More often than not, traveling is chaotic. Between checking your bags, dealing with long TSA lines, and frantically searching for a preflight snack in the terminal, we’re a far cry from the golden age of travel. Cocktail lounges aren’t what they used to be, decent in-flight meals are no more, and let’s not even start on legroom. Airport fashion has taken a major turn, too. Gone are the days of dressing up to travel. Now most of us choose comfort over style, often wearing some combo of sweatpants and a tank top or T-shirt for our flight.
But for those times when you have to get straight to business from the plane, donning a blazer or suit jacket either before or during your trip, you need a wrinkle-free option that won’t so much as crease when you hit a bad patch of turbulence. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the 13 best travel jackets and blazers—all of them the perfect blend of modern functionality, versatile design, and wrinkle-free fabric. So you can worry about more important things, like where the hell you put your passport.
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.
Pros
- Double vent for maximum breathability
Cons
- No lining
We’ve waxed poetic about this Bonobos blazer before, and for good reason: It’s the definition of effortless sophistication. With minimal bulk and maximum detail, you’ll be the envy of everyone in the cabin.
One tester raved, “I wore it a ton while traveling, and it looked super fresh every time.”
Pros
- Water-repellent, two-way-stretch fabric
Cons
- Can fit a little tight
Lightweight, easy to care for, and commuter friendly, this travel blazer is an essential layer that will have you feeling ready for anything—even sprinting to your gate.
One reviewer especially loved this Lululemon option: “You won’t feel like you’re wearing a traditional blazer with this jacket. It’s lightweight and comfortable and will get you a ton of compliments.”
| Materials | 77% Polyester, 23% Elastomultiester |
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Pros
- Two-button closure
Cons
- Dry-clean only
Pop quiz: How do you stay cool when the plane’s air conditioner inevitably fails? By grabbing this J.Crew blazer, of course. Made from seersucker—a fabric that allows air to circulate around the body—this style is lightweight and breathable but still looks crisp.
| Materials | Seersucker (Made from 100% Cotton) |
|---|
Pros
- Flexible and crease resistant
Cons
- The sleeves can run short
Throw this Coofandy blazer in your carry-on for a quick change at the gate. It’ll go with just about anything—trousers, jeans, even (dare we say it?) shorts—and save you precious packing space.
One tester described the look of this blazer as “clean, sophisticated, and flattering.”
| Materials | 70% Polyester, 25% Rayon, 5% Spandex |
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Pros
- Comfortable, soft, and perfect for three-season wear
Cons
- Can sell out quickly
Designed so you can flex on every flight, this jacket from Todd Snyder has an oversized, vintage-inspired fit and natural shoulders, for a slouchy and chic look.
| Materials | 97% Virgin Wool, 3% Elastane |
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Pros
- Made with two-way-stretch fabric
Cons
- Not as high-quality as other options
We love Uniqlo’s AirSense blazer for its easy foldability. You can quickly grab it, pack it, and sprint out the door, arriving in time to beat the crowd at the TSA line. (But at this point you should really just pony up and upgrade to Clear.)
Pros
- Designed for performance and leisure
Cons
- Can run large
The Emporio Armani travel collection was created with the frequent flier in mind. All of its pieces are designed for traveling light (and in comfort), and we guarantee this gray blazer will have you doing just that.
| Materials | 5% Viscose, 45% Polyamide, 10% Elastane |
|---|
Pros
- Double-vented back
Cons
- Pricier than other options
You’ve already racked up 100,000 miles on your credit card, so you might as well look the part. With its precise tailoring, side patch pockets, and intricate detailing, this blazer ensures a stylish and sophisticated look that’s worthy of first class.
| Materials | Italian Fresco Wool |
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Pros
- Lighter weight for breathability
Cons
- Can run small
You might not get a seat upgrade on your next flight, but this Spier & Mackay blazer will certainly upgrade your wardrobe. With a signature Neo cut, it includes unpadded shoulders, a three-roll-two button closure, and patch pockets.
One reviewer liked this blazer so much that he said, “I felt better than I ever have when wearing this style.”
Pros
- Two patch pockets and two button closures
Cons
- It’s mid-weight, if you’re looking for a lighter style
This blazer was created for guys who don’t normally wear blazers, so if that sounds like you, listen up. Designed with comfort in mind, Rails’ wool style has a tailored but relaxed look, the perfect modern antidote to stiff suit jackets.
| Materials | 63% Wool, 30% Nylon, 2% Spandex |
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Pros
- Fully lined
Cons
- Can run long
This Banana Republic suit jacket is the perfect transition piece for going directly from your flight to that important finance meeting. With a slim, modern fit and soft shoulder construction, it has a classic charm that’s hard to ignore.
| Materials | 34% Viscose Rayon, 33% Elite Polyester, 30% Recycled Polyester, 3% Elastane |
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What to Consider
Material: What really sets travel blazers apart from other types of jackets is the wrinkle-resistant fabric. You’ll want a material that holds its shape while providing stretch and breathability, like light wool, seersucker, or polyester. While we’re not going to tell you to stay completely away from cotton (since it really is one of the lightest fabrics), we suggest instead finding a cotton blend that won’t crease as easily.
Fit: When it comes to fit, comfort is key. You want to look for an option that not only has the feel and function of athletic wear but also gives you room to breathe and won’t constrict your movement when you’re sitting in your seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you style a travel blazer?
The good news is that the right blazer can be paired with just about anything. If you opt for a style in a neutral colorway or with a simple, understated pattern, you can wear it with chinos, trousers, a tee, a button-down—you name it. If you’re wearing a hoodie or even a set of street joggers, use a blazer to level up your look.
Why should I wear a travel blazer?
There are many reasons to wear a travel blazer (and who knows, a classic airplane meet-cute could even be one), but the main reason is its versatility. If you need to head from the plane straight to an event, with a travel blazer you’re already set up for success. Or maybe you don’t have anyplace special to go and just want to look spiffy: A travel blazer will keep you stylish while letting you stash extra items in your pockets that you may need.
Why You Should Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Our fashion and e-commerce teams carefully choose every product in Esquire’s roundups.
You can feel confident that this list includes all of the travel blazers we’ve tried, tested, and loved over the years, as well as options that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse. We’ve done the research and worn these ourselves, and now we’re recommending them to you because they’re just that good.
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