The 10 Best Summer Blazers for Men in 2023, Tested by Style Editors

<h2 class=”body-h2″>Fabrics to Look For:</h2><ul><li>Linen</li><li>Cotton</li><li>Silk</li><li>Rayon/Viscose/Tencel, plant based, silk-like fabrics</li><li>Hemp</li><li>Wool—No more than 50%, used to add structure to light fabrics</li></ul><h2 class=”body-h2″>Terms to Know</h2><p><em><strong>Unstructured/unconstructed:</strong></em> This one refers to the layer of canvas sewn into the body and padding in the shoulders. Suit jackets are either full canvas—which means it covers the entire body, or half canvas—which means it runs from the shoulder to the mid torso. Summer weight designs remove the canvas and often the shoulder pads to make the jacket lighter and more breathable.</p><p><em><strong>Lining:</strong> </em>Blazers usually feature a lining of soft, thin fabric to make the more comfortable. A traditional <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g39688190/best-suits-for-men/” target=”_blank”>suit</a> jacket is fully lined, but summer blazers go with half or no lining for breathability.</p><p><em><strong>Drape</strong></em>: Simply put, this is how fabric lays over your body. A traditional suit jacket has a lining, shoulder padding, and usually made from heavier fabrics so it holds its shape, for a more formal look. Summer weight blazers are made from lighter fabrics and cut out most, or all of that inner support. This helps your body breathe better, provides a more relaxed look. </p><p><strong><em>Traveler</em>:</strong> A relatively new category of suiting, indicating that a piece of formal wear like a jacket or a pair of pants has been designed to be worn comfortably for long periods of time (see: our favorite <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g25700962/best-mens-travel-pants/” target=”_blank”>travel pants</a>). This is usually made possible with tech fabrics like polyester and elastane, and it usually indicates that a jacket is unstructured or close to. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How to Wear Summer Blazers</h2><p>While blazers should always be fun, summer weight alternatives are a blast. You may be required to wear them for formal occasions, but you should remove all formality from your thought process when styling them. Put together your outfit as if you aren’t going to wear a jacket at all, then throw it on top. Just make sure the color matches and any textures don’t clash.</p><p><a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g25779431/best-t-shirts-men/” target=”_blank”>T-shirts</a>, <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g19519678/best-polos-for-bar-or-beach/” target=”_blank”>polos</a>, and <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g19520398/best-short-sleeve-shirts-summer/” target=”_blank”>short sleeve summer shirts</a> are always a good choice as long as a <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g19546198/17-best-ties-for-men/” target=”_blank”>tie</a> or <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g27102616/best-tuxedo-shoes/” target=”_blank”>tuxedo shoes</a> are not required. If it is, then go with a linen or 100% cotton collared shirt. Below the waist, you’re free to go wild with bold patterned <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/g28249026/most-flattering-shorts-for-men/” target=”_blank”>shorts</a> or breezy seersucker pants. However, it doesn’t hurt to keep things simple with <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a19541488/chinos/” target=”_blank”>chinos</a> or <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a19546067/25-best-jeans-for-men/” target=”_blank”>jeans</a> and let the blazer do the talking. Summer blazers should be your go-to for any outdoors occasion, especially for <a href=”https://www.menshealth.com/style/a27312994/wedding-attire-for-men/” target=”_blank”>summer wedding attire</a>.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Tested</h2><p>Every blazer on this list had to meet the core requirements of being comfortable, easy to style, good enough to pass for formal occasions, and are extra breathable. We started with the obvious factors like core colors, versatile patterns—if any, and light weight fabric. Then we whittled it down with some good old fashioned field testing. Our style editors tested these summer blazers everywhere from office meetings to wedding dance floors. Each and every one passed with flying colors. Rest assured that every option on this list will meet your summer blazer needs, but just to make your job even easier, we broke each one down into specific categories in which they shined the most. </p>” />