Don’t be fooled by big box stores! You can find jackets in the $50-$100 range, but don’t be fooled! These mass-produced pieces of menswear are sewn together from mismatched parts, and gentlemen don’t wear things from the island of misfit suits. Likewise, don’t shell out for a custom-tailored blazer. You’re not Howard Hughes, and until you run in social circles that require a $1500 jacket, you are better off looking into the affordable but well-made options you can find at many tailor shops and online portals. ..
The Big Box Blazer – $15-$70
It’s not surprising to find the “affordable” options sold from places like Walmart, Target, and Kohl’s, but the fact that these outlets still sell the type of clothing shocks me nonetheless. As I said before, this is an investment in your image. If your self-image is an average of $20 for an off-the-rack jacket, please keep reading. Options at this price range are poor quality, with uncomfortable fits and fabrics. The most egregious offense to your dress will be the aforementioned “misfits”: jackets that have parts chosen at random. That is why your shirts from big box stores have chests, tails, sleeves, and hems that don’t match others on the same rack! Stay away from this price range at all costs!
The Ideal – $90-$300
This is a great marker for a new wardrobe addition. I usually spend around $120-$200 on clothes here, from Caswell’s and Topman. Blazers and sports coats in this range have a fine fabric quality, fit well (depending on body constitution, big and tall men and women will always have some fluctuations in these ranges), and seldom have a misfit composition. Special mention to ASOS Design, an international retail front for many of these companies that makes it incredibly easy to snag a good look. Until you start landing some invitations to dine at the Ritz, this is where you should shop.
The Showman – $500+
We find our Bauman’s, our Hugo Boss, and our other prestige brands. These are the cream of the crop for a mass-market piece, but they come with a prestige price. Unless you feel comfortable and financially stable enough to put out anywhere from $500-$900 on a single piece of outerwear, you might want to hold off on this range. My suggestion: have one of these. This is your power jacket, the piece you wear to stake your flag on the social battlefield. At this price, I tend to go for a full suit anyways.
The Hughes – $900+
When you are looking into the cost of blazers from the perspective of someone like me, this is not the range for you yet. Tailoring is done for specific occasions or to flaunt your style and wealth. You’ll get here eventually, but we all must walk before running. You’ll appreciate a tailored jacket or suit when you’ve worn something off the rack or out of a box.
That is a roadmap to help you on your journey from sport coats and jeans to custom-fit cashmere blazers that will keep you from straying into the thick brush of the bargain stores. That is not to say bargain shopping is something to avoid, just something to avoid in this instance. Go now, aspiring gentlefolk, and dress to impress! ..
A: Yes, it is!
Some people believe that it is rude to eat someone else’s leftovers, while others feel that it is their right to do so. What do you think? ..
A: Finding your “fit” can be difficult, but it’s important to do your research and find a clothing brand or store that aligns with your personal style. ..
A tailor can help you get afitting for your clothing. Most are happy to do it.
A: Blazers should be worn in the summer to keep cool. You can wear a shirt, a tank top, or shorts.
A: Have at least two linen suits/blazers for the summer and spring.
