I Went from $20 Cheap Blends to the $49 TRAF Linen Blazer: Here's What Changed

I used to think all work blazers were the same. I thought they were just something you threw over a shirt. Because of this, I always bought the cheapest option I could find. Usually $20 or less.

I was wrong. Buying cheap blazers cost me more time and money in the long run. A good blazer makes you look professional. A bad blazer makes you look sloppy.

My journey from thin, floppy fabric to structured linen changed how I shop for all my work clothes. If you are shopping for women's blazers for work, an upgrade is a smart choice.

Stage 1: The Cheap Phase ($15–$25 Blazers)

My first pair of work jackets cost about $20. Sometimes less during a sale. These were always thin, unlined, and mostly made of cheap polyester. They felt like rough fabric wrapped around my shoulders.

I learned quickly why they were so cheap. They were a disaster.

The Problems with $20 Jackets:

• Fit is Bad: The shoulders were floppy. The jacket had no structure. It wrinkled the moment I sat down.
• Fading Fabric: The black jackets looked gray after three washes. The fabric started pilling very fast.
• Smell and Heat: Since they were 100% synthetic, they did not breathe. I felt hot and sweaty even in a cold office.

I wasted money constantly replacing these jackets. I bought four in one year. None of them lasted more than a few months of real use.

Verdict: Avoid these blazers completely. The low price is a trap. You end up spending $80 a year on bad clothes.

Stage 2: The Mid-Range Phase ($30–$40 Blazers)

I learned my lesson about the $20 pile. Next, I decided to upgrade slightly. I started looking at blazers in the $30 to $40 price range.

These were better. They were often slightly heavier. They usually had a basic lining inside. Sometimes, they included a small amount of cotton or rayon in the fabric blend. They were... fine.

What Was Better (But Not Great):

• Decent Colors: The dye lasted longer. They did not fade right away.
• Standard Fit: The shoulders had light padding. It looked acceptable in quick office meetings.