The blazer is a versatile piece in every man’s closet. It can be styled for casual looks on nights out or you can go a bit dressy with it for business meetings or special events. It is a fashionable piece and comes in a good range of styles and sizes too. Do blazers have shoulder pads?
Some come with additional padding in them to suit certain bodies. It can be a bit complex to find a blazer though that fits your figure right, however there are lots of options on hand for either short guys, guys with wide shoulders and more. Here are some tips on finding the perfect men’s blazer for every body type.
The Right Men’s Blazer for Every Body Type
Before even looking for a blazer, you need to determine what your body type even is to ensure you get the best blazer for you. There are numerous body types, with the primary identifiers being:
- Skinny
- Short
- Pear shaped
- Tall
- Broad shouldered
Let’s take a look at these individually and understand how they can inform your shopping experience.
Skinny
The average blazer might not fit skinny men however there is a great solution for it in case you cannot find a piece that fits you appropriately. You can have a jacket tailored instead. Tailors often know how to alter certain parts of a blazer so it will rightfully fit the customer.
Usually for skinny guys, the roped shoulder style is recommended since it will provide a nice broader shape to the cut and provide the wearer with a semblance of a stronger shoulder. Furthermore, look for the ones with extra padding on the shoulders too if you want a bit of bulk on those parts.
Short
For shorter guys, then again, the tailor will be a big help in your quest for the right blazer. In addition, there are available brands that cater to short and skinny frames particularly Japanese brands.
Those with tinier than usual built should opt for a blazer that comes with a longer lapel so it will extend the gap between the neckline and the button in order to lengthen the torso. Steer clear of cuffs or turn-ups on the pants since it will reduce the leg line and make them seem even shorter. Likewise, avoid heavy and thick materials like woolens or tweed since it does not look good on men with short frames.
Pear shape
For men who have pear-shaped bodies, they need to consider the lapel of the blazer. The lapel must be broader in size and must have a larger proportion so it can give balance to the whole ensemble. A sizable percentage of the blazer’s bottom half will be counterpoised by a piece that has big lapels and a compelling shoulder line.
Look for blazers that come in a square form and not ones that slant down easily. Do not forget to inspect the pockets; pockets that are cut to incline toward the center will price an illusion of a trimmer waistline.
Tall
Taller, lean guys should also look for a proper fitting blazer as well to highlight their figure. Opt for a blazer that comes with a square shape or block silhouette since it can widen the wearer’s torso. The double-breasted kind is also something that works very well with tall and lean figures.
Broad Shoulders
Men with broad shoulders will benefit largely from the assistance of an expert tailor. The tailor will hem and make modifications on the blazer so it will fit your frame properly. The tailored kind is always the best option for men with wide shoulders since they won’t need to scrimp on fit or style just to be comfortable wearing the piece.
In case you have a limited budget for alterations, you can opt for blazers that have a darker color so it can take away the hefty look on your shoulder line. A piece that comes with a pinstripe pattern will also highlight your body’s length and it will not focus attention on the shoulders. Avoid anything that has bulky square patterns or horizontal stripes and you will be in good company.
Finding The Perfect Blazer
That’s not entirely possible. You’re going to come across many amazing blazers in your efforts to upgrade your wardrobe, but don’t hold onto the idea that you’re trying to find the perfect one. Instead, look for great blazers, and don’t ignore ones that can easily be altered by professional tailors. Consider all that goes into finding a blazer. Buying for your body type is important, but so is buying for your personal style, skin tone, etc. You want the blazer to work for you, not against you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions surrounding the right men’s blazer for every body type!
Where can I wear a blazer?
The great thing about blazers is their versatility. These clothing items are able to be worn in numerous settings and are considered to be smart-casual attire. How you style your outfit that includes a blazer is up to you. You can gear the outfit to be more formal or casual depending on what you accompany with the blazer.
For example, wearing smart pants like chinos and dress shoes with a classic button-up shirt is going to elevate your look to be more smart/formal. On the other hand, wearing a blazer with a t-shirt and jeans makes it a more casual outfit.
How do you know you’ve picked out the right blazer?
It’s rather simple, really. When you’ve picked out a great blazer for your body type, it’s going to feel comfortable. It won’t be too loose or too tight. Of course, it goes beyond just the fit and has to do with the blazer’s design too. This is a more personal choice.
While the sizing of a blazer is undeniably detrimental to a decision and essentially non-negotiable, the choice of design is completely your own.
Does it really matter if the blazer fits just right?
We believe it really does matter a great deal. Why? Because when a blazer is too tight, you end up being uncomfortable. That’s not to mention the fact that it doesn’t look great, either. However, it’s not as bad as when it’s too loose.
A loose blazer looks sloppy and doesn’t project much confidence in you as a person. How we dress can be the basis of some people’s assumptions they may have about us. When we wear a blazer that’s too tight or loose, well it’s easy to come to unfortunate conclusions.
Conclusion
Regardless of the blazer style you are into, it is always essential to go instead for a piece that looks right and feels comfortable to wear. Do blazers have shoulder pads for all brands? Nearly all brands produce items that include shoulder pads so skinny guys can have the right blazer that looks great on them.
There is a wide variety of blazer styles out there so you can easily find one that will make you look good in the office, in the club or in any occasion.
Samoel Ovanessian is the founder and creator of StylishAlpha.com – a website dedicated to men’s fashion. As a proud owner of more than 200 ties, he loves digging through new clothing combinations for everyday use, formal events and even just for fun. You can read more about Samoel here.