Here's the breakdown:
* 1830s: The Oxford University Boat Club began wearing brightly colored, single-breasted jackets for their rowing competitions. This was a departure from the usual dark colors worn for formal events.
* 1860s: These jackets became known as "blazers", likely derived from the vivid colors they were often made in.
* 1890s: The term "blazer" spread beyond the rowing club, and was used to refer to any brightly colored jacket.
So, the word "blazer" originally referred to a specific type of jacket worn by the Oxford University Boat Club. Over time, it evolved to describe a broader category of jackets characterized by their bright colors and casual style.