Blaze Away

LAPEL

Although the size of the lapel changes with trends, thinner lapels are the classic standard. If you can only choose one blazer, pick one with a lapel around 2 ½ and 3 ½ inches.

BUTTONS

Blazers can run the gamut from waterfall style with no buttons, just one button or full doublebreasted. One-button blazers are the toughest to pull off for work wear, because if they aren't fitted well, they can gape and look slouchy. Whichever style you choose, be sure the buttons are sewn on tight-a dead giveaway about the quality of the construction.

LINING

A good lining fabric should be breathable, flexible and soft-if it sounds like a party tablecloth when you put an arm in the sleeve, put it back on the rack. Spend a little extra to get a blazer with rayon, acetate or silk lining as opposed to polyester or nylon in order to be comfortable and cool.

FABRIC

Wool is a classic blazer fabric that is durable and long-lasting. If you want to step out of the box, look for leather detailing, zippers or an unexpected color. Cotton and linen blazers are great for summer, if you don't mind that they wrinkle very easily.

SHOULDERS

The shoulders are by far one of the hardest alterations to make, so be sure to check for the right fit off the rack. Try leaning slowly sideways into a wall. If your shoulder pad touches the wall before your arm does, size down. If your arm touches before the shoulder pad, size up. Both should touch at the same time to ensure the best fit.

SLEEVES

An average length sleeve should end near the joint where your thumb connects at your wrist. Bracelet length sleeves stop just above the wrist to allow for the showing off of a bracelet or watch.

TORSO

For a tailored look, the blazer should button without significant pulling or

creasing. However, another current trend is the oversized blazer, which can look just as chic without being fitted in the waist.

If you want to veer from a classic blazer fit, here are a few trendy style options to try!

Upcoming Events