The resurgence of formal dressing and the rise of social clubs have renewed interest in men's blazers, yet many remain reluctant to embrace the classic jacket. In 2026, alternatives to the traditional blazer have expanded, catering to those seeking comfort and style without compromising a polished appearance.
Jake Grantham, founder of Anglo-Italian, has addressed this demand with innovative fabric choices. His double-breasted blazer crafted from an exploded hopsack wool weave combines stretch and a knitwear-like texture. Priced at £990, this piece offers a more relaxed feel while maintaining structure. Following its success, Grantham plans to introduce a jersey version this autumn, despite his personal reservations about working with the soft, clingy material. He advises that knit blazers work best in looser fits to avoid discomfort caused by the fabric hugging the shirt beneath.
For those seeking a balance between traditional tailoring and contemporary comfort, Danish brand NN07 offers the Jonas overshirt, a merino knit blazer priced at £225. Its boxy cut and soft, non-clingy fabric in neutral shades such as black, navy, and grey make it suitable for semi-formal settings. Similarly, Connolly’s travel jacket, costing £1,250, features a subtle stretch in a light grey wool blend, combining the appearance of a classic blazer with the ease of a cardigan. Its versatility allows it to be paired confidently with casual or dressier outfits.
For men who have long avoided blazers, oversized options like overshirts and chore jackets present stylish alternatives. Our Legacy’s Pack blazer, for example, blurs the line between overshirt and jacket, using classic suiting fabric while maintaining a casual silhouette (£670). Sunspel’s wool twill jacket, priced at £470, offers a lightweight, modern design that complements casual staples like jeans and T-shirts without appearing dated.
Fashion-forward consumers and those associated with technology sectors may gravitate toward brands like Kartik Research, known for artisanal tailoring and distinctive embellishments. The label’s wool and linen blend blazer with ivory embroidery (£682) and a more understated version featuring burgundy and black beading (£570) exemplify this innovative approach, combining subtlety with eye-catching detail.
The chore jacket remains a staple alternative to the blazer, with contemporary iterations emphasizing design sophistication. Oliver Spencer’s curved hem cotton jacket (£270) and Folk’s charcoal stripe jacket (£230) incorporate texture and thoughtful details, elevating the garment beyond traditional workwear.
As formal dressing evolves, these varied options signal a shift away from the classic blazer, providing men with versatile and comfortable ways to meet dress codes without sacrificing individual style.