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Are you a fan of blazers? Do you want to have the ultimate powerhouse article of clothing in your minimal wardrobe that works in a variety of situations from casual to formal work events? If so, then a packable blazer for travel is an absolute must-have!
We understand the importance of finding the perfect travel blazer, so we’ve searched high and low on the internet to bring you the very best options available. Get ready to elevate your travel style and be prepared for any occasion that comes your way.
Why is a blazer great for travel?
A blazer is great for traveling light because you can dress it up or down. It can look stylish when worn with dresses and casual trousers.
Blazers that are made from stretchy material, like jersey, can be just as comfortable as cardigans or sweatshirts, but look a little nicer. This is great for those trips to cities where people dress up a bit or for business travel.
Blazers also make good layering pieces. You could wear one as an outer jacket over a t-shirt and cardigan – add a scarf and gloves if it gets chilly. In even colder weather, you can wear a blazer under a winter coat. A blazer really is a versatile piece of your travel wardrobe!
What makes the best travel blazers?
Wrinkle-resistant
A wrinkle-free travel blazer is the best for packing light. You can wear it often and cram it into a bag without worrying about it looking rumpled. Soft blazers that are made out of stretchy fabric, like jersey, will be less likely to wrinkle and can withstand crushing more than stiffer blazers.
Here’s one way to get an idea of how a blazer will stand up to travel use.
- Crush the sleeve in your hand. Get as many folds of fabric in your fist as you can and squeeze for several seconds.
- When you release the fabric, is it wrinkled? Do any creases or wrinkles fall out quickly? If they do, then this blazer is less likely to wrinkle when worn all day or when stuffed into a bag.
The Cicy Bell Women’s Casual Blazer is a lined blazer that is reported to be lightweight and wrinkle-resistant.
Lightweight
A ladies’ lightweight blazer will be easy to wear and pack. A blazer that is too heavy could become uncomfortable to wear all day. A packed heavy blazer will take up a lot of space in your luggage. A heavy blazer will also take longer to dry if it gets wet.
One way to tell if a blazer is lightweight is to look for unlined or deconstructed blazers. These types of blazers will have fewer layers and less of the padding and other inner workings that give a formal blazer its structure.
An unlined, deconstructed blazer is also likely to dry more quickly than other types because it has fewer layers and seams.
The Eddie Bauer Departure Blazer is an unlined, lightweight option with a zippered pocket.
Easy to clean/sheds stains
The best choice for an easy-care travel blazer is to find one that you can put in the washing machine. The good news is, blazers that can be washed also tend to be resistant to wrinkling.
For even more stain protection, you may be able to treat it with Scotchgard or a similar fabric treatment. These fabric treatments also often provide water protection, so you might be able to use your blazer as a light rain jacket. Anything that serves dual functions is a win for packing light!
The 24/7 Blazer from Suitably is a traditional blazer that is machine washable.
Pockets
A travel blazer with pockets may be more casual than other styles. Buttoned or zippered pockets are good for security. Hidden pockets that close are even better.
If you’re able to wear a men’s blazer, you’re more likely to find usable pockets on the inside of the jacket. Otherwise, be sure to check that a women’s blazer has pockets large enough that you can use them.
The Unblazer from Encircled doesn’t have hidden pockets, but it does have zippered ones.
Versatile style
The best travel blazers can be worn with business trousers, jeans, or a casual dress. The great thing about blazers is that most styles are versatile!
The Xena Everywhere Utility Blazer is a versatile silhouette, has inner and outer zippered pockets, and is wrinkle resistant and machine washable.
Our picks for the best lightweight, packable, women’s travel blazers
The 24/7 Blazer from Suitably is a traditional blazer that is machine washable, has stretchy fabric, and has pockets. This is a great pick when you need a blazer for formal business meetings and casual sightseeing.
The Cicy Bell Casual Blazer is machine washable and has functional waist flap pockets. This is a top pick for coming in 27 color options.
The Eddie Bauer Women’s Departure Blazer has different pockets, including a zipped outer waist pocket. It is moisture wicking and provides UV protection. It is machine washable and comes in regular, petite, and tall sizes. This is a great pick for a wrinkle-free travel blazer for women.
Encircled is a good brand for the best unconstructed blazers. The Unblazer is the most unstructured.
The Jardigan from Encircled looks more like a traditional blazer. Both have pockets and are machine washable and anti-wrinkle.
The Jessica London Bi-Stretch Blazer is another traditional, lined blazer that is machine washable. This is a top pick because it comes in several colors and patterns and has an extended size range.
The Lou Ponte Moto Jacket from Wool& could be an alternative to a traditional blazer. This wool-blend jacket is machine washable and has side pockets.
Xena’s Everywhere Utility Blazer is a top pick for a women’s travel blazer with hidden pockets. The black color is perfect for a business meeting and the gray color is more casual. Both colors are made from machine-washable stretchy fabric that is wrinkle resistant.
An honorable mention goes to Etsy shops that offer all kinds of traditional and unique women’s blazers and blazer-like jackets. These stores are where you’ll find fun patterns that aren’t in traditional stores.
Packing a Blazer
A blazer is perfect for packing light because you only need to bring one. If that blazer is reversible, even better!
The Helene Clarkson Lindi Reversible Blazer is the perfect example of this. Solid black on the one side and a plaid print on the other for two looks in one. Not only that but the buttons are reversible from gold to silver to customize your look even further.
Even if your blazer is not reversible, it can still be a versatile piece! Like we mentioned earlier, a blazer can be worn as a midlayer or an outer layer. You can also easily change up the look of your blazer by adding accessories or wearing it differently.
Button your blazer differently.
Technically, there are rules about which buttons should be buttoned when, but these depend on the exact style of the blazer and the context you are wearing it in. Also, most people don’t know about the rules. Feel free to wear your blazer buttoned or unbuttoned in any combination that you want!
Add a brooch (AKA broach or lapel pin).
There are so many fun, lightweight brooches to choose from that you don’t need to worry about looking dowdy by adding a pin to your blazer.
You can also wear a brooch anywhere you want! Don’t limit yourself to a lapel at chest or collar bone level. Pin the brooch high on the lapel or collar. Add it to a pocket. Pin it over a button. Don’t worry about following someone’s rules. Pin that beauty wherever you want! Bring one cheap brooch or buy one at your destination to use as a wearable souvenir.
Add a scarf or belt to your blazer.
A scarf can be worn around the neck in many styles that complement a blazer neckline (and keep you warmer). A scarf can also be worn like a belt.
When belting a blazer, try different styles. Belt the blazer while it’s buttoned or opened. Put the belt under your bust or at your waist. Wear the belt under the blazer, but over your shirt. Put a belt over a scarf worn as a belt to get even more looks. If it’s long enough, wear the scarf or belt diagonally across one shoulder. Before your trip, play with different ways of wearing a belt or scarf with a blazer so that you know which looks you like and what feels comfortable.
Carry a handkerchief or small scarf and wear it like a pocket square.
You don’t have to put the handkerchief in the breast pocket. If your blazer has large patch pockets on the front waist, you could stuff a small scarf or tiny tank top in there and let the color spill over the top. Again, experiment to see what works best for you.
Accessories can add so much variety to an outfit, but you don’t have to pack a ton. Pick one or two types that you wear at home and bring one that works with your blazer. Experiment with different ways of wearing these accessories and keep your eye out for things you already have that could be used in unexpected ways.
Conclusion
There are several options for women’s travel blazers. Whatever your personal style, there’s sure to be one for you. Don’t let packing light keep you from looking stylish or professional.
Let us know which packable blazer is your favorite!
Helpful article! Just wanted to give you a head’s up, but sadly Xena Workwear no longer carries the utility blazer.