What’s Up, Guys
I’m Zach, and welcome to Budget Blazers. Today, we’re going to look at a few blazers from three affordable brands, and, of course, they are quite well-known: H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo. That said, I have to dress up for a formal event coming up.
Cruise
In fact, I have a cruise in a few days, and I want to make sure I’m well presented for a few elegant nights. Now, if you’re like me, you don’t really ever dress up. In fact, I had to pick up a dress shirt just for this article because I actually don’t even own one. So, that being said, I thought I’d pick up a few different items so we could try them together and get that first experience of trying on a blazer. Read our complete guide on: Best Waterproof Ski Jacket
Non-Iron Button-Up Shirt
I actually picked up this non-iron button-up shirt from Uniqlo when I picked up the blazers. And in saying that, I did pick up an extra-large, and I’m noticing now that it’s a little bit too big. I think the large would have been perfect.
H&M
H&M is a brand I haven’t purchased from in years, primarily because every time I picked up an item from H&M, the quality was pretty garbage. That said, let’s give them a chance to redeem themselves through their blazers.
First Blazer
So, starting us off, we have got this blazer here. Now, in terms of the actual quality, my first impressions are not the best. It’s like an oddly sort of cardboardy type of cotton. Learn more about: Suit Size Chart by Height and Weight
However, hopefully the fit can redeem itself. Okay, so, I will say right now, I’m quite impressed. This isn’t actually that bad. It’s a little bit slim, but it’s not too slim or skinny or anything like that. But yeah, the fit on this is actually quite nice. It is quite comfortable on the body. It fits quite well.
I do like that this one has a slightly structured shoulder. However, it’s nothing too dramatic or anything like that. I could definitely see myself wearing this on a night out.
Now, I will admit that the quality doesn’t feel very premium. As I mentioned, it’s a little bit stiff. However, I’m actually happy, especially for the price point on this one. And you guys, if you’re looking for a blazer and you can find this one, especially on sale, this is not a bad find whatsoever. Discover everything about the Best Waterproof Men’s Ski Jacket
Linen Blazer
Okay, so I think I’ve got a little bit of faith in H&M now. Let’s check out the next one up, a linen blazer. Super excited to see how this one’s going to fit and especially for that summer time a linen blazer definitely sounds like something that would be up my alley.
Now, I will say, based on first impressions, this linen material, this is how it came, and it looks crinkled up. It does not look quality whatsoever. The linen itself doesn’t feel that nice.
Okay, so the linen blazer, look, it’s not too bad. The quality is definitely pretty atrocious. This one is the same size as the previous blazer. However, it’s definitely a lot tighter, especially in the arms and shoulders. Not to the point where I would say I hate it or anything, but not to the point where I would want to spend money on it. This one is definitely a little bit disappointing. Quality is not there. I wouldn’t say this is worth $100. This one will definitely have to be sent back.
I understand where they were going with a slightly more breathable linen. And don’t get me wrong, having this on it feels quite breathable. However, it’s just not it. Explore our article in detail: Best Women’s Plus-Size Jackets
H&M, One Out of Two
Okay, but I will say H&M is not too bad. One out of two. I would definitely recommend the previous blazer, which uses a typical material for that style.
The linen blazers at H&M, stay away from. The quality is not there. It almost feels a little bit scratchy on my skin as well.
Zara
So, I’m going to get this one off, and let’s move on to Zara. Now, with Zara, I wanted to try something a little bit different. I do typically like that sort of charcoal gray or black or even navy blue.
Beige Blazer
However, when I saw this beige online, almost beige gray, I really loved the look of it. First impressions, quality? Quality is there. This feels like a very, very nice blazer. In terms of the detail, it almost got a marbled effect on those buttons there. It definitely elevates the whole garment.
Now, this is the same size as the H&M ones. Stuck with my size that it said to go with online. Wow, okay. This one is super nice. This feels like a proper suit. This definitely feels like something you’d find at a suit or tailoring business. Really love the color on this. Love the fit. Feels great. A little bit slim, a little bit tight in the sides, but very comfortable and very high quality in terms of the cotton used.
Price
Now, I’ll preface by saying I did pick up these two Zara ones for around $100 each. However, they were both on sale. I will raise the retail price as well, which is definitely much higher than both the H&M and Uniqlo pieces at retail. However, since Zara has plenty of sales most of the time, you can definitely find a blazer for them around the $100-$150 mark.
I would highly recommend picking this one up if you are thinking about it. Definitely for a nice, lighter suit blazer, this is super sick.
Zara Man Edition Wool Blazer
All right, that’s one down from Zara. Okay, so this next one is from the Zara Man Edition collection. I can already tell the quality of this one is superb. Feels super, super nice in hand.
Okay, same sizing as the previous blazers. Wow, if I do say so myself, this is another home run from Zara.
I know a few people have tried to put me on their blazers before, and I was hesitant because, as I’ve said, Zara is a bit hit-or-miss. However, I recently unboxed a huge haul from their sale pickups, and I was very impressed with the quality of those items compared to what I used to pick up from Zara. Definitely feel like they’ve elevated their quality, but quality-wise, for the price, this is insane.
This is a wool blazer that feels incredible on the body and fits really, really nicely. Super happy with the fit on this one. Without a doubt, Zara, you’ve killed this one.
Uniqlo
But let’s move on to one of my favorite brands of all time, and of course, there’s no other than Uniqlo. I think this one’s a keeper, and Uniqlo’s really going to have to pull out all the stops to beat it, because I’m super impressed with the quality and fit of this blazer from Zara.
Herringbone Blazer
However, moving into the Herringbone blazer from Uniqlo. Now I managed to pick this one up in person, as I mentioned, which meant I could feel it, and my first impression is that it feels high quality. Now, this was the biggest shock because, obviously, Zara and this one definitely have a price difference. However, the quality, the comfort, and how this feels. This feels very luxurious. It feels very comfortable and soft.
Okay, so this one on body love is perfect. Now I did go with an extra-large for this sizing cuz I wasn’t too sure about how the blazers would fit. This is an extra large, the next one’s going to be a size large. I do recommend that I probably should have gone with size large.
Comfort Blazer
I’ve got to say in terms of comfort on this blazer and I think this is the biggest difference from the previous blazers. They felt comfortable to the extent that a blazer usually can be. However, this feels so, so comfortable, so soft on the body, and I could definitely see myself wearing this all day long and honestly staying comfortable and breathable the entire time. Of course, it is called the comfort blazer, and they’ve definitely executed especially on that comfort element.
If you’re thinking about picking up this blazer from Uniqlo, it’s worth every dollar. If anything, it’s worth more than what you’re getting out of this, for I believe it was $110. Definitely a keeper. I reckon I’m going to exchange this for one size smaller, and I’ll be keeping this one.
Classic Black
With that being said, let’s move on to the last one from Uniqlo. This is the classic black, a timeless staple. All right, moving into the finale, the classic sort of black. This one is even softer than the previous Uniqlo jacket.
Okay, so this hands down has to be the winner out of all of them. This is so cozy; it fits perfectly on the body. And wow, this is comfortable. This is not just like a suit jacket; it’s almost like wearing a cardigan. And it doesn’t have the look of the soft fabric. However, it is so soft, and it doesn’t really compromise on any element. You’ve still got that structured shoulder throughout, and this one is definitely, hands down, my winner, my favorite piece. Love this blazer. This one fits perfectly.
Uniqlo Number One Hands Down
I’m obviously not going to be keeping all of them. This is purely to be tried on for you guys. And to answer the question, Uniqlo is, without a doubt, the best of these three affordable brands, offering the best blazer and the best bang for your buck. You’re both going to get that affordable element, but you’re also getting that comfort. And do not underestimate how much comfort means, especially when you’re wearing a blazer and you’re suited up. You want to be comfortable, especially if you’re going to wear it for an extended period.
With that being said, though, Uniqlo is number one hands down. The price matches the quality. If anything, the quality far exceeds the price.
Zara On Sale
However, if you guys are going to invest a little more or look for an item on sale, I would highly recommend picking up one of these Zara blazers; the quality is definitely unmatched. At this price point, if you can get these on sale for the same price as Uniqlo or less, I would recommend going with Zara.
Looking For a Blazer To Pick Up Now
You’re looking to pick up a blazer now. Without a doubt, stick with Uniqlo. These ones are perfect. I would highly recommend that if you are going to pick up one of the blazers, you definitely pick the one I’m wearing today.
Imposter Syndrome
That said, guys, I hope you enjoyed today’s article. If you did, feel free to drop a like down below. Let me know if you guys are going for a suit, a slightly dressier vibe. I obviously, based on my previous articles, like that sort of Yeezy oversized sort of big cargo look. So, this is really different for me to wear, and I’m really feeling, you know, that imposter syndrome when I’m looking at myself, but I don’t know who I am. That’s me. I feel like I don’t know who I am wearing this stuff, but you know what? I sort of like it.
So, as I said, I hope you enjoyed today’s article, and I hope to see you in the next one. See you guys.