How To Wear A Check Blazer Like A Don
The gun check was traditionally worn in country settings. Its contemporary name came from the American Gun Club in the late 19th Century who had in turn adopted it from the home of most check patterns, Scotland, where it was originally known as the Coigach, and was a type of check used to show your regional heritage – in the same way a tartan represented clans.
Today, the check translates perfectly to a more urban casual look. Fendi offered this up in a whole range of jackets and coats, from trenches and raincoat to bomber jackets, and braces.
This Lardini version is perfect, and worn with jeans, a polo shirt and a sweater layer, the plain neutrality of the look will ensure a casual take throughout. And as a nod to the Scottish country roots, wear with heritage hiking boots and go for a good old ramble (through a park at least).
Eveningwear Staple
If the idea of wearing checks in your everyday wardrobe is daunting, then saving it for the ultimate in formal dressing is the perfect way to embrace pattern. Tuxedos always allow for stylistic embellishment and going full check, check trousers or just the check tuxedo jacket is perfectly acceptable and, in fact, encouraged.
Black-watch tartan is the most likely check to be weaved into an evening suit (avoid Lumberjack red at all costs), and no you don’t need Scottish heritage to embrace the look. As it’s evening wear, maintain formality with the black tones on the the grosgrain or silk facings on the lapels and a traditional black bow tie, and go for a classic dress shirt – the less fussy the better.
Business Check-In
So, the suit’s no longer necessarily the go-to option for the office, but if you’re longing to break up the block-colour separates, a perfect alternative is a check blazer.
A lighter blue version with a lighter white soft overcheck gives it a more casual feel whilst the cut of a more traditional sports jacket combined with the check ensures it’s still ok for the office. Pair with a crisp white shirt and grey trousers – albeit in a lighter tone than you’d wear with a traditional navy blazer.
