Want to start wearing tailored jackets casually but are unsure how? Consider getting Relwen’s Heritage Trap Blazer. In my opinion, it’s an ideal starting point.
“Throw on a tailored jacket” is an often quoted maxim in the menswear realm. However, many men simply put on their formal suitcoat over a t-shirt and chinos and wonder why it doesn’t feel natural.
Most often it’s because they’re not wearing the right kind of tailored jacket. A navy worsted wool suit coat can be dressed down somewhat, but it’s almost certainly going to look out of place paired with more casual pieces.
Instead, a more informal, unstructured jacket is better suited for day-to-day life.
For me, the Relwen Heritage Trap Blazer is the perfect tailored jacket for everyday wear.
Here’s why:
Quick Take
If you don’t have time to read the full review, here’s the main takeaway — Relwen’s Heritage Trap Blazer feels like a sweater but doesn’t look like a sweater/blazer crossover abomination.
With functional lapels and an unstructured construction, it’s my 3-season jacket of choice for traveling and even outdoor adventures (more on that below).
Relwen Heritage Trap Blazer Features
Over a year ago, I ordered Relwen’s Heritage Trap Blazer in Grey/Black Twill from Huckberry. I did receive this product free of charge, however, this review is unsponsored and reflects my unbiased, real-life experiences with the jacket.
The Grey-Black colorway seems to be discontinued. From among the current options, the Hickory Herringbone appears to be the closest match to mine.
Although the jacket it marketed as a blazer, in my mind it’s clearly a sportscoat. A blazer is typically more formal than a sportscoat — often having metal buttons and a more structured construction.
Sportsjackets, on the other hand, are commonly found with different weaves, unstructured builds, and generally more relaxed “country” vibes.
Color
My Relwen jacket has subtle grey/black twill striping. In certain lighting, it looks almost brownish, but most of the time it appears to be charcoal grey.
The word versatile is overused in menswear reviews, but I’ll likely use it several times in this article. I have to say it — this color is surprisingly versatile. It works equally well with brown corduroys, grey jeans, and navy moleskin trousers.
It’s also dark enough that it doesn’t show stains.
Not only that, but the fine striping is small enough not to be noticeable from a distance, but apparent close-up.
Pockets
This sportscoat has 5 pockets in total. On the front, there are three patch pockets. I often put my phone or a fountain pen in the breast pocket and keys, my pocket notebook, a pocket knife, or other small EDC items in the patch pockets down below.
I like not having pocket flaps on this jacket. Patch pockets allow for easy access to my stuff and lend to a more relaxed look.
On the inside right chest area, just past where the lapels meet the jacket body, is a zippered pocket large enough for a phone or small notebook. Also, the zipper feels cheap and the puller often gets off-centered.
I use this pocket when traveling, especially to keep my phone dry, but I wish the inside of the jacket had another pocket or two. I think an interior patch pocket (like I have in my chore jacket) would be useful.
The last pocket is somewhat hidden on the back of the jacket — it’s something I don’t think I’ve ever seen before. It’s a huge horizontally oriented pocket secured with a snap closure.
When I say “huge”, I mean it. It’s approximately 16 inches across!
Huckberry claims it’s “perfect for carrying guide books and passports.”
Honestly, I’ve never used this pocket. There’s no way I’d feel comfortable storing my passport in a pocket like this. Despite it being somewhat hidden, I’ve been in enough airports and seedy bus stations to know you don’t want your important documents behind you, out of your line of vision.
Instead, I’d highly recommend getting a waterproof belt pouch that attaches to your belt and sits inside your waistband.
Lining (Or Lack of Lining)
This jacket is unlined. It does, however, have military green-colored interior detailing.
I would guess that a heavier-weight twill jacket of this sort would be fully lined. That said, being a casual, unstructured piece it makes sense.
For what it’s worth, I’ve never wished it had a lining.
Functional Lapels
Probably my favorite feature of this jacket is its functional lapels.
Ok, imagine a situation with me…
You’re walking around London in the late evening and suddenly the wind picks up and it begins to drizzle. You don’t have an umbrella. What do you do?
Now, pop your jacket collar and, button up your lapels all the way up to your throat.
Bam!
Now your shirt is protected from the rain and your neck is shielded from the wind.
This isn’t a fairytale, folks. Functional lapels are a lifesaver.
While I share more details in a minute, I’ve worn this jacket relaxing around the house, as a mid-layer on long winter hikes, and to business formal “white-shirt-and-tie” events.
One reason it is so versatile (there’s that word again) is because of its lapels. Not only can they functionally replace a scarf on chilly days, they allow you to change the look of the jacket.
Most of the time I wear the jacket as a three-roll-two, meaning I only button one button (the one that sits just at navel level).
Other times, when I’m feeling a bit more rakish, I’ll still only button one button (or none at all) but pop the collar.
Finally, there’s the third option — it’s what I like to call the “imperial officer special.” This time, button up all the buttons, including the throat tab (except for perhaps the button one).
Buttoned-up you have more protection from the elements. You also just so happen to like you moonlight on the bridge of a star destroyer.
Alternatively, one might say it gives you a Bond villain aesthetic (depending on your accessories).
Being able to choose between three different “modes” is part of this jacket’s appeal. Whether you want to appear as the ever-polite professor, a devil-may-care freethinker, or an intergalactic conqueror, you can do so with this jacket.
Throat Tab
A quick word about the throat tab. You can fold this extra strip of fabric back on itself and button it in place to hide it.
Most of the time I don’t bother folding it back, but I may do so when wearing the jacket unbuttoned with a popped collar, or if I’m at a more formal event.
Heritage Trap Blazer Fit
I’m 5’6”, about 145 pounds, and have a short torso. I ordered a size small and was surprised just how well this sportscoat fits right out of the box.
The sleeves did need to be shortened significantly, though. They had to be shortened so much that the functional cuffs got cut off completely.
For some reason, my tailor didn’t sew the gauntlet buttons back on, and I haven’t bothered to do it myself. (Laziness in the classic menswear realm has been successfully rebranded as sprezzatura, after all 😉).
As I mentioned, this jacket fits very well. It is relaxed enough to wear with several layers, including a chunky fisherman sweater, underneath, but isn’t at all loose or baggy.
The length is just right for me, fully covering my backside.
I can’t stress enough how comfortable this jacket is. I even find myself wearing it with joggers around the house. It’s that cozy.
Heritage Trap Blazer Review
I absolutely love my Heritage Trap Blazer.
It’s the first tailored jacket I’ve owned that feels like a sweater to wear. That’s probably due to its somewhat relaxed cut, its unstructured construction, and its thick fabric.
I’ve worn this sports coat to the symphony, with a white shirt and tie to church, and while hiking five miles in the mountains. It’s seen the halls of ancient castles and dungy subterranean passages. It’s fast become my go-to travel jacket.
Very often, though, I just wear it around the house as I would a hoodie.
Despite how often I wear it, it shows very few signs of wear. There is some slight pilling in a couple of spots, but I can easily deal with that.
My Recommendation: If You’re Only Going to Own One Sports Coat, Choose This One
I’m so impressed with the Relwen Heritage Trap Blazer that I’m seriously considering getting another one in a different color. It’s that good!
If you’re a man who lives in a relatively cold place, this is, in my opinion, the first sports jacket you should buy. Even if you don’t think you’re a sports jacket kind of guy, just give this one a try.
It’s easy to wear with casual clothing that you wouldn’t normally think would work with a tailored jacket.
As I’ve suggested, in many instances it can fill the role of a hoodie in your wardrobe. I sometimes even wear it with hiking pants or even sweatpants. Sure it’s a bit of a different look, but it’s very comfortable.
Also, the patch pockets are handy for storing small notebooks, keys, wallets, phones, and anything else you carry daily. (They’re much more utilitarian than a hoodie pocket.)
I believe that this jacket can replace, or rather stand in for, several different mid-weight pieces of your wardrobe.
If you’re in the market for a new sweater, mid-weight jacket, or sports coat, I’d highly recommend you give the Relwen Heritage Trap Blazer a try.
What’s the most versatile jacket that you own? Let me know in the comments!
Alan Au says
As a caution for others not looking for this size. It’s likely, you had the sleeves shortened about 3 inches. Which means the medium and larger sizes will be even longer in the sleeves and body length. Based on the shape, it’s meant more to be closer to the hip, but you are wearing more at a blazer length. It’s a shorter style regular sized blazer.
Mark Goblowsky says
I really appreciate this review. I was actually looking to pick one up. Thanks!
Ryan Hallstrom says
Thanks, Mark! What color/model are you going with?