How Should a Joe Browns Blazer Fit?

There’s a big difference between wearing a blazer and owning a blazer. The difference isn’t the price tag or the pattern, though we do love a bold pattern, it’s the fit. A well-fitting blazer is a suit of armour. It broadens the shoulders, trims the waist, and instantly makes you stand a little taller. Get it wrong, and it can look like you’ve been raiding the dress-up box.

But don’t worry, getting it right doesn't require a degree in tailoring. Whether you’re looking for a sharp layer for a wedding or a casual jacket to throw over jeans, we’ve broken down the golden rules of the perfect fit.

For a broader look at all your outerwear options, don't forget to check out our guide to men's jackets to see how the blazer stacks up against the rest of the pack.

If you only check one thing, make it the shoulders. This is the hanger of the blazer jacket, and if it doesn't sit right here, the rest won't fall into place. The seam where the sleeve attaches to the jacket body should sit precisely at the end of your shoulder bone.

• Too tight: The seam will be pulling up towards your neck, and you’ll feel restricted when you move your arms.

• Too loose: The seam will droop down your arm, creating divots in the fabric and making you look slumped.

Your blazer should embrace you, not squeeze you! When you button the jacket, it should fit cleanly across your chest without the fabric pulling or creating an 'X' shape at the button.

However, you don't want it swimming on you either. A Joe Browns blazer is designed to have a bit of shape. You should be able to slide a flat hand into the jacket against your chest comfortably. If you can fit a fist, it’s too big.

This is where many gents get tripped up. Your blazer sleeves should end just above your wrist bone. Why? To show off a flash of your shirt cuff, of course! Ideally, about half an inch (1-2cm) of your shirt should be visible. It’s a small detail that shows you really know your style.

If the sleeve covers your hand, it’s too long. If it’s halfway up your forearm, it’s too short, unless you’ve rolled them up for that relaxed, creative vibe.

Finally, how long should the blazer itself be? The traditional rule of thumb is that the hem should cover your trouser waistband and your glutes. A good test is to stand with your arms relaxed by your sides. The hem of the jacket should land roughly around the middle of your hand, knuckles or palms.

If it’s too short, it can throw off your proportions. If it’s too long, you might be drifting into long coat territory!

Once you’ve nailed the fit, the fun really begins. A well-fitted blazer is incredibly versatile. Because our jackets are designed with personality in mind, they look just as good layered over a simple tee as they do with a waistcoat and tie.

If you plan to wear layers underneath, such as a chunky knit or a waistcoat, it’s worth trying your blazer on with those layers to ensure you still have comfortable movement. 

Are waistcoats still in style? Check out our blog on are men’s waistcoats fashionable. And, if you do decide to add that extra dapper layer, make sure you read our guide on how to wear a waistcoat to keep your look sharp.