A look back at the history of the blazer

Although the exact history of this jacket is unknown, it is believed that it may have been inspired by the uniforms worn by sailors aboard the HMS Blazer. What the legends of origin have in common is the use of a blazer as a uniform of elegance and social status. However, due to the widespread use of felt coats by sports teams in the second half of the 1800s, the term lost its specific connection to sailing and was used more widely to describe any sport. any kind of lightweight sports jacket. After a while, felt jackets lost their association with the sport in Europe and began to be worn more often as a casual or even professional wear.

Giorgio Armani’s unstructured jacket, with no fit, no hem, and no padding, became an icon of the 1980s, and this marked the first significant resurgence of the blazer. . Male rock and pop artists have adopted the unconventional silhouette of the Armani blazer and simply updated it with patterns and sequins, re-imagining the jacket that was once an essential part of a uniform as a dress. of many 1980s icons. However, female models and movie stars took Armani’s idea and built upon it to create fashionably revolutionary, female power suits. because it is structured and formal, has large shoulder pads and has an exaggerated silhouette. It also has social significance because the rise of the powerful feminist suit coincides with the beginnings of third wave feminism. Gender equality, sexual liberation and body acceptance were the main themes of this feminist movement.

In the 2000s, blazers were incorporated in red carpet appearances as well as celebrity street style through the use of cropped blazers, belted and cinched blazers, blazer skirts and blazers as a set. private outfit. Many of them come in eye-catching color schemes like green, deep navy, bright yellow, soft pink, etc. as well as large stripes, detailed patches and other embellishments. Today, the boundaries are pushed further and further as men and women completely reinvent the style and shape of blazers in a way that celebrates and celebrates the male and female bodies.

It’s also reasonable to assume that blazers instead of bra-digans are now a popular Instagram style.

With input from designer Jayesh Shah.