There’s no doubt about the image that pops into your head right away when considering the timeless tweed blazer, right? Timeless though it might be, the fabric tends to be the purview of the wizened professor at the head of the class, perhaps droning on endlessly. Sometimes stuffy, often ill-fitting, and unfortunately, not the most flattering.
But I’m here to tell you those days are long gone, my friend. The best tweed blazers of today sharpen up the cut, slim down the fit and fine tune things ever so slightly. I’m talking fresh and refreshed, rather than unearthed from your grandfather’s closet (although, that’s perhaps not the worst place to start a sartorial journey grounded in style classics).
The fabric itself has plenty going for it in the way of heritage and history. It was a hard-wearing, outdoor-minded fabric in Scotland and Ireland, later evolving into durable hunting coats worn by sporting gentlemen. That history is perhaps what drew designers like Ralph Lauren to tweed, but there’s a host of brands making quality tweed blazers in crisp good looks today. Whether worn more casually with dark blue jeans and an Oxford shirt, or paired with a seasonal favorite like corduroy trousers, the best tweed blazers will make you rethink this time-honored staple for the better. At least, I hope so.
Photo via Proper Cloth
Proper Cloth Ochre Shetland Tweed Waverly Jacket
Start your quest into the world of tweed blazers by paying close attention to the fabric. In this case, Proper Cloth uses handsome and carefully crafted tweed woven in Japan with an understated twill backbone. The ever-so-slightly wider lapel and patch pockets place this jacket firmly in “dress up or dress down” territory, although given that it’s priced more expensively than other blazers, we’d wager you’ll want to get as much wear out of it as possible.
Photo via Todd Snyder
Todd Snyder Donegal Wythe Jacket
So named for the town where it hails from, Donegal is an utterly classic menswear fabric in the world of tailoring. One that feels surprisingly fresh in a sportcoat from acclaimed American menswear designer Todd Snyder. Himself a former Ralph Lauren designer, Snyder’s version nods to the classics with a slightly oversized, vintage-style fit you can pair with matching suit trousers or dress down effortlessly with indigo blue jeans.
Photo via J. Crew
J. Crew Ludlow Slim-fit Suit Jacket in English Donegal Wool Tweed
Perhaps you’re already well-aware of the breezy, chic, cool vibe of J. Crew’s famed line of Ludlow suiting, which helped introduce guys everywhere to the wonders of slim-fit tailoring. If not, or if it’s time to get reacquainted, find the same cut in rich Donegal tweed wool in a color inspired by peat bogs, fittingly enough. Better still, pair with tailored Ludlow trousers for a modern twist on one of the best tweed blazers on the market.
Photo via Buck Mason
J.Press × Buck Mason Lovat Tweed Usa Sportcoat
Buck Mason mines the menswear past for considerable modern style inspiration, as best seen in this prep-inspired take on the tweed sportcoat. With sartorial nods to throwback tailoring and a plaid pattern practically made to be worn as an everyday staple, this collab with J. Press checks all the right boxes as far as the best men’s tweed blazers are concerned. It sells fast, so sign up to be notified of it’s return if it’s sold out.
Photo via Mr. Porter
Rag & Bone Butler Checked Wool Blazer
Best known for its sleek, streamlined jeans, Rag & Bone gives a bit of downtown edge and rock n’roll style to the more traditional tweed jacket. In a crisp plaid check, details like single-button cuffs offer a chic, minimal point of distinction you should wear confidently with black jeans or olive wool trousers in equal measure.
