In men’s fashion, the suit jacket and blazer are often confused as being the same thing. However, both are different kinds of coats that are used for different occasions. Men’s fashion is dynamic with detail-oriented menswear. However, to the untrained eye, the difference between these two styles is not very clear-cut. If you want to elevate your dressing style, then you must know the difference between a suit jacket and a blazer and what the best occasion to wear them. Let’s explore the differences between the two so you can pair these essential jackets appropriately.
Men’s fashion has evolved over the years.
The term jaquette was first introduced in the XIV century. It was a longer, embroidered jacket that reached down to the knees. In the 19th century, a modern lounge suit with a matching jacket and trousers became popular among British novelty. It was designed for comfort and ease of movement while presenting a formal appearance.
The 20th century became the groundbreaking era for the matching two-piece suit that we know today, in the mid-20th century. Movie stars like Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart embraced the elegance of the suit jacket, making it a symbol of masculinity.
In the late 20th century, designers started to experiment with cuts and styles, reflecting a shift in men’s suit jackets. Modern jackets are continuously evolving, combining contemporary designs with modern aesthetics, diverse fabrics, and great attention to detail.
The term Blazers was first used by the members of the Lady Margaret Boat Club of St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1825. They called their jackets blazers from the word “blaze” due to their bright red color. Over time, the blazer evolved into a versatile, semi-formal jacket that is very popular in the fashion world.
The original blazers had black horn buttons, now modern blazers are dark in color with metallic buttons, available in both single and double-breasted styles.
A suit jacket is a tailored garment that consists of a jacket and matching trousers. It has a sleek and polished appearance. It is made from high-quality materials like wool, cashmere, or silk, as well as suit jackets. A suit jacket comes in various styles, colors, and patterns. The key features of a suit jacket are its structured shoulder, slim waist, and fit that covers the hips.
The suit jacket is tailored to give shoulders a rounded, well-defined, and structured look. Traditional suits are designed with subtle patterns like herringbone or birdseye. They usually have two or three buttons and can be single or double-breasted. 
Although blazers were first introduced as blazing red jackets, today, they are almost always solid colors, most probably navy blue. They are always paired with unmatched trousers, making them versatile garments in men’s wardrobes.
A blazer is stitched on the technique of shirts with the shirt-shoulders (a camicia) that gives it a softer look, enhancing the natural shape of the shoulders. As it is a less formal garment, it is usually unlined, and unpadded, and the lapels are not edge-stitched.
Blazers have a defining feature: contrasting buttons made of various materials, such as gold, silver, and brass, featuring intricate designs like anchors. Some blazers have a common decorative element, like a crest, which indicates their origin as worn by members of organizations like schools, clubs, and teams. 
A blazer is more casual than a suit jacket but more formal than a sports coat. It is suitable for more casual events. On the other hand, a suit jacket is more formal than a blazer and is appropriate for professional and formal.
A suit jacket is a classic garment that is a must-have for any professional wardrobe. It is often a custom formal wear for formal and professional events like business meetings, job interviews, etc. However, you can also style them at a wedding or other classy events and look your best.
Blazers have silver, gold, or brass metal buttons, making them a perfect option for black-tie or formal events. They are a popular choice for semi-formal, smart-casual events, such as dinner parties, less formal business settings, and social gatherings. A blue blazer is an essential go-to in a well-dressed man’s wardrobe.
A suit jacket is an outerwear for a suit. Always wear matching trousers made from the same fabric and color as the jacket. Underneath, you must wear a slim-fit, crisp white or light blue dress shirt.
On the other hand, a blazer is a casual garment, and you can play with contrasting colors. You can pair it with a variety of trousers, including chinos, khakis, dress pants, and even jeans for a more casual look. It is such a versatile piece of clothing that it can be paired with dress shirts, casual button-downs, polo shirts, or even turtlenecks.
A suit jacket is designed for a cohesive, polished look. However, it is less versatile outside formal contexts and is generally not mixed and matched with other clothing items. The blazer is highly versatile and adaptable for different occasions. Features like crests and contrasting buttons add distinctive style and can be dressed up or down easily.
A suit jacket should be worn as a matching pair. A well-tailored, well-fitted suit jacket compliments your body. For a classic formal look, you can wear a shirt and a tie underneath the jacket. A silk tie in a solid color or a subtle pattern compliments the look.
Although suit jackets are paired with matching pants, you can accessorize them with pocket squares, cufflinks, and a formal belt to add a touch of sophistication. A watch, tie bar, or even sunglasses can further enhance your stylish appearance.
Stick to formal shoes like Oxfords and brogues, otherwise, the cohesion of your styling will be completely blown out of proportion. Pairing it with chinos in a complementary color and loafers or brogues while keeping accessories minimal creates a balanced look that’s perfect for a less formal office environment.
A blazer is very flexible with styling. A navy blue blazer with well-fitted grey pants can make you the center of attraction at any event.
3-button blazers are a great personal style choice, particularly flattering for taller men. They also create a neat optical illusion, giving the wearer a longer, slimmer appearance. Blazers vary primarily by the number of buttons, with 2, 3, and 6-button jackets being the most common. The 2-button blazer is ideal for more relaxed settings, while the 6-button blazer adds extra flair, making it perfect for formal events.
For a smart casual look, pair a blazer with chinos or dark jeans, a casual button-down shirt, a polo shirt, or even a turtleneck. Loafers, smart sneakers, or casual dress shoes are ideal footwear choices, and adding a pocket square can elevate the outfit. For a business-smart style, you can match the blazer with dress trousers in a coordinating color and a dress shirt, either solid or with a subtle pattern.
Classic dress shoes like Oxfords or Derbies are suitable. However, match your shoes with your pants. Consider the event you are styling for and don’t style formal shoes with jeans and loafers with business pants.
Although suit jackets and blazers share many characteristics, they maintain subtle differences that are enough to differentiate between them. Each jacket has its unique look that allows you to have a sophisticated appeal according to the occasion.
For those seeking a tailored, personalized fit, Kutetailor stands out as a reliable supplier of made-to-measure (MTM) suit jackets and blazers. Their commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail ensures that you can achieve a perfectly fitting blazer or suit jacket that complements your individual style and needs.
Certainly, you can use your suit jacket as a blazer. To make it work, pair it with non-matching pants, for instance, chinos or jeans. Also, opt for casual shirts or t-shirts. Go on to wear casual shoes such as loafers or smart sneakers and keep accessories minimalistic so that you may enjoy a relaxed yet stylish look.
A blazer is a piece of clothing that can be worn in different styles, either formal or informal. The former is regarded as being more official than the sports coat and less official than the suit jacket. It can be used on semi-formal occasions if one pairs it with dress trousers and a shirt, but when one wears it casually, it looks fit for everyday use.
Yes, one can wear a jacket suit in summer. While doing this, ensure you choose a lightweight fabric that allows air circulation, like linen or lightweight wool, to stay cool. Light-colored ones are also good since they are unlined or have a half lining, which enables ventilation. Moreover, match them with lighter moisture-wicking shirts and lighter trousers to complete a summer-friendly outfit.