Checked blazers have been wardrobe staples for men for decades. Yet recently, these timeless jackets have enjoyed a surge in popularity thanks to updated styling. Oversized, relaxed silhouettes have given classic check patterns a modern, casual twist.
Gone are the days when checked blazers were strictly reserved for stuffy suiting or banker uniforms. Today, these jackets can be worn in both tailored business looks or dressed-down weekend outfits.
From versatile glen plaids to bold buffalo check, the range of patterns available is endless. With the right styling, it’s easy to incorporate checks into your personal aesthetic.
This blog post will cover everything you need to know about styling checked pattern relaxed blazers. We’ll discuss:
- The top checked pattern blazer styles
- How to choose the right checked blazer for you
- Expert tips for wearing and styling checked blazers
- Frequently asked questions
By the end, you’ll feel confident rocking checks for any occasion. Let’s dive in!
The Top Checked Pattern Relaxed Blazer Styles
Before styling your checked blazer, you first have to choose the pattern itself. Here are five of the most popular checked blazers giving classic looks a relaxed twist:
1. Classic Prince of Wales Check Blazer
The Prince of Wales check is arguably the most iconic pattern for blazers. It features a black and white houndstooth base with tan and gray windowpanes overlaying the check. This instantly recognizable pattern has been used in men’s suiting since the early 1900s.
Relaxed versions of the Prince of Wales blazer have a roomy silhouette meant to be worn open. The oversized shape makes it perfect for layering over shirts, sweaters, or even hoodies. For business casual offices, it’s just as dashing when buttoned up.
2. Oversized Buffalo Check Blazer
Buffalo check offers a bolder look with its large blocks of black and red or blue plaid. This eye-catching lumberjack pattern gets a modern upgrade when tailored in a slouchy, oversized blazer.
Shoulders are left wide and dropped. The length hits longer than a traditional blazer for an exaggerated shape. Paired with skinny jeans or leather pants, this roomy buffalo check blazer makes a stylish statement.
3. Green Windowpane Check Blazer
For a fresh color update on checks, look for windowpane blazers in shades like olive green, mustard yellow, or burnt orange. The neutral base contrasts beautifully with the colored overlay.
As with traditional windowpanes, the fine grid pattern stands out against the neutral background. Relaxed styling keeps the preppy pattern feeling casual instead of stuffy.
4. Relaxed Gray Glen Plaid Blazer
A gray glen plaid blazer has an easy, menswear-inspired vibe. The glen plaid features small scale black and white checks with thin lines of tan and gray throughout. This versatile pattern works year-round.
When cut in a roomy silhouette, the gray glen plaid blazer layers effortlessly over Oxford shirts, knits, tees, and more. Shoulder padding provides structure to balance the slouchy shape.
5. Oversized Madras Check Blazer
Madras check offers a handwoven, artisanal look. Irregular lines and bright, saturated colors like pink, yellow, and green give madras a joyful preppy feel.
When oversized, the madras check blazer takes on a relaxed, indie vibe. The vibrant pattern truly pops against the casual cut. Just be wary of matching madras with other busy patterns.
How to Choose the Right Checked Blazer for You
With endless checked blazers to choose from, narrowing your selection can feel overwhelming. Here are tips for picking the right pattern, fit, and color:
- Consider scale – Larger buffalo plaids make more of a statement, while Prince of Wales or glen plaids have a refined look.
- Choose versatile neutrals like gray, tan, or black and white if this will be your only checked blazer. They pair effortlessly with everything.
- Look for interesting accent colors like sage green or burnt orange for a unique twist on neutrals. Soft pink and mustard add preppy flair.
- Be mindful of challenging patterns. Busy madras plaids or high contrast windowpanes can be harder to combine. Anchor them with simple solids.
- Get the right oversized fit. The shoulder seams should extend past your shoulders. The hem should hit at thumb length or lower.
- Ensure the oversized silhouette still has structure. It should drape rather than cling. Some shoulder padding helps maintain the shape.
- Select natural fabrics like cotton, linen, or corduroy for relaxed vibes. Avoid stiff wools meant for suiting.
Choosing the right blazer depends on your personal style and wardrobe needs. Use the tips above to find a pattern, color, and fit that makes you feel stylish and confident.
Expert Tips for Styling Your Checked Blazer
You found the perfect checked blazer – now it’s time to style it! Follow these expert tips for wearing your jacket seamlessly:
- Style an oversized blazer open. Choosing a size up allows room for layers underneath. Let the relaxed shape be the focus.
- Pair with slimmer layers like fitted turtlenecks, sleek trousers, or skinny jeans to balance the roomy proportions. Avoid bulky layers that exaggerate the oversize.
- Stick to one oversized element per outfit. If the blazer is slouchy, opt for fitted pants and slim shoes. Avoid an imbalanced silhouette.
- Roll up the sleeves to dial up the casual vibe of checked blazers. Showing some wrist helps downplay any stuffiness.
- Play with textures like leather, suede, cable knits, or silk to make outfits more interesting. Luxe contrasts beautifully with the relaxed jacket.
- Choose shoes in sleek silhouettes like white sneakers, loafers, or Chelsea boots. Let the blazer pattern stand out as the statement.
- Anchor louder patterns like buffalo check or madras with neutral basics. Black, white, gray, and denim are perfect complements.
- Button it up for a more refined take. Use the top button only for an easy, business casual vibe.
- Cuff the sleeves once if you want a more tailored look. Just don’t cuff higher than your wrist bone.
- Add bold outerwear like a leather moto jacket or shearling coat on top for stylish layering. Checks add interest underneath.
Follow these tips to expand your styling possibilities. Soon you’ll see how easy it is to incorporate checks into any outfit!
FAQs About Checked Pattern Relaxed Blazers
Still have questions about styling checked blazers? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
Q: How should a checked blazer fit?
A: Traditionally, checked blazers have a tailored, structured fit. But oversized and relaxed silhouettes have become popular. Go at least one size up for a roomy, casual shape. The shoulder seams should extend past your shoulders.
Q: What do you wear with a buffalo check blazer?
A: Tone down the bold buffalo plaid with neutral basics like white, gray, or black. Try a white tee, black jeans, and white sneakers. Or pair with an all-black outfit of skinny pants, turtleneck, and booties. Lean into the lumberjack vibe with a navy cable knit sweater and dark denim.
Q: How do you style a Prince of Wales check blazer?
A: The Prince of Wales check works well with business and business casual looks. For the office, wear it with a button-down shirt, trousers, and oxfords. For a weekend look, pair with a v-neck sweater, dark jeans, and leather loafers. You can also dress it down over an OCBD shirt and chinos. Stick to solid colors that complement the black, white, and gray pattern.
Q: What is the difference between glen plaid and Prince of Wales?
A: Glen plaid features small scale black and white checks with thin lines of color like tan or red. The Prince of Wales check has large black and white houndstooth combined with thick tan and gray windowpanes overlaid on top.
Q: Is a checked blazer in style?
A: Checked blazers are a timeless wardrobe staple that have evolved to feel modern and stylish. Oversized, relaxed silhouettes have given classic patterns like buffalo check or Prince of Wales an updated, casual vibe while still retaining their sophistication.
Q: Can you wear a checked blazer casually?
A: Yes, checked blazers can definitely be worn casually. Styling tricks like choosing a roomy, slouchy fit, rolling up the sleeves, leaving it open over a tee, and pairing with jeans will make a checked blazer feel relaxed. Stick to casual fabrics like cotton, linen, or corduroy rather than formal wool suiting.
Conclusion
Checked blazers have come a long way from their origins as stiff suiting. With endless pattern and color options plus relaxed new silhouettes, it’s easy to find a checked blazer to fit your personal aesthetic.
Whether you opt for a bold buffalo plaid, classic Prince of Wales, or understated glen plaid, checks offer visual interest to any outfit. Oversized fits have given these timeless jackets a stylish, modern update.
Use the tips outlined in this guide to select the ideal checked blazer for you. With the right pattern, fit, and styling, you can seamlessly incorporate checks into smart business looks or casual weekend outfits alike.
So embrace one of fashion’s greatest comebacks. The versatile checked blazer is back and better than ever!