
Smythe
Duchess Checkered Blazer
The Duchess Checkered Blazer is a fitted, single-breasted women's blazer from Canadian label Smythe, crafted from thick, structured fabric with a fine sateen lining. It features a notch collar, front patch pockets, a single embossed metal button closure with matching buttons at the cuffs, and a centre back vent. Made in Canada, this tailored blazer is intended for wear as a jacket over other garments for business or semi-formal occasions.
- Gender
- female
- Style
- tailored, retro, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Color
Specifications
A retro-inspired fitted blazer with a checkered pattern and embossed silver button.
Thick structured fabric, notch collar, patch pockets, single button closure, center vent.
- Material
- Shell: 60% wool, 29% polyester, 8% nylon, 3% other fibers; Lining: 100% cupro
- Style
- tailored, retro, classic
- Occasion
- work, formal, party
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Outerwear > Coats & Jackets
Additional Attributes
- single button fastening
- embossed silver button closure
- notch collar
- patch pockets
- buttons at cuffs
- center vent at back
- double vents at back
- fitted silhouette
- cinched waist
- thick structured fabric
- fine sateen lining
- made in Canada
- retro checkered pattern
- traditional tailoring techniques
Product Insights
Smythe, founded in 2004 as the first blazer-only brand, evolved its signature One-Button Blazer into the Duchess Checkered Blazer, named after Kate Middleton who first wore it in 2011. Built with men's tailoring techniques and 20–30 fit drafts, the shell is a wool-polyester-nylon blend that insulates, resists wrinkles, and stays stable in damp weather, with a fully biodegradable cupro lining. The exclusive charcoal-check pattern (printed on fabric, not woven) replaces the classic navy-brass palette and is available only at Simons for $795 CAD—a $100 premium over the solid black version. Dry cleaning is required. Order true to size for the intended fit; size up for a looser silhouette.
Verified claims
- Brand heritage
- Smythe, founded in 2004 as the first blazer-only brand, built its reputation on the One-Button Blazer; the Duchess is an evolution.
- Royal endorsement
- Kate Middleton first wore the One-Button Blazer in 2011; Smythe renamed it the Duchess Blazer in her honor.
- Craftsmanship and materials
- Built with men’s tailoring techniques and 20–30 fit drafts, the shell is 60% wool, 29% polyester, 8% nylon; the lining is 100% biodegradable cupro.
- Fabric performance
- Wool-polyester-nylon blend insulates, resists wrinkles, and stays stable in damp weather.
- Tailoring
- Men's suiting techniques and 20+ pattern drafts create a durable, precise fit.
- Value
- $795 CAD — $100 premium over standard solid black Duchess at Simons
- Fit
- Order true to size for intended fit; size up for looser.
- Weather performance
- Fabric resists moisture, keeping drape consistent in humidity or light rain.
- Pattern application
- The check pattern is printed on the fabric surface, not woven.
- Care
- Professional dry cleaning is recommended to maintain the wool-polyester shell and cupro lining; hand washing is not advised.
- Wrinkle resistance
- 60% wool with 29% polyester provides natural wrinkle resistance and quick crease recovery.
- Origin
- The Smythe Duchess Checkered Blazer is designed and manufactured in Canada.
- Lining
- The blazer's interior is finished in 100% cupro, a biodegradable regenerated cellulose fiber.
- Structure
- The shell is thick and structured, substantial enough to wear as a standalone jacket on mild fall days while still layering under a coat.
- Silhouette
- The Duchess Checkered Blazer has a fitted, cinched silhouette refined through 20–30 pattern drafts.
Product record
- Title
- Duchess Checkered Blazer
- Brand
- Smythe
- Price
- 795 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 11 sourcesProduct comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Duchess Checkered Blazer: Choose this if you want a fitted, single-breasted blazer with a cinched waist and a retro charcoal windowpane check in classic shades, finished with an embossed silver single-button closure and metal cuff buttons. Its thick, structured shell is 60% wool with a smooth lining, it is made in Canada, and it comes in sizes 2 through 16 in Charcoal. Note that the listing's back-vent description is inconsistent, stating both a centre vent and two vents behind.[1,2,3] | Duchess Blazer: Choose this if you want a fitted, single-breasted blazer whose princess seams, slightly puckered shoulder, and single gold button create a waist-defining line — one reviewer says it emphasizes her waist in a way most blazers do not, and she loves the cutout back vent that sits above her pants. Details include embossed gold buttons (four on each cuff), flap and chest pockets, a subtle flared hem, and full cupro rayon lining, and it is made in Canada in Black or Navy/Midnight Blue. Note the shell is 68% polyester, 29% viscose, and 3% elastane (despite a 'wool crepe' mention in the description), and the Navy colorway is listed only in sizes 4 through 10, while Black runs sizes 2 through 16 with size 4 absent.[4,5,6,7,8] | Sky Plaid Duchess Blazer: Choose this if you want a fitted, waist-defining blazer with precise tailoring — princess seams, a single-button closure, patch pockets, and a back vent — in a soft pastel plaid of sky-blue and white checks. It is cut from a structured 76% linen and 24% cotton woven with a lightly brushed finish and a silky lining, and comes in sizes 4 through 16. One reviewer of this Smythe style reports the single button and back vent emphasize the waist and sit cleanly above pants, though those observations were not tied specifically to this plaid colorway.[5,9,10,11] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01

Product
Front view of a single-breasted, fitted women's blazer with a dark checkered windowpane pattern, notch lapels, two flap pockets with visible metal buttons, and a single central closure button. Fabric shows a slightly textured woven surface.
- Silhouette and fitFitted single-breasted blazer with a defined waist and slightly flared lower hem; long set-in sleeves and a structured shoulder line visible from the front.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.06 · w 0.76 · h 0.60 (high) - Lapel styleMedium-width notch lapels that fold neatly toward the chest, showing the same check pattern on the lapel faces.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.08 · w 0.34 · h 0.18 (high) - ClosureSingle central metal button fastening at the waist; jacket is shown fastened at this button.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.38 · w 0.06 · h 0.06 (high) - Pockets and trimTwo front flap pockets located at the hip/waist area; a small metal decorative button or stud is visible near the right-pocket flap (left side of image).
2 regions
x 0.30 · y 0.40 · w 0.20 · h 0.16 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.40 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (high) - PatternDark base with a regular windowpane check comprised of lighter narrow lines forming square grids across the garment.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.06 · w 0.76 · h 0.60 (high) - Fabric textureWoven textile with slight visible nap or heathering in the dark base yarns giving a subtly textured appearance.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.18 · w 0.56 · h 0.44 (medium) - Visible interior layerBlack ribbed knit top worn under the blazer is visible through the open front around the chest and neckline.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.10 · w 0.28 · h 0.18 (high) - Sleeve hemStraight sleeve hem visible at the wrist on the left arm (right side of image) reaching to the wrist joint.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.66 · w 0.18 · h 0.22 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a plain light background showing a model cropped from chin to mid-thigh; neutral soft lighting with minimal shadows; blue denim jeans and the model's hand appear as styling but are not part of the product.
- Background and stagingEven light gray to white background with no visible props or packaging.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Model crop and poseModel is shown from just below the chin to mid-thigh, facing forward with left hand relaxed at side and right hand placed near hip inside a pocket.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.00 · w 0.84 · h 1.00 (high) - Lighting and shadowSoft diffuse studio lighting with minimal shadows and even exposure across the garment.
- Additional clothing visibleBlue denim jeans visible from waist to mid-thigh and a black ribbed top under the blazer; these are styling elements, not the product.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.60 · w 0.44 · h 0.34 (high)
Colors
dark charcoal· main fabric#222126light gray· windowpane linespale beige· accent thread in check#DBAD8C- Silhouette and fitFitted single-breasted blazer with a defined waist and slightly flared lower hem; long set-in sleeves and a structured shoulder line visible from the front.
- 02

Product
Close-up of a dark charcoal checkered blazer showing lapel, chest area, sleeve cuff with four metal buttons, and a single decorative metal front button. Fabric has a soft, slightly napped wool-like texture with a light windowpane check in gray and a thin tan line.
- Fabric patternDark charcoal background with a windowpane check composed of medium-light gray intersecting lines and a thinner tan accent line running parallel to the gray lines.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.15 · w 0.90 · h 0.70 (high) - Lapel styleNotch lapel with visible topstitching and aligned check pattern across lapel and chest.
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.08 · w 0.36 · h 0.24 (high) - Front buttonSingle decorative round metal front button with an embossed crest or emblem visible on the button face.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.54 · w 0.12 · h 0.09 (high) - Sleeve cuff buttonsRow of four small round metal buttons on the sleeve cuff, each with the same embossed crest or emblem as the front button.
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.42 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high) - Pocket detailHorizontal chest pocket welt is visible on the right chest area (viewer left) with check pattern alignment over the opening.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.28 · w 0.20 · h 0.12 (medium) - Surface textureFabric appears slightly napped or brushed, suggesting a soft wool-like texture with visible yarn structure in close view.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.15 · w 0.90 · h 0.70 (medium)
Other
Studio portrait crop showing upper torso and partial face of a model wearing the blazer against a plain light gray background. Even, diffused lighting with soft shadows; image is vertically cropped above the waist and at the model's nose.
- Model crop and posePartial model portrait cropped at mid-waist and just below the nose; model's left hand is raised to touch the lapel and right arm is folded across the body.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.00 · w 0.76 · h 1.00 (high) - BackgroundPlain light gray studio background with smooth even tone and no visible props.
- Underlayer garmentBlack ribbed knit top visible under the blazer at the V-neck opening.
1 region
x 0.39 · y 0.20 · w 0.22 · h 0.18 (high) - Lighting and reflectionsSoft, diffused studio lighting producing minimal specular highlights on metal buttons and gentle shadowing along garment folds.
Colors
charcoal gray· blazer main fabric#3A393Elight gray· windowpane linesmuted tan· accent lines in check#E5BB9Bantique silver· buttons- Fabric patternDark charcoal background with a windowpane check composed of medium-light gray intersecting lines and a thinner tan accent line running parallel to the gray lines.
- 03

Product
Rear view of a fitted single-breasted blazer in a dark checkered woollike fabric with visible back seams, a center back vent, notched collar seen from rear, and three metallic buttons on each cuff.
- Back shape and seamsFitted rear with vertical princess seams that taper at the waist and flare slightly toward the hem; seams visible across the back forming a contoured silhouette.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.10 · w 0.76 · h 0.62 (high) - Center back ventSingle rear vent starting at the hem and opening upward a short distance, producing a small rear slit offset slightly to the right panel seam.
1 region
x 0.54 · y 0.64 · w 0.30 · h 0.26 (high) - CollarLow notched collar visible from the rear, with the collar band lying flat against the upper back.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.03 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high) - Sleeve cuffs and buttonsEach sleeve ends in a straight cuff set with a vertical row of three round metallic buttons; buttons are reflective and raised above the fabric.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.74 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.78 · y 0.74 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high) - Fabric textureWoollike textured weave visible across the garment surface, with a slightly napped appearance rather than smooth suiting cloth.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.12 · w 0.76 · h 0.68 (medium) - Check patternLarge grid check formed by lighter horizontal and vertical lines creating square blocks; grid lines are evenly spaced across the back and sleeves.
1 region
x 0.07 · y 0.08 · w 0.86 · h 0.76 (high)
Other
Studio-style product shot showing model from the rear against a plain light background; model wears blue denim jeans which are partially visible.
- View and compositionRear-facing model cropped at mid-thigh, centered in frame with even studio lighting and soft shadowing behind.
- Visible garment on modelBlue denim jeans are visible from the waist down and overlap the blazer hem, indicating the blazer is worn by a model rather than laid flat.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.72 · w 0.60 · h 0.26 (high) - Image qualitySharp focus on garment with neutral white background; no visible packaging or labels apart from the garment itself.
Colors
dark charcoal· main fabric#302F34light grey· grid lineslight beige accent· accent check linessilver metallic· cuff buttons- Back shape and seamsFitted rear with vertical princess seams that taper at the waist and flare slightly toward the hem; seams visible across the back forming a contoured silhouette.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Smythe
Patch Pocket Duchess Blazer - Black Windowpane
Variants
8 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4631542 | Duchess Checkered Blazer - Charcoal - 2 | CA$795.00 | Yes |
| 4631543 | Duchess Checkered Blazer - Charcoal - 4 | CA$795.00 | Yes |
| 4631544 | Duchess Checkered Blazer - Charcoal - 6 | CA$795.00 | Yes |
| 4631545 | Duchess Checkered Blazer - Charcoal - 8 | CA$795.00 | Yes |
| 4631546 | Duchess Checkered Blazer - Charcoal - 10 | CA$795.00 | Yes |
| 4631547 | Duchess Checkered Blazer - Charcoal - 12 | CA$795.00 | Yes |
| 4631548 | Duchess Checkered Blazer - Charcoal - 14 | CA$795.00 | Yes |
| 4631549 | Duchess Checkered Blazer - Charcoal - 16 | CA$795.00 | Yes |