Like a great button-down shirt, the best blazers for women are classic staples that belong in every wardrobe. An instant route to looking sharp and put-together, blazers bring the polish with a lot of inherent versatility. There are endless ways to wear the tailored basic: Think power suiting for the office, off-duty paired with jeans or an extra layer thrown over a maxi dress for evenings.
We found the best blazers for women that work for different budgets, body types and style … [+] preferences.
Like a button-down, you can never have too many blazers (but your closet and budget might not be as accommodating). To narrow down the best women’s blazers, we consulted fashion stylists and well-dressed execs to find out which blazers they keep on heavy rotation. The top pick overall is Theory’s Good Wool Etiennette Blazer while the most size-inclusive pick is J.Crew’s Willa Blazer. Below, you’ll find a wide range of expert-approved blazers to suit any style. Looking for a set? We’ve also rounded up the best suits for women that offer head-to-toe sophistication.
- Best Blazer For Women Overall: Theory Good Wool Etiennette
- Best Travel Blazer For Women: Altuzarra Indiana Gingham Tweed
- Best Women’s Blazer To Wear With Jeans: Nili Lotan Nathalia
- Best Women’s Blazer For Petites: J.Crew Willa
- Best Women’s Blazer For Plus Sizes: Madewell Plus Dorset Crop
- Best Black Blazer For Women: Veronica Beard Classic Dickey
- Best Casual Blazer For Women: Quince Organic Cotton Knit
- Best Boyfriend Blazer For Women: Mango Pinstripe Suit
- Best Oversized Blazer For Women: Everlane Tencel Oversized
- Best Knit Blazer For Women: Vineyard Vines Knit
- Best Leather Blazer For Women: Reformation Veda Crosby Longline Leather
- Best Cropped Blazer For Women: Banana Republic Chaco Herringbone Cropped
Theory
Theory Good Wool Etiennette Blazer
Sizes: 00 to 18 | Colors: 5 total, including Sand and Malbec | Materials: 96% wool, 4% elastane
It’s hard to beat Theory for its timeless wardrobe essentials, especially its tailored blazers, which are made from high-quality fabrics but still come at affordable prices. And its top-selling Etienette blazer is a classic that looks strong with work trousers or dressed down with jeans. Its beauty is in its simplicity—it has a feminine silhouette, peak lapels, cutaway front and flattering nipped-in waist. It’s cut from “Good Wool,” the brand’s sustainability extra-fine, bi-stretch merino wool that’s sourced from traceable farms in Australia and consciously manufactured in Italy.
Pros:
- Classic, timeless single-breasted style
- Expansive sizing
- Made from premium merino wool, ethically produced in Italy
Cons:
- Dry clean only
Mytheresa
Altuzarra Indiana Gingham Tweed Blazer
Sizes: 2 to 14 | Colors: Ivory Beige | Materials: 77% cotton, 21% polyester, 2% elastane, lining 67% viscose, 33% polyester
A chic neutral blazer is a go-to item for busy days on the move. Sharply tailored into a slim-fitting, double-breasted style, the sturdy yet comfortable tweed is cut from a beige and ivory gingham check, which adds interest to simple basics. Dress it up with trousers for work or jeans with loafers for a polished off-duty look.
Pros:
- Classic, timeless style
- Tweed is naturally resistant to wrinkles
Cons:
- Expensive investment piece
- Dry clean only
Sizes: 2 to 10 | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Khaki Plaid | Materials: 99% virgin wool, 1% elastane
New York-based fashion consultant Sarah Meikle is obsessed with Nili Lotan’s blazers, and for good reason—they’re thoughtfully designed and impeccably tailored. The single-breasted Diane blazer elevates a pair of jeans for “casual Friday” at the office or a night out with friends. Modest shoulder pads and a slightly oversized fit give this blazer a boxy, effortlessly cool look. Besides this classic black shade, the Diane comes in a chic plaid print as well.
Pros:
- Boxy, oversized fit
- Made from luxurious natural wool
- Side flap pockets
Cons:
- Expensive
- Some might prefer a more tailored fit
Sizes: 00 to 24 (classic, petite, tall) | Colors: 4 total including Navy and Picador Pink | Materials: 55% polyester, 44% wool, 1% elastane
This everyday blazer is a top of New York-based style consultant Alison Bruhn. A classic single-breasted style with a subtle nipped-in waist, it’s made from a blend of Italian wool so it’s softly structured with a hint of drape. It’s great for work and the weekend, comes in petite and tall sizes plus a good selection of colors. When it comes to price, Bruhn says, “J.Crew is always my go-to brand for inexpensive, quality fashion staples.”
Pros:
- Inclusive sizing in petite fits and up to size 24
- Affordably priced
- Available in a unique pink hue
Cons:
- Made with synthetic and natural fabric
- Dry clean only
Madewell
Madewell Plus Dorset Crop Blazer
Sizes: XL to 4XL | Colors: 2 total, including Deep Indigo and Light Roast | Materials: 100% Polyester
Just like its sister brand J.Crew, Madewell earns high marks for its inclusive sizing. It offers several of its bestselling styles in plus sizes such as this drapey blazer that comes in navy blue and rich brown. Made from wrinkle-resistant polyester crepe fabric, its slouchy silhouette strikes the perfect balance between comfortable and chic. The single-breasted jacket is equipped with two flap pockets plus an extra buttoned pocket for your phone.
Pros:
- Inclusive sizing options
- Wrinkle-resistant fabric
- Slouchy fit
Cons:
- Not as structured as other blazers
- Made with synthetic fabric
Veronica Beard
Veronica Beard Classic Dickey Jacket
Sizes: 000 to 20 | Colors: 2 total, including Black and Navy | Materials: 96% wool, 4% elastane
It can be surprisingly hard to find a simple yet not boring black blazer. Veronica Beard’s bestselling Dickey Jacket answers the call and is perfectly understated so you can wear it with almost everything in your closet. New York-based executive recruiter and The Co-Lab founder Kristy Hurt is a fan.“I love Veronica Beard for blazers and workwear,” she says. This pick has clean lines and a tailored silhouette, making it incredibly versatile. “I wear this jacket over dresses or with jeans and t-shirts and shorts.”
Pros:
- Classic, timeless style
- Made from breathable wool with a little stretch for comfort
Cons:
- Dry clean only
Quince
Quince Organic Cotton Knit Blazer
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: 10 total, including Ginger and Charcoal| Materials: 100% organic cotton
Quince is a one-stop shop for versatile wardrobe staples at surprisingly affordable prices. Perfect for casual days where you still want to feel put together, this organic cotton blazer pairs effortlessly with jeans or trousers. It comes in a wide palette of hues including vibrant Ginger and subdued Camel. Pro tip: For a laid-back yet professional vibe, pair this blazer with Quince’s signature scoop-neck tee, which costs just $15.
Pros:
- Wallet-friendly price
- 100% organic cotton fabric
- Wide selection of colors
Cons:
- May not be formal enough for some settings
Macy’s
Mango Pinstripe Suit Blazer
Sizes: XXS to XXL | Colors: Beige | Materials: 88% recycled viscose, 12% polyester, lining 96% polyester, 4% elastane
Taking its cue from traditional men’s suiting, this beige blazer is oversized yet not overwhelming, thanks to the subtle tailoring that helps shape the waist. The borrowed-from-the-boys look is versatile—and with its lapel v-neck collar, it looks expensive—but at this price, you won’t regret the investment.
Pros:
- Great, affordable price
- Classic, menswear-inspired style
- Traditional pinstripe
Cons:
- Made with synthetic fabrics
- A little on the conservative side
Everlane
Everlane Tencell Oversized Blazer
Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Ash Brown| Materials: 60% lyocell, 40% cotton, lining 100% polyester
Cool-girl brand Everlane topped our list of best work clothes for women; its pieces draw upon classic styles while still feeling fresh and modern for now. This bestselling oversized blazer is made from a sustainably produced blend of Tencel lyocell and cotton, resulting in a garment that’s lightweight and versatile for all seasons. It comes in both subtle pinstripes and solid hues, and since it doesn’t cost a fortune, you can stock up with one of each.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Made from sustainable fabrics
- Interior pocket
Cons:
- Relaxed oversized style is not for everyone’s taste
Vineyard Vines
Vineyard Vines Knit Blazer
Sizes: XXS to XL | Colors: Nautical Navy | Materials: 52% polyester, 48% cotton
Specializing in chic, preppy styles, Vineyard Vines is no stranger to a crisp, tailored blazer. This one is made of a soft knit fabric that feels great against the skin, keeping you in comfort all day long. The single-breasted blazer has a slim fit throughout the torso and arms, accented by a set of nautically inspired gold buttons. Its deep navy hue pairs wonderfully with beige, white and black ensembles.
Pros:
- Tailored, slim fit
- Gold accent buttons
- Soft knit fabric
Cons:
- Made with synthetic fabric
- Only available in one color
Reformation
Veda Crosby Longline Leather Blazer
Sizes: XS to XL | Colors: Black | Materials: Leather
Reformation is one of our favorite brands for sustainably made capsule pieces that will last you for years to come. We particularly love this longline leather blazer; fitted throughout the bodice and relaxed past the hip, it delivers all of the ‘90s-cool vibes you could ask for. Toss it on over a blouse and knit mini skirt or pair it with a turtleneck and jeans.
Pros:
- Butter-soft leather material
- ‘90s-inspired style
- Fitted silhouette throughout bodice
Cons:
- Spot clean only
Banana Republic
Banana Republic Chaco Herringbone Cropped Blazer
Sizes: 00 to 16 | Colors: 4 total, including Black and Ash Brown| Materials: 100% virgin wool, lining %100 viscose rayon
Banana Republic’s signature sophistication is on full display throughout this cropped blazer, which is made from luxurious herringbone wool sourced from Italy. The double-breasted front and peak lapel add a slightly masculine touch while the shorter length keeps it feeling fresh and contemporary. It pairs wonderfully with high-waisted jeans, skirts, trousers and more.
Pros:
- Subtle herringbone texture
- Timeless double-breasted style
- Chic cropped length
Cons:
- Dry clean only
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we consider ourselves experts in online clothes shopping. We’ve published dozens of fashion stories that are carefully curated in order to help you assemble your dream wardrobe. For this article, we gathered brand recommendations from New York-based style consultant Alison Bruhn, New York-based fashion consultant Sarah Meikle, New York-based personal and corporate fashion stylist Martina Gordon and New York-based executive recruiter and The Co-Lab founder Kristy Hurt. Bruhn and New York-based personal and corporate fashion stylist Martina Gordon have also delved into the specifics of how to find just the right blazer fit and style for your needs. In addition, the publishing of this story was overseen by senior fashion editor Kari Molvar, an industry expert with a certificate in fashion styling from the Business of Fashion.
This article is regularly updated to ensure our selections remain the best of the best and it was recently updated in September 2023 by Forbes Vetted fashion writer Claire Epting. To improve this piece, we re-evaluated our picks and added new styles to the list including a classic knit style from Vineyard Vines, a ‘90s-inspired leather blazer from Reformation, a size-inclusive pick from Madewell and a chic cropped option from Banana Republic.
What To Consider When Buying A Blazer
While most blazers share a few key features like a lapel collar and buttoned front, they can vary quite a bit from brand to brand. Here are the specifics you should keep in mind when shopping:
Fabric
The most popular fabrics used for blazers are wool, cotton, polyester and viscose; oftentimes, they’re blended with a hint of elastane for stretch. Cotton is a natural lightweight fiber so it’s great in warmer months and also hits the mark on affordability, breathability and easy care—some cotton blazers can be put in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Wool is also natural and feels a little more luxurious and structured than cotton. You’ll pay more and need to dry clean it, but if you look after a good wool blazer, it will last a long time. Linen is another chic natural and breathable option but tends to wrinkle. On the synthetic front, viscose, rayon, nylon, and polyester are affordable and durable but not as structured or luxurious to the hand.
Style
Fitted, boyfriend, relaxed, boxy, oversized, front open, single-breasted blazer, double-breasted, cropped, belted… It’s easy to be overwhelmed by all the blazer styles out there. You may want to invest in a classic workwear staple that you’ll wear at least once a week, or experiment with a more contemporary, trendy style. Think about which way you lean and where you intend to wear your blazer and then, get to know those styles—trying them on is your best bet, so take advantage of a retailer’s return policy.
Fit
Look for blazers that strike the right balance between being comfortable yet structured. The most important aspects to consider for fit are shoulder placement and length. You may prefer the tailored look of a slim-fit blazer, or you may find that a slouchy, oversized fit with a bit of wiggle room is more your speed. In some cases, it’s worth it to size up or down in order to achieve your desired look.
How Much Should I Spend On A Blazer?
When buying a blazer, think about whether you fall into the traditional or modern style category and also how often you intend to wear your blazer. “If you want a classic fit in high-quality wool in a timeless shade like black or navy for the office, that’s an investment piece and it’s worth spending a little more on,” says New York-based personal and corporate fashion stylist Martina Gordon. “If you’re all about dipping into a fun trend like a cropped, or ‘80s boyfriend style, go for affordable cotton or a synthetic blend and enjoy it while it lasts.” With that in mind, our list has inexpensive options as well as some more spendy ones. But what’s important for any blazer is to find the style that best suits you, fits well, and feels elevated and structured.
How Do I Find The Most Flattering Blazer?
There is a blazer for everyone, according to Bruhn. But first things first: Know your body type. “If you have broad shoulders, look for blazers with a soft shoulder, and stay away from shoulder pads, or have them taken out,” she says. “If you have a pear-shaped figure, blazers with shoulder pads are the perfect way to create a balance between your top and bottom half.” If you have an apple-shaped figure, go with single-breasted blazers that are nipped in at the waist in darker shades. For an hourglass figure, consider a blazer that accentuates the waist with a belt, button or tie. Longer double-breasted blazers are a great look but can be too boxy at times.
Also pay attention to where the blazer hits and ask yourself, do you like a longer blazer that hits mid-thigh, or prefer a shorter blazer that hits right below the waist? You never want a style that’s too tight across the back between the shoulders, or on the upper half of your arms. “If the blazer is the least bit uncomfortable when you try it on, no matter how much you love it, you likely won’t wear it when it’s hanging in your closet,” says Bruhn.
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