John Lewis Corduroy Notch Lapel Regular Blazer

Corduroy is a fairly laid-back material, which might make its increasing popularity in tailoring a surprise to some. But it's completely logical really: THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED with a material that you don't need to baby, it's soft to the touch and will only get better with age.

The corduroy used here is 14 wales — as a quick detour, the 'wales' are the ribs that give corduroy its unique texture, measured per inch. Higher numbers of wales tend to make a cord feel finer and more formal; lower numbers make for a chunkier, more informal fabric. 14 wales sits about in the middle — good for all occasions barring, perhaps, scuba diving.

Pick stitching around the lapel and mock horn buttons add a touch of extra dressiness and you'll love our signature Bengal stripe trim inside. The look is flattered by the jacket's more casual and unstructured shoulder design and the choice of the cotton-blend fabric that creates a distinct drape when worn.

Worn casually, with a crisp white tee tucked into some denim and some pristine white trainers on the feet: a simple, beer-garden-ready outfit.

Or move the dial to smart/casual: swap the tee for a soft-collared shirt or fine-gauge roll neck, and don some dark woollen trousers and tassel loafers. Even the fanciest restaurant wouldn't refuse you entry.

If smart/casual isn't smart enough: pick up the matching trousers, and top your collared shirt off with a crunchy knitted tie. Rotate the loafers out for a pair of derby shoes. Suddenly you're in an outfit that wouldn't be out of place at a wedding reception.