Now that Memorial Day Weekend is behind us and summer has (unofficially) begun, many of us across the United States are still saying “Where’s the heat”? Well, stock up the ice chest: The Weather Channel says that, although we had a cooler spring, much of the country is due for normal to above average temperatures starting in June. So how do we keep our sartorial cool once things start getting sticky? Why with stylish lightweight , summer blazers, of course.
We like to leave one of these jackets in the office to throw on when the air conditioning is cranked a little too high, for unexpected client meetings, or for a business lunch. They’re also a perfect solution for a breezy night out at a sidewalk cafe, or a casual weekend wedding or party. Light enough to carry when commuting, they also pack easily … a few wrinkles should easily steam out in a hotel bathroom. Choose a neutral color so it can easily be thrown on with a pair of lightweight dress pants, khakis, or jeans…maybe even dressy shorts if the occasion suits.
Best Buy
Express Slim Navy Knit Blazer $99
You can’t get a much better summer blazer than this one from Express. Not only is it under $100 (!), it’s also slim-cut and in a traditional color, allowing for this blue baby to be worn again and again throughout the season without anyone taking notice. The polyester/rayon shell, combined with the cotton lining, makes for one breathable blazer that can go from office to evening in a flash.
Other Options We Like
Q by Flynt Heathered Jersey Blazer $365
Felt like you should have been allowed to wear a T-shirt to the office today? Flynt gets you part-way there with a colorful selection of heathered jersey blazers in a cotton/linen blend. Each has a deep, summery glow, and, like your favorite tee, just a little bit of stretch for comfort and weighs just about as much. Throw it on with a short-sleeved button up for a little Rat Pack style.
Patrick James Jersey Knit Blazer $375
Another soft, comfortable knit option, Patrick James offers a lightweight, stretch cotton blend in a simple pale blue or tan that goes right from the new client meeting to dinner at the marina. It’s even got a built-in pocket square for those summer Fridays when you’re throwing it on over a polo shirt, then bolting to get out of town and don’t want anything extra weighing you down.
Rowing Blazers Navy Hopsack Blazer $950
Rowing Blazers describes it as “The Perfect Blue Blazer,” and we have to agree. It’s handmade in New York, of 100 percent Hopsack, a lightweight, basketweave wool, which has a bit of a coarse hand, but is extremely breathable. Incorporating the “3-roll-2” silhouette (there are three buttons: the top one, like the bottom, remains unbuttoned), three patch pockets and top-stitched “swelled seams.” It is an ultimate classic which, of course, makes it totally on-trend.
Ring Jacket Olive Balloon Jacket $1,350
Ring Jacket synthesizes Japanese precision with Italian distinction in their Osaka factory. The Balloon jacket is the consummate realization of that combo, utilizing a signature fabric that they originally developed to create the ultimate travel jacket. It’s pure woven wool, but combines the comfort of a knit with true performance properties. The Balloon jacket is lightweight and breathable, with natural stretch and wrinkle-resistance.
Alton Lane Seersucker Jacket $1,595
There are times when only custom will do, and the ultimate expression of summer is seersucker. Here Alton Lane combines the two in a navy gingham check seersucker that is a sophisticated take on the classic. Their model is completely deconstructed, so it’s light, airy, and perfect for summer days. It’s serious enough for the office, but still a little more light-hearted for cocktail parties or happy hours.
Looking for a perfect t-shirt to pair with these summer blazers? Look no further.
