Finding the ideal travel blazer has been a decades-long journey for me, filled with evolving styles, changing travel norms, and the convenience of online shopping. From a time before the internet to today’s interconnected world, the need for a versatile blazer that could handle any travel dining situation remained constant. This quest ultimately led me to discover the perfect Mens Travel Blazer, a garment that balances practicality with style for the modern traveler.
My early experiences with travel blazers began with LL Bean. Back in the day, LL Bean and Williams & Sonoma were our go-to retailers, much like Sears was in our childhood. LL Bean, with its mail-order service and satisfaction guarantee, was a trusted source for durable goods. As our family started traveling, LL Bean became our primary source for luggage and travel gear. This led me to the LL Bean Travel Blazer, a polyester jacket so robust it felt like it could withstand anything. While wrinkle-proof, it was incredibly hot and lacked style. It served its purpose for less formal occasions but was eventually retired after years of service.
Transitioning to carry-on only travel brought about the ScottEvest travel vest. After a couple of unfortunate lost luggage incidents, I committed to traveling solely with carry-on bags. The ScottEvest vest, with its numerous pockets, became my solution for carrying gadgets and essentials. It was functional on planes and excursions, but it wasn’t a blazer. Business or formal events still required separate suits or sportcoats. While the ScottEvest was innovative for its time, the breaking zippers and the need for a more formal option pushed me to seek alternatives.
The Perfect Travel Blazer
With the ScottEvest era over and relying on a TUMI backpack, I still needed a suitable jacket for evening dining during travels. My old Christian Dior suit, adapted over the years, was becoming tiresome. Cruise line dress codes were becoming more relaxed, and airline baggage fees were increasing. The idea of a heavy suit felt outdated. TravelSmith was an initial thought, but their limited stock and slow shipping didn’t align with my needs. By this time, Amazon Prime had become my preferred shopping destination, offering vast selection and fast delivery, reminiscent of the Sears of a previous generation.
Amazon Prime led me to the Haggar Men’s Travel Stretch Slim Fit 2-Button Side Vent Solid Blazer. Seeking to replace the Dior suit with something more versatile and travel-friendly, this blazer seemed promising. It arrived quickly and fit well, except for the sleeve length, which was easily adjusted. The Haggar blazer functioned adequately, but it had drawbacks. The dry-clean only requirement was inconvenient, and aesthetically, it wasn’t refined enough for all dining situations. It was a step up, but not the ultimate solution.
Then, through Kickstarter, I discovered the Bluffworks Travel Blazer. Intrigued by the crowdfunding platform and the story of Stefan Loble, the founder who sought clothing that bridged the gap between office life and adventure, I found what seemed like the ideal mens travel blazer.
Whether it was sailing across the Atlantic, or hitchhiking in Egypt, I repeatedly bounced from the daily grind to adventure and back again, and wanted clothing that could keep pace and look good no matter what.- Stefan Loble, Founder Bluffworks
The Bluffworks Travel Blazer exceeded expectations, offering a combination of features perfect for travel:
- Practical Pockets: Ten pockets provide ample storage without being excessive like the ScottEvest.
- Secure Zippered Pockets: Essential for safeguarding passports, especially during international travel.
- Hidden Compartments: Discreet pockets for cash and credit cards, keeping valuables secure and organized.
- Machine Washable Convenience: A game-changer compared to dry-clean only blazers. The fabric, while feeling high-quality, is surprisingly easy to care for.
- Durable and Comfortable Fabric: The “100% technical, breathable, mechanical stretch” polyester fabric is both resilient and comfortable, offering stretch without bulk.
- Breathable Design: Unlined sleeves and a perforated back lining enhance breathability, making it suitable for various climates and far superior to the hot LL Bean blazer.
- Packable and Versatile: Available in classic and slim fits, the Bluffworks blazer is easy to pack and wear, maintaining its shape even after being folded.
The Perfect Travel Blazer
The Bluffworks Travel Blazer combines the elegance of a high-end blazer with the practicality needed for travel, reminiscent of LL Bean’s usability and ScottEvest’s functionality, all while being easily ordered online like from Amazon. Their fitting guide ensures a good fit. While priced higher than some alternatives at $295, the value and features justify the investment for frequent travelers seeking a reliable and stylish mens travel blazer. After years of searching, the Bluffworks Travel Blazer stands out as the best option, blending sophistication with travel-ready features.
Bonus: Bluffworks actively engages with its community online, showing a commitment beyond just selling clothing.
Potential Extra Bonus: They also offer travel pants, completing a versatile travel wardrobe.
