A great blazer is a wardrobe staple. A blazer is extremely versatile, can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the occasion, and if cared for, can be kept for a long time. With that said, there are some tricks to finding the right fit for your body, so I wanted to share a few tips to help you shop for and purchase the perfect blazer.
Evaluate your body type
Before you go to shop for and purchase the perfect blazer, evaluate your body type so you can determine what you want the blazer to highlight. Do you want to highlight your narrow waist? Do you want to help add more of an hourglass shape to your figure? If you’re narrower on top and wider on your bottom half, do you want to add some extra volume at your shoulders to give more proportion to your figure?
These are all questions that will help you determine what style of blazer will flatter your body best. Investing in an item that truly flatters you and makes you feel your best will serve you well over time.
Try on different styles to see what makes you feel your best
Once you figure out what you want to highlight, try on different styles to see what you feel most confident in. Here are some general guidelines that might help you.
Single structured button blazer – This structured style should help give an hourglass shape to a boxier figure, and will simultaneously cinch in at the waist to highlight a narrow waistline. Any time you opt for a jacket that is structured and tailored in at the waist, it will help accentuate that body part.
Blazer with structured shoulders – This option is great if you have more narrow shoulders and wider hips, as it will help your body appear more proportioned.
Collarless blazer – This style helps elongate the neckline and torso, so it’s a great option to try if you have a shorter torso. This option may also work well if you have broader shoulders.
Open front blazer – Blazers without front closures are great for women who are on the busty side. It allows more flexibility so you can ensure that the rest of the blazer fits without having to button it over the bust.
Boyfriend/slouchy blazer – This style works really well if you have a long and lean body type, as it will add some volume to your torso.
Focus on Fit
First and foremost, make sure that the shoulders fit you correctly. The seam should hit right at the outer edge of your shoulder with no overhang. Other elements of a blazer can be tailored to fit your body, but the shoulders are hard to adjust.
Length
If you’re vertically challenged like me, opt for mid to short length blazers. These shorter styles paired with and high waisted pants make legs look longer and creates a taller illusion. Tall people definitely have a lot more freedom in terms of length, however, a short blazer might make your body seem a bit disproportionate. Most people will look great in a mid length style.
Get it tailored
When you go to shop for and purchase the perfect blazer, one of the most important things to keep in mind is that you may have to get the blazer tailored so that it fits you just right. The smallest details can make a huge difference in terms of appearance and fit. If you love the look of the blazer but one element needs to be adjusted, consult a tailor to see if it can be fixed.
For example, I have to get almost every blazer and jacket I own shortened on the sleeves. This small detail makes the jacket look much more polished and put together. Otherwise my hands are always covered by the long sleeves which can make even the most expensive jacket look frumpy. Whenever you go shopping for investment pieces that you can style in a variety of ways and keep over time, the tailor will be your secret weapon. Quick and inexpensive buys can be great for trendy pieces, but if you’re really looking for something timeless, be sure that it is tailored to your body to accentuate your figure and make you feel most confident.