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The Pillars of a Timeless Wardrobe

PART III – THE CLUB BLAZER

Among the most enduring staples of classic menswear, few garments hold the gravitas and versatility of the club blazer. Rooted in British tradition and refined over decades of Ivy League influence and continental style, the club blazer is more than a jacket, it’s a statement of tasteful confidence and timeless sophistication.

Pete & Harry founders Erik Mannby and Fredrik af Klercker

What Is a Club Blazer?

A club blazer is a navy tailored jacket, often adorned with details that signal heritage or affiliation. Unlike a regular navy sport coat, the club blazer features metal buttons.

Traditionally worn by members of British rowing and cricket clubs, naval officers, and elite school alumni, the navy club blazer evolved from functional sports- and military wear into a sartorial symbol of identity and quiet power.

Key Characteristics

  • Gold or Brass Buttons: Club blazers use metallic buttons engraved with naval or heraldic motifs, or plain unadorned buttons.
  • Structured Silhouette: Often single-breasted with a fitted waist and a strong silhouette, conveying authority and poise.
  • Crested Chest Pocket: The club blazer may be adorned with embroidered emblems representing a club, school, or imagined heritage.

Style Icons Who Wore It Best

  • King Charles: A stalwart of tailored British tradition, often seen in crested navy blazers at yacht clubs and royal events.
King Charles in his most well photographed club blazer, a piece featuring eight buttons, clearly inspired by his time in the British Navy.
  • Miles Davis: In the 1950s and ’60s, Davis made the navy blazer part of his minimalist-cool uniform, often worn with slim trousers and a turtleneck.
Miles Davis was the very embodiment of Ivy cool.
  • Austin Butler: A modern example of how to wear the club blazer in a more casual fashion, while still looking great!
Young actor Austin Butler pairing a club blazer with denim shirt, jeans and cowboy boots. An outfit reminiscent of classic Ralph Lauren.

Brands That Perfect the Navy Club Blazer

  • Ralph Lauren – The gold standard in American prep, offering a wide variety of club blazers, very often seen in the brand’s classic line Polo Ralph Lauren.
  • Brooks Brothers – A classic choice for navy blazers with brass buttons and Ivy League pedigree.
  • Eduardo De Simone – A Neapolitan take on the club blazer, with a softer shoulder and slightly less rigid silhouette.
  • Hackett London – Known for its sporting heritage and Anglo-Italian refinement.

How to Wear a Navy Club Blazer Today

  1. Ivy Style
    Pair it with grey flannel trousers, a white Oxford shirt, knit tie, and loafers. Ideal for dinners, formal work settings, or club events.
  2. Modern Preppy
    Throw it over a polo shirt, an Oxford Button-down Shirt, or a knit sweater, with beige chinos or denim. Great for a weekend look that’s casual but polished.
  3. Continental Cool
    Combine it with a striped shirt, silk scarf, and loafers without socks, channelling Riviera charm and Agnelli-level elegance.

When and Where to Wear It

The navy club blazer works everywhere from a country club lunch to a business meeting, gallery opening, or travel, instantly elevating your look while keeping it grounded in elegance. It’s formal without being rigid, authoritative without being loud.

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