The blazer: it’s the top half of a suit, sawn off and let loose to mingle with trousers and jeans of its choosing. Whether you’re heading out to a work function, wedding or just drinks with friends, a well-fitted blazer has the power to turn a drab outfit into a polished look.

In the fingers-wagging parlance of classic menswear, a good blazer should be solid in colour and feature contrasting buttons. Ralph Lauren’s expertly crafted wool jacket ticks both boxes, while its soft shoulders and lower button stance make it a flattering fit for most men. It’ll work as well with crisply pressed dress pants and loafers as it will with denim and a merino henley.

For a look that’s somewhere in between casual and formal, go for cotton twill. This material’s breathable and suitable for warmer weather, while it still feels smart enough to wear for longer stretches. The H&M Slim Fit Blazer is an affordable choice, while the Zara Basic Textured Weave Blazer has a slightly more fashion-forward single-button design.

At the higher end of the price spectrum, a good blazer will be made from materials like cashmere, linen and lambskin. This fabric has a natural sheen and breathes well, while it’s still smart enough to wear with jeans and a tee. At this price point, you’ll also find fully canvassed and made to measure options with quality stitching and linings. At this level, you’ll find a lot of choice, including the Bruun & Strömberg Wool Blazer which combines all three of these elements. Mens Blazer