs a black blazer in his arsenal. It’s your reliable companion that will never let you down — ready to upgrade when you’re having a spontaneous client session or a surprise date. And, unlike all such faddish printed ones hogging space in your wardrobe, a black blazer will not go out of style ever. It’s basically the Swiss Army knife of menswear.
Here’s the many ways men can rock the black blazer with slick and masculine style.
Black Blazer & Black Jeans Combination
Black on black on black…could it get any easier than combining a black blazer with black jeans? We think not. Ensure you blazer is not too long and correctly tailored. For the denim we recommend slim fit jeans (ripped or not ripped), paired with a classic black, white or striped t-shirt followed by sneakers or boots. Even a pair of brown brogues will work nicely for contrast.
When it comes to seasons, the black blazer really shows its versatility. In summertime, you’d naturally think that black will make you sweat, but here’s the trick: look for unlined options in lightweight wool or cotton blends. They’ll keep you looking sharp without the sweat. In winter, your black blazer can be an ideal layering device – over a thin knit rollneck, and off you go. Black Blazer & Black Trousers.
Black Blazer & Black Trousers
Much like our combination above, black trousers/chinos will also work nicely with a black blazer. The idea here is to not make this combination look like a suit. Rather it’s a great go-to work or event look. Pair your blazer and black trousers with derby shoes or loafers, then add a shirt or t-shirt to finish. An unstructured blazer might work best in this situation by keeping things relaxed. A belt is not required here.
Black Blazer & Blue Jeans
This is our favourite and most versatile combination for both work and play and travel. Every man owns blue jeans, so wear them well with a black blazer. This combination will see you to smart casual events and even a night out on the town. Pair with almost any shoe imaginable, however, we like boots and sneakers for this combination.
Here’s something your style guides won’t say: your black blazer can become your best travelling companion. It doesn’t crease as much as lighter colours, and you can use it dressed up or down, whatever life brings your way. Slip it over your airplane clothes, and you’re instantly dressed for that impromptu dinner invitation or unscheduled business lunch.
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Black Blazer & Chinos
Not the most uncommon of combinations is the chinos and black blazer. Our recommendation here is to keep this as your dressier occasion secret weapon. Combine with a printed or plain shirt, boots, sneakers or a derby shoe will do nicely. Ensure your chinos are well fitted, as too baggy won’t look right. We recommend wearing a belt for this combination too. Brown, black or blue will be just fine.
To make it a bit more sophisticated, use beige or olive chinos in lieu of khaki or navy chinos. It works well to combine these shades with black and they have a modern edge.
Black Blazer & T-Shirt
Lastly, the t-shirt and black blazer combination is a no-brainer. Think of it as the ‘I don’t know what to wear, so this will do’ look.
It’s the go-to for every designer and advertising creative around the world too. The trick here is to wear a t-shirt with scoop or v-neck rather than a very high cut crew neck. You want to show off a little bit of chest rather than being wrapped up like a priest. We like Acne, Topman and even Orlebar Brown for cool men’s t-shirts. Tuck (with chinos or trousers) or untuck the t-shirt (with jeans) to complete the look.
For an even sharper, relaxed look, try a monochromatic scheme — pair a white or a grey tee with the black blazer and dark denims. The neutral colours maximise the formality of the outfit with minimum fuss and If the weather permits, add a lightweight scarf for a touch of European panache.
Black Blazer With Shirt
The black blazer is supposed to give off a semi-formal or business-casual look, so you have to be careful when pairing it with a shirt. But if done right, it’s going to look great.
First, you don’t want a dress shirt here. Going for something patterned – spotted, striped, or floral – will work best. Whatever shirt you pick should fit, and it should be one where you can leave the top three or so buttons undone without looking weird.
The pants and shoes are also important when dressing a black blazer with a shirt. Chinos are likely the best option here because black trousers or black jeans may be cutting it a bit too close, but as long as you have sneakers or loafers for footwear, you should be good.
For a deeper, multi-dimensional appearance, layer a fine knit sweater, or a cardigan, under the blazer. For a business-casual office wear, a white, or a light blue button-down with an unbuttoned collar can become an ideal combination of formality and comfort.
Alternatively, if you are going for preppy with a black blazer and shirt, you could use a tie, a jumper over the shirt, and your blazer over that.
And finally, a note about fit, for this can make and break your black blazer look. You want it slim but not tight — you should be able to slip a hand between your chest and the buttoned jacket without feeling like you’re in a straight jacket. And don’t even forget about your shoulders: these have to sit at the tip of your shoulder, not an inch off, not two inches off, but at the tip of your shoulder, precisely. Too big, and you’ll look like you’ve borrowed your dad’s jacket; too small, and you’ll look like you’ve nicked it from your little brother.
