This $250 Travel Blazer Is So Good, I Wore It for a Week Straight
I love a rarified, hand-made, indigo-dyed, heritage-inspired something-or-other from a subterranean Japanese label as much as the next menswear obsessive, but sometimes I’m reminded how nice it is to pick up a reasonably priced closet staple that slip-slides into my existing rotation. Which brings me to the Buck Mason Carry-On Jacket, a lightweight blazer from a brand that’s been owning the “everyday, but better” mantra.
There’s more to the Buck Mason Carry-On Jacket than you’d think, given what it doesn’t have. It’s missing back vents, cuff buttons, and any padding or lining—but offers three patch pockets, a classic notch lapel, a relaxed drape. I really liked how the lapels are shaped to meet at the second of its three buttons (the top and bottom in the “three-roll-two” closure are mostly for show). It all adds up to a jacket that’s simple, classic, easygoing. Minimal, but not minimalist, if you get the gist.
Founders Erik Allen Ford and Sasha Koehn have been fine-tuning Buck Mason for over a decade, setting up shop in the divide between Ralph-Lauren-level quality and J.Crew-ubiquity. Beefy ’90s-inspired tees, Americana collabs, and a my all-time favorite chinos have put the brand on the map. But Buck Mason’s casual suiting collection—to which the Carry-On Jacket and its matching pants belong—is proof that the brand’s got a lot more where that came from.
Like the rest of Buck Mason’s offerings, the Carry-On suiting gets a seasonal refresh in fabrics like linen, tropical twill, and seersucker. But the version that made me commit is the brand’s shuttle sateen Carry-On Jacket edition. The 8.9-ounce sateen, the same weight as Buck Mason’s fatigue pants—is reassuringly weighty but not stiff. And as far as I can tell. It almost never needs pressing. It works with anything. All the time.
Which is why I decided to put Buck Mason’s Carry-On Jacket to the test. One navy blazer, seven days, seven looks. Afterward, I gave it a wash—and put it right back into rotation.
Outfit 1: Blue-siness Casual
All-navy-everything can look sharp so long as you nail the shirt. My closet isn’t filled with flamingo-patterned button fronts or campy camp shirts; this piece from Original Madras Trading Company is about as festive as I get. Its brighter, patterned blues liven up the navy.
I believe in brown Belgian-style loafers for every season, but consider them legally required in the summer. If I had an actual office to go to, this fit would be on heavy rotation. They still look—and feel—good, even if I’m roving the house looking for snacks.
Photos: Omar Atwan
Outfit 2: The Stash Spot
This is the kit I’ll throw on for Saturday morning story time at the library with my kid. Between the button-down and the jacket, I’m a walking storage unit, with pockets for everything (short the water bottle and Wet Wipes). Sweats are fine for lounging at home, but pulling on a jacket like the Carry-On is my personal rebellion against falling into Dad-mode. Related: white jeans are lighter-weight than their indigo brethren, and more versatile than you think. Enjoy them while they’re pristine, then make peace with the stains.
Photos: Omar Atwan
Outfit 3: The Work-From-Wherever Power Suit
Whenever my work-from-home psyche starts craving a little structure, I reach for my trusty white oxford. It’s my version of a cape for getting shit done. That plus the navy jacket plus Buck Mason’s light-wash full-saddle jeans (raw version here) become my WFH LFG outfit.
Photos: Omar Atwan
Outfit 4: A Sweater As a Sweetener
Aside from a navy blazer, a navy crewneck sweater is another year-round essential. I always keep one stashed in the backseat of my car for all sorts of reasons: a quick spruce if I need to look presentable; keeping me cold in the Arctic freezer aisle of the grocery store; tying over my shoulders when I want the softest accessory possible.
