The Blazer Jacket
Stories should be told. Some stories involve the most ordinary things that one does not think twice about, because of their nature and utility. The story I am referring to in this case, was made known to me later in life. How it escaped my attention, is beyond me. This is the story of the “Blazer”.
The Blazer is a gentleman’s jacket, most often in navy blue, with metal buttons. In the past it was double breasted, but today it is most often single breasted, with buttons on the front and three buttons of each sleeve. How did this jacket come to be?
The story starts with in 1837. To honor a Royal Visit by Queen Victoria to his ship, the Commander of HMS Blazer created a new crew uniform, which consisted of a double breasted jacket, embellished with Metal Royal Navy Buttons. Queen Victoria was very taken with the uniform, and it became uniform for the entire Royal Navy. From then on the style of jacket became known as a “Blazer”, taking its name sake from HMS Blazer.
My father had a beautiful Blazer jacket and I have one too of course. Most men of a certain stature, have one in their closet. But why? For one thing, the jacket is a standard item for men to have and use on several occasions. But the significance of it, is the degree of respect it shows, both to the occasions where it is worn and respect to the man wearing it.
