7 Types of Blazers for Men: Which One Should You Buy?

Different types of blazers for men including double-breasted and black blazers

The main types of blazers for men are single-breasted, double-breasted, jodhpuri (bandhgala), the classic black blazer, checked blazers, the matching suit jacket and, for winter, the knee-length long coat that many Indian men wear like a longer blazer. Each one suits a different occasion and body type. Here is what each type is, when to wear it and which one to buy first, with styles from the VJV Now men's blazer collection.

If you are shopping for Diwali (8 November 2026) or the winter wedding season, this list will help you pick the blazer that gets the most wear out of every rupee.

Blazer Types at a Glance

Type Best for Formality
Single-breasted blazer Office, interviews, everyday smart casual Medium to high
Double-breasted blazer Parties, receptions, winter events High
Jodhpuri (bandhgala) blazer Weddings, Diwali, festive functions High, Indian formal
Classic black blazer Evening parties, dinners, formal events High
Checked blazer Winter smart casual, weekend outings Medium
Suit jacket Worn with its matching trouser Highest
Knee-length long coat Cold North Indian evenings, over a suit High (outerwear)

1. Single-Breasted Blazer

The single-breasted blazer has one column of buttons, usually two, and a notch lapel. It is the most versatile type and the best first blazer for most men. You can wear it buttoned for the office or open with a T-shirt for a casual dinner.

  • Buttoning rule: on a two-button blazer, fasten the top button only. Never the bottom.
  • Best colours to start with: navy, grey, beige and olive.
  • Works for: every body type, which is why it is the default choice.

2. Double-Breasted Blazer

Men's double-breasted blazer with two columns of buttons

A double-breasted blazer has a wide overlapping front with two parallel columns of buttons. Only one column fastens; the other is for balance. The classic layout is 6x2: six buttons, of which two can be fastened.

It looks more formal and more powerful than a single-breasted jacket, which makes it perfect for receptions, cocktail nights and winter parties. Keep it buttoned when you stand, and keep the shirt under it plain so the jacket stays the focus. Our full guide on how to style a double-breasted blazer has 7 outfit ideas.

3. Jodhpuri (Bandhgala) Blazer

The jodhpuri is India's own blazer. It has a closed band collar (bandhgala means "closed neck") instead of lapels, buttons all the way up the front, and a sharp, fitted cut. It comes from the royal court of Jodhpur and is today one of the smartest choices for Indian weddings and festive events.

  • Wear it with matching trousers as a jodhpuri suit, or with contrast trousers for a sangeet.
  • No tie needed, which makes it comfortable for long wedding days.
  • Add a brooch or a pocket square for extra festive detail.

4. The Classic Black Blazer

Classic black blazer for men for formal and party wear

A black blazer is the evening blazer. It looks sharp at parties, dinners and receptions, and it is easy to style: a white shirt and grey trousers for formal events, or a black shirt and black trousers for a sleek party look.

One tip: black can look harsh in daylight and in office settings, where navy or charcoal usually looks better. Save black for evening events, and choose a fabric with a slight texture so it does not look like a suit jacket missing its trousers.

5. Checked Blazer

Checks and plaids, including Prince of Wales and houndstooth, are a big part of the winter 2026 tailoring trend. A checked blazer instantly makes jeans or chinos look more put-together. The rule is simple: one pattern at a time. Pair a checked blazer with a plain shirt or turtleneck and plain trousers.

6. Suit Jacket

A suit jacket is cut from the same fabric as its trousers and is meant to be worn with them. It is usually smoother and finer than a blazer. You can sometimes wear a plain suit jacket as a blazer, but a shiny or very fine one often looks like half a suit. Read our guide on blazer vs suit jacket vs sports coat to understand the difference.

7. Knee-Length Long Coat

Strictly speaking, a long coat is outerwear, not a blazer. But in India, many men wear a tailored knee-length coat the way they would wear a longer blazer: over a suit, a jodhpuri or even a kurta for winter weddings in Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and the rest of North India, where December and January nights get properly cold.

  • Pick a length that ends at or just above the knee.
  • It should be roomy enough to go over your blazer without pulling at the buttons.
  • Grey and charcoal are the easiest shades to wear over any outfit.

For styling ideas, see our guide on how to wear a long coat over a suit.

Which Blazer Type Should You Buy First?

  • For office and interviews: a navy or grey single-breasted blazer.
  • For weddings and Diwali: a jodhpuri or a rich-coloured double-breasted blazer.
  • For parties: a black or maroon blazer.
  • For North Indian winters: add a knee-length long coat to wear over everything.

Want to go deeper on fabrics, fit and how many blazers you really need? Read our guide to building a men's blazer wardrobe and the full men's blazer guide for 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of blazers are there for men?

The main types are single-breasted, double-breasted, jodhpuri or bandhgala, the classic black blazer, checked or patterned blazers and the matching suit jacket. In winter, many Indian men also wear a knee-length long coat in a similar way.

Which blazer is best for a wedding in India?

A jodhpuri is the most traditional choice. For sangeet, cocktail and reception nights, a double-breasted blazer in maroon, teal, black or cream works very well.

What is the difference between a blazer and a jodhpuri?

A western blazer has lapels and is worn open at the neck with a shirt. A jodhpuri has a closed band collar, buttons to the neck and does not need a tie.

Which blazer colour is the most versatile?

Navy is the most versatile, followed by grey. Both work for office, parties and weddings and pair with most trouser colours.

Shop Blazers at VJV Now

Explore every style in our men's blazers collection, go traditional with a jodhpuri suit, or get ready for winter with a men's long coat.

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