How to choose the right fashionable jacket for your figure

It seems that the perfect jacket is the preserve of model figures. But this is not the case. The main secret of a stylish item is not the size on the label, but how it fits your figure.

A well-chosen jacket works wonders: it corrects posture, hides what you want to hide, and emphasizes your best features. It adds a sense of completeness and confidence to your look, whether you're at a business meeting or out with friends.

In this article, we will discuss simple but important points to pay attention to. You will learn how to evaluate the fit on the shoulders, length, and overall silhouette so that your new jacket looks like it was made just for you.

Four steps to the perfect jacket:

1. Determine your size correctly, understand the size chart and your measurements
2. Choose a jacket style that is currently in fashion: classic, masculine, complex cut, cropped, or elongated.
3. Consider your body type when choosing: apple, pear, inverted triangle, rectangle, hourglass.
4. Use our tips to assess whether the jacket fits correctly.

Determine your size

To understand which jacket size is right for you, arm yourself with a tape measure. You only need to measure your chest, waist, and hips. Next, you need to compare the measurements you have taken with the size chart provided by the seller if you are choosing a jacket from an online store. Just keep in mind that trying on the jacket before buying is a must.

When choosing a jacket, refer to international clothing size codes. These are letter designations corresponding to a specific size:

• XS – Extra Small – corresponds to Russian size 40.
• S – Small – suitable for women sizes 42-44.
• M – Medium – size 46-48 in the Russian size chart
• L – Large – corresponds to size 48-50.
• XL – Extra Large fits Russian size 52
• XXL – Extra Extra Large – is size 54-56.

Now that you know your exact size, you need to decide on the style of jacket.

Kim Hnizdo

For a jacket to look stylish and fit perfectly, it is important to choose a model that emphasizes the advantages of your figure. If you have broad shoulders, avoid jackets with voluminous lapels and choose a fitted cut. For those with wider hips, a slightly longer jacket is suitable to balance the proportions. Those with an athletic build should pay attention to slightly fitted models, and those who are thin should choose jackets with minimal draping so as not to look even thinner. The main thing is that the fabric falls evenly, the shoulders sit on the seam, and the sleeves do not completely cover the hands.

Choosing a fashionable jacket style

There is a wide variety of stylish women's blazers. They come in long and ultra-short, fitted and oversized, complex cuts and classic styles. Let's highlight the most relevant ones in 2023.

Classic jacket

The distinctive features of a classic jacket are a straight cut, lapels, buttons on the sleeves, and side pockets.

A classic jacket can be single-breasted, i.e., with one row of buttons, or double-breasted, with two rows of buttons. Usually, a classic-style jacket has a V-neck and is mid-thigh length. It is often part of a suit, but can be worn separately with jeans and dresses. The classic style is versatile and suits all body types.

Anne Hathaway

Thom Browne

The Row

Men's style jacket

A men's style jacket is a women's jacket, often with a classic cut, but a couple of sizes larger than usual.

It creates the effect of borrowing it from your man's wardrobe. The shoulder line of the jacket should be wider than your own, and the sleeve length should end at the knuckle of your thumb, but not cover it completely. If you combine a men's style jacket with a light dress or floor-length skirt, you can emphasize your fragility and grace.

Thom Browne

The Row

Blazer

The cut of a blazer differs from a classic jacket in that it has a more pronounced waistline. Designers often complement blazers with a belt or shiny buttons. It has no length restrictions, unlike the classic version. Blazers are suitable for a romantic walk or a party. They go well with jeans and cocktail dresses.

Max Mara

Elongated or cropped

Both jacket styles remain relevant and often appear at fashion shows by Moschino, Thom Browne, and Chanel. They can be single-breasted or double-breasted, fitted or loose. What they have in common is an emphasis on length: below mid-thigh for elongated models, at waist level and above for cropped ones.

Thom Browne

Complex cut

Complex cuts include ultra-fashionable jackets with zippers on the sleeves from Givenchy, with ruffles and drapery from Christopher John Rogers, and spicy blazers that reveal the body from Victoria Beckham and Off White.

Styles with interesting cuts attract attention, but the downside is that they are difficult to match with other clothes in your wardrobe. There is a risk that such a jacket will gather dust in the closet, never seeing the light of day.

Christopher John Rogers

Victoria Beckham

Off-White

So, we've figured out the current styles. Now let's look at how to choose the right one for you, taking into account your body type.

Consider your body type when choosing a jacket

Apple-shaped figure

The apple-shaped figure is characterized by slender legs, a voluminous bust, and a slightly pronounced waist. With the help of a properly selected jacket, you can visually correct it. To do this, choose an elongated single-breasted jacket with one button. This will emphasize the slenderness of the legs and hide excess volume at the waist. Avoid jackets that are too fitted or cropped, as they draw attention away from the problem area.

Proenza Schouler

Pear-shaped figure

The characteristics of a pear-shaped figure are narrow shoulders, a pronounced waist, and wide hips. When choosing a jacket, avoid styles that end at the widest part of the hips. Our goal is to shift the horizontal line of the cut above or below the waist. To do this, choose cropped styles that emphasize a narrow waist. Jackets for pear-shaped figures are widely represented by the fashion house Chanel.

An alternative is a long, straight-cut model that falls below the hips.

An interesting option for shifting the focus upward is a jacket with open shoulders, such as those by Sacai.

Rectangular figure

A rectangle body type is characterized by approximately equal bust, waist, and hip measurements. To create a more feminine silhouette, choose a fitted jacket with a peplum and structured shoulders. A belt would be appropriate to accentuate the waist.

Inverted triangle figure

An inverted triangle is characterized by broad shoulders, narrow hips, and a slightly defined waist. To visually reduce the shoulders, straight-cut jackets that end at the hips are suitable.

Patch pockets, a peplum, and a print at the bottom of the jacket will be particularly appropriate for an inverted triangle figure. This will balance the top and bottom, making the look more harmonious.

Thom Browne

Hourglass figure

For the lucky owners of the ideal hourglass figure, there are no restrictions when choosing a jacket style. Try a jacket with a complex cut or made of textured fabric, and you will definitely not go unnoticed.

Victoria Beckham

Determining the correct fit

So, we've decided on the style of the jacket, now it's time to assess whether it fits the figure correctly.

To determine if a jacket fits correctly:

1. Stretch your arms forward and raise them up to see if the jacket restricts your movement. If you feel comfortable, it means the size is right.
2. Next, evaluate the side seams in the collarbone area; they should be in the middle of the shoulder. If we are talking about an oversized model, this rule also applies.
3. Next, let's look at sleeve length. Lower your arms and see where the sleeve ends. Ideally, it should end at the wrist bone. A length that ends at the thumb phalanx is also acceptable; if it ends lower, the jacket is too big.
4. The fabric should not gather around the fastened buttons. The collar should not bulge either. The appearance of folds and “protrusions” indicates that the jacket is too small.
5. In general, a jacket should fit loosely, with air between the fabric and the body. Tight-fitting models will visually add volume and restrict movement.

Finding a jacket that fits perfectly is not just a matter of fashion, but a matter of self-confidence. When an item fits your figure, it does not restrict your movements, but on the contrary, allows you to feel comfortable and stylish in any situation.

The main thing is to start with the basics: assess your figure and understand what silhouettes suit you. Don't chase ultra-fashionable but uncomfortable styles. It is better to choose a classic cut that can be enlivened with color, fabric, or interesting details.

Remember that a perfect fit is the most important thing. The shoulders should lie flat, and the length of the jacket should be in proportion to your height. Don't hesitate to consult a good tailor: a small adjustment to the fit can turn a good jacket into a perfect one.

Ultimately, the right jacket is your ally. It will complement your look, hide what you want to hide, and emphasize your strengths. When you put it on, you should feel that it is your thing, reflecting your character and taste.