Smart tips for buying blazers

Finding the right fit of blazers is just as important as getting the right design.

Things to consider while buying a blazer are:

1. The Body Shape

Each body shape has a blazer type/design that flatters the body more than the others. In order to determine your body shape, please click HERE.

Once the body shape is determined, you may check out our current selection for blazers that are the right fit for you.

a) Pear, spoon, bell, or triangle

This body shape describes a person who has hip measurements greater than their bust measurements.

Be sure your blazer doesn’t fall directly on your hips adding emphasis in a place you’d rather not. Instead, go for a cropped shape or go for a longer blazer to create a lean frame.

b) Banana, straight, or rectangle

This body shape describes a person who typically has waist measurements that are less than 9 inches smaller than the hip or bust measurements.

Be sure you opt for blazers that nip in at the waist to create a bit of curve in your silhouette.

c) Apple, or inverted triangle

This body shape describes a person who has broader shoulders and bust than they do hips.

Lean towards slouchier fit blazers and stay away from shoulder pads all together, as they will only add to your broader upper body. Also, Thinner fabrics will not add bulk and opt for a blazer shape that cinches in slightly and hits below the hips to create a more defined waistline.

d) Hourglass, X shape, triangles opposing, or facing inwards

This body shape (typically presented as the "ideal") describes a person with hip and bust measurements nearly equal in size, with a narrower waist measurement.

You already have balance and proportionality at your advantage. Finding a blazer to flatter your shape depends largely upon highlighting your natural physical balance, meaning your waist. Choose blazers that are tailored to highlight the feminine physique, either cinched in at the waist or with a belt or peplum fit. Avoid blazers that are too boxy and masculine or too long; these fits will hide your shape.

2. Lapels

Make sure lapels are in proportion with your figure. That said, play with different lapel sizes for more fashion forward looks—from exaggerated and oversized to barely there—there’s a ton you can do with lapels to showcase your style.

3. Add Variety While you want to be sure you have a few neutral, great fitting, go-to blazers in your wardrobe, perhaps opt for a fun alternative like one in a floral pattern, overall bright color, or stripes, even!

4. Play with Proportions

While there are certainly objections to any rule, stick to fitted, shorter styles when pairing a blazer with a skirt. Want to rock a longer look, like a boyfriend blazer? Pair with pants (like denim and trousers).

ADDITIONAL STYLIST FIT TIPS:

• Your blazer should be fitted (not tight!) across your shoulders.

• The hem of your blazer should skim your hipbone.

• The sleeves of your blazer should hit mid-thumb when your arms are down at your sides.

• Sleeve width can make all the difference in the way your blazer fits. 

• Quick alterations may be all you need to take a slightly oversized jacket from looking baggy to polished.

• While I typically leave my blazers unbuttoned, from a fit perspective you should be able to button it without pulling—but it should still keep its shape when worn open.

• Between sizes? Always size up. It’s much easier to make things smaller (via alterations) than to try and squeeze into a too small blazer.

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