Difference Between Blazer and Suit Jacket

The key difference between blazer and suit jacket is their formality level; a suit jacket is more formal than a blazer while a blazer is less formal than a suit jacket but more formal than a sports jacket.

Blazer and suit jacket are two classic menswear items that tend to be confusing. A suit jacket is more formal than a blazer and comes with a matching pair of trousers, made from the same fabric. However, Blazers do not come with matching trousers.

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is a Blazer
3. What is a Suit Jacket
4. Similarities Between Blazer and Suit Jacket
5. Side by Side Comparison – Blazer vs Suit Jacket in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is a Blazer?

A blazer is a jacket that resembles a suit jacket but designed more casually. Although people wear blazers as a part of formal wear, they do not come as a part of a suit. Blazers are usually tailored well and made with fabrics in solid colours. They originate from a type of jacket that was born by boating club members. Some blazers still have naval metal buttons, reflecting this nautical origin. Sometimes, blazers also used as a part of a uniform; for example, blazers in school, club, or university uniforms. This kind of blazers usually has a badge sewn into their breast pockets.

Blazers can be either single-breasted or double-breasted. However, the blazers we wear as uniforms are usually single-breasted. Blazers also have patch pockets, unlike other types of jackets.

Difference Between Blazer and Suit Jacket

Figure 01: Blazer

You can wear blazers with different types of clothes. You can wear them with plain tee shirts or dress shirts and neckties. Women also wear them above blouses and dresses. You can also wear blazers with different types of trousers; from jeans to classic linen or cotton pants to chinos. The best thing about blazers is that you can wear them for smart casual as well as formal looks.

What is a Suit Jacket?

A suit jacket is a jacket that comes with a matching pair of trousers. Both the suit jacket and the trousers are made from the same fabric and the same weave. Suit jackets are usually simple in style, without any fancy details such as pockets. However, they are more formal than both blazers and sports jackets. Suit jackets also have a tighter and closer fit than sports jackets.

Key Difference Between Blazer and Suit Jacket

Figure 02: Suit Jacket

Suit jackets usually come in fine, lightweight material like linen, seersucker, worsted wool and silk. They have simple patterns as well as neutral colours. Black, navy blue, light grey and charcoal grey are some common colours for suit jackets. Most suit jackets have notched lapels, but some suit jackets also have peak lapels.

What are the Similarities Between Blazer and Suit Jacket

Men wear both these clothing items for formal occasions.
Both these jackets are more formal than sports jackets.

What is the Difference Between Blazer and Suit Jacket?

A blazer is a jacket that resembles a suit jacket but designed more casually whereas a suit jacket is a jacket that comes with a matching pair of trousers. Thus, a suit jacket comes with a matching pair of trousers, made from the same fabric, but blazers do not. Therefore, the blazers are less formal than suit jackets but more formal than sports jackets. On the other hand, suit jackets are more formal than both blazers and sports jackets. This is the key difference between blazer and suit jacket.

Summary – Blazer vs Suit Jacket

The difference between a blazer and suit jacket depends on their formality level, as well as the trousers worn with them. Suit jackets are more formal than blazers and come with a matching pair of trousers, made from the same fabric. However, Blazers do not come with matching trousers.