Man's Blazer

"But, if he packs it, will he be likely to wear it?"
No
"Or, my real question is, will many other men in restaurants/wine bars be wearing blazers in the summer?"
No.

We have been able to make our European trips in May and Sept/Oct., so I can't speak to the jackets-in-summer question.

But as for blazers generally, my husband has taken them (as has our son, who was 10, 12 and 14 at the time of his trips to Europe). But only if we know ahead of time that there's a specific event or occasion where having a jacket would be appropriate or just plain nice. For example, the opera in Budapest or a meal at pretty much any Michelin-starred restaurant.

Except for things like that, the blazer takes up too much room to make it worth taking, IMHO.

Well that's pretty clear! No it is. Thanks.

I only pack a blazer/sport coat if I know I need it for something (formal night on a cruise/business meeting). If I bring one I wear it on the plane.

If I'm just vacationing, a decent button up shirt, docker style kakhis/casual slacks, dark socks, brown or black shoes and matching belt work fine.

…On the other hand… Well, O.K., it is summer and the first consideration should be "is it just too darned hot to wear a blazer?" The same common sense applies in North America and Europe. However --having said that-- after having lived here a while, I have developed an urge to take a blazer with me to almost everything social that I do. Why? I was always showing up at parties advertised as "casual" only to find that I was the only one in jeans and a polo shirt. Everyone else had on casual button-down shirts and blazers. If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Same goes for "nice" restaurants. So, for an adult male, I think it’s a nice insurance policy to have a blazer along. You can always toss it over your arm if it is overkill. For summer, I have a very light-weight khaki-colored linen blazer that really dresses up a pair of jeans nicely. Now the qualifiers: I'm 50 and my social circle is established professionals in the same age range. Obviously the same probably wouldn't apply to kids right out of college. If you are planning to exclusively be in tourist areas, its doubtful that a blazer is necessary. So "being on vacation" does buy you some latitude. And no one will expect a blazer if the weather is blazing HOT. But if you are planning to do nice stuff and the weather cooperates, dressing nicely is never inappropriate. ---Sigh--- Maybe I've been in Europe too long.

I think it's best to err on the dressy side. We tend to try to look nicer than required (dressy clothes are just as easy to pack as sloppy looking things). In Paris we have always been mistaken for locals, probably because we are more dressed up than most tourists. Right or wrong, I am sure we get treated better when we look nicer. I think a man wearing a blazer, even with dressy jeans, looks very nice. A blazer makes a great jacket. If your husband looks best in a blazer, then bring the blazer. I look best in a dress, so that's what I usually wear. Go with your personal strengths.

"dressy clothes are just as easy to pack as sloppy looking things"
I thought the question was whether Nelly's husband should bring a blazer, not whether he should dress in sloppy clothes or not. For me, bringing a blazer has always been more of a pain than it's worth. As an earlier poster mentioned, nice slacks and a nice shirt will go very well for the vast majority of circumstances you will encounter.
Bottom line, Nelly....your husband will be the one that has to decide....if bringing a blazer isn't his thing, then packing it won't mean it'll be worn.

Oh, dear, I should give him a voice? Just kidding, he dresses himself every day too. I don't buy his clothes or go shopping with him. But since I am the only person in the house who's been to Europe, and my recollection is a blazer was extremely common wear for men, I've been thinking that would be best. We are 50-ish professionals at home, but we'll definitely be tourists/travelers on this trip. A linen blazer definitely won't cut it on a 50-day trip; it would be a wrinkled mess. I was looking at microfiber. Maybe I'll let it go.

Sigh. I guess I'll let him decide. But I really appreciate the input.

What about a travel blazer from Tilleys (if you've won the lottery) or ordered from TravelSmith? The best way to pack a blazer is to wear it!

I looked at both a few weeks ago. TravelSmith was backordered in his size for most of the summer (August delivery, I think). The Tilley one looked good, I almost bought it and then chickened out and asked for advice here. Still tempted to order it; if he won't wear it, we'll just send it back, but it gives us the option.

And btw, I've made a joke or two at his expense, but he is being cooperative and involved in the decision. I'm not some sort of harridan, just a compulsive planner (I'm a project manager, I can't help it.)

My wife laughs at how much I preplan, reading guide books, studying maps and rewriting packing lists! A huge joy for me is the learning and excitement prior to the actual event.

This has been an interesting post to follow. My initial gut reaction was "take the blazer!" But, it wasn't until I read Thomas's post that I knew what was behind that reaction. I think it's the same reason that I take a skirt even when I'm mostly going on a walking trip. You just never know when an opportunity will present itself where you want to dress a tad bit more upscale. Of course, it could be that there's just too much boy scout in me and I want to be prepared. ; )

Pam