Blazer question

[insider]

Why are certain sport coats called Blazers?

[Askance]

I suspect because they have insignia emblazoned onto their top pocket.

[Floater]

From Online Etymology Dictionary:

blaze (1) - “fire,” O.E. blæse “a torch, flame,” from P.Gmc. *blason, from PIE *bhles- “shine,” from base *bhel- (see black). The verb is c.1225.

blazer - “bright-colored jacket,” 1880, British university slang, from blaze (1), in reference to the red flannel jackets worn by the Lady Margaret, St. John College, Cambridge boating club.

[quiltguy154]

One attribution is they were named after a British ship, one H.M.S. Blazer. Supposedly the officers wore them, and looked rather spiffy, word got around. This tale has been discounted in two books that I’ve read.