Genderless Double-Breasted Blazer: a wardrobe essential for all genders

If you are looking for a formal jacket to wear during special and elegant occasions, the double-breasted jacket is the ideal solution. Despite the distinguished and serious air of its more classic versions, both in terms of its structural configuration and its unique silhouette, the double-breasted jacket in recent years has abandoned much of its exclusivity to fit even the least set, feminine and masculine outfits. 

Here’s how to style a double-breasted blazer depending on the outfit you want to create!

The double-breasted blazer: a staple for men's and women's fashion!

Originally designed for military uniforms—possibly in the 17th century for Hussars or in the 19th as an evolution of the British Navy’s reef jacket—the double-breasted blazer gained major popularity in the 1930s through the 1950s, and again in the 1980s and 1990s.

It’s easily recognizable by its overlapping front closurewith two rows of buttons (some functional, some decorative) and its signature peak lapels.

Double-breasted blazers are categorized by button configuration. The most common styles include 6x2 (the most classic), 6x3, 6x1, 4x1, and 2x1—where the first number refers to the total number of buttons, and the second indicates how many can be fastened.

While its structured appearance might suggest it's best reserved for formal settings, modern variations have made it a versatile piece—youthful even—well-suited for both business attire and laid-back casual outfits.

The elegant double-breasted blazer: a must-have for everyone

Though originally associated with formalwear, today’s double-breasted blazer is a multifaceted garment that also fits in more relaxed environments. Still, it shines brightest in classic settings—weddings, graduations, refined dinners, or important business meetings.

Modern takes on the men’s and women’s double-breasted blazer have evolved from the stiff, conservative versions of the past. Expect shorter, more tailored fits with softer shoulders and higher armholes for enhanced comfort.

If you're building a special-occasion outfit, consider these elements:

• Fit: for formal or elegant occasions, a matching suit (blazer and pants made of the same fabric and color) is the most impactful choice. However, a mix-and-match outfitcan also work well. Look for well-structured, regular-fit blazers that still allow easy movement. Flap or welt pockets add a formal, refined touch compared to patch pockets.

• Fabric and color: for formal settings, go with wool, worsted wool, or silk. Solid colors are most traditional, though pinstripes, chalk stripes, and subtle dotted patterns (like birdseye) are also acceptable. Keep the color palette appropriate to the occasion: dark hues like black, navy, or charcoal for business events; lighter grays, burgundy, brick red, forest green, petrol blue, and pastel tones for less formal celebrations.

• Buttoning: maintain a neat, polished look by keeping the blazer buttoned when standing. You don’t need to fasten every button—leave the bottom one undone for a more flattering silhouette.

• Pants: for formal settings, suits are preferred—for women, that usually means a pantsuit. These should match the blazer in fabric and color, though carefully chosen separates can still look elegant. Choose tailored pants with single or double pleats. For women wearing heels, avoid pant lengths that rise above the ankle for a more refined appearance. Palazzo trousers are also a fashionable, sophisticated option.

• Layers: for men, pair with a classic shirt and tie (the shirt doesn’t need to be white—it could be lighter or darker than the blazer, or contrasting: black-gray, sky blue-gray, gray-salmon, black-forest green). A turtleneck is a stylish alternative, especially when lightweight (heavier fabrics can be too bulky under a double-breasted blazer). Turtlenecks work well in women’s business attire too, offering an assertive, sharp edge. For ceremonies, a subtle crop top under a pantsuit creates the illusion of a minimalist base layer.

• Accessories and footwear: keep accessories understated. For business chic, go with a structured tote or dark leather briefcase. For formal occasions, pair a women’s suit with a small clutch, and a men’s look with a silk pocket square. Footwear is key—men should wear polished leather lace-ups (Oxford or Derby), and women might opt for pointed or rounded heels, slingbacks, or strappy sandals for spring/summer events. In the evening, high heels are common, but sleek masculine-style shoes (like Derbies) also work. Don’t overlook the details: choose blazers with finely stitched buttonholes and fabric-covered buttons for a luxurious look. For men, cufflinks can add a sophisticated finishing touch.

Casual double-breasted blazer: where classic style meets modern trends

The double-breasted blazer isn’t just for formal events—it has emerged as a go-to casual item, ideal for both casual-chic and edgy streetwear outfits.

• Fit: in more relaxed settings, opt for a blazer style (the fewer the buttons, the more casual the piece) with a softer cut that allows ease of movement.

• Fabric and color: choose soft, comfortable materials like jersey, linen, cotton, flannel, or corduroy (the latter two are great for colder seasons), preferably with patch pockets for a more laid-back feel. Oversized styles are also trendy, especially in urban fashion. Colors tend to be lighter—white, light blue, sky blue—or neutral, like cream, ivory, and beige. Pastel shades are back, replacing the darker, more serious tones. As for patterns, alongside subtle stripes you’ll find windowpane checks, Glen check, small checks, and thicker stripes. Solid colors remain a reliable option.

• Buttoning: though traditionally not worn open, modern casual styling allows for more freedom. Leave just one button fastened (usually the middle one) for a relaxed vibe. Contemporary, youthful cuts can even be worn completely unbuttoned to show off your base layer.

• Pants:ditch the full suit for separates. In casual business or smart-casual looks, go for slim or regular fit chinos—soft, comfortable, but still neat. For a more relaxed outfit, try corduroy pants or jeans (regular or slim fit without fading for a more polished look, baggy or skinny with distressing for a bold street style). Color contrast is key: brighten the look with white pants or go bold with coral red, sage green, burgundy, or burnt orange—just avoid combining bold pants with equally intense blazers.

• Layers: skip the tie and stiff shirts. For men, try plaid, checkered, or patterned shirts, polo shirts, basic tees, or denim shirts—all unbuttoned at the collar and cuffs for a relaxed look. For women, soft blouses in solid hues work well with bold blazers, while brighter tops can complement more neutral jackets. Floral prints and fun patterns work well with unbuttoned blazers, while basic shirts, tanks, or crop tops are great for closed styles. Vests can also add a stylish touch under an open blazer.

• Accessories and footwear: accessories help dial down the formality. Choose blazers with casual buttons (wood, plastic, or understated metal). Men should skip cufflinks in favor of an informal pocket square. Scarves or lightweight foulards worn over an open blazer add a stylish touch, as do hats and beanies for a streetwear edge. Women’s formal handbags or clutches can be swapped for soft, colorful crossbody bags. For shoes, skip glossy leather and opt for suede in shades of brown, olive, burgundy, or navy. Boat shoes, casual Derbies, and of course, sneakers all make great choices for a laid-back outfit.