Upgrade to a Moleskin Blazer. For under $100.

GAP Cotton Moleskin Blazer – $98.00

In the stampede for wintry tweed, one year-round fabric is quickly getting lost in the shuffle.  Moleskin.

Thicker than your standard chino blazer, with a soft brushed feel… moleskin is like a tougher, thinner, matte version of velvet.  You get that extra something but without any of the dandyness.

Cotton moleskin is a perfect mid-point between a lightly structured chino blazer and full on wool.  Since it’s cotton, it still breathes pretty well, but the smooth and structured fabric bumps it significantly higher on the dressed up scale.  I’ve worn my black Old Navy moleskin blazer in the middle of summer, with light gray chinos, black loafers, a white fitted 1mx and blue wool tie.  It looks just different enough.  And although someone could obviously say: “He’s wearing a blazer,” they probably wouldn’t say: “He’s wearing a cotton blazer.”  It just looks different.

Since it is heavier, it’s better suited for the three seasons that don’t end in “ummer.”  Plus, if you’ve got a few pairs of cords that you’d like to pair with a weightier blazer, this one will deliver without issue.  Old Navy isn’t currently offering a Moleskin option, but at under $100… the brand new Gap version should provide a nice canvas for your tailor to work with.