question about fit for blazers/jackets

[AlpineSlide]

I don't really know how to word this, so hopefully you can follow what I'm asking... Sorry if this is long.

I see clothing "inspiration" pictures all over the place* (Youtube, pinterest, blogger's ootd, etc.) where the woman has on a blazer that looks too small. Like she doesn't have a prayer to button (or zip) it closed. It fits in the shoulders but not the chest in my opinion.

So, I understand that there are some layering pieces that we wear (myself included) with no intentions of ever buttoning, but shouldn't it still technically be able to close for a proper fit? This may be a cardigan, leather jacket, vest, blazer, etc.

I guess I'm asking if I'm buying things too big? Do you buy an item based on how it fits your shoulders and not care if it won't close? I'm just wondering if you've noticed this or if I'm off-base on what I think "fits"?

With it being Saturday there probably won't be much response but I'll forget on Monday. And I'm at work for another 1/2 hour and wanted to kill some time.

*I have not seen this here on GBCN.

[bimbi284]

That's a good question! I have seen people do this, and I feel the same way you do. Even if you'll never want to wear it closed, if it doesn't close, it doesn't fit, period...at least that's my take on it!

[FormerCityGirl]

I can see it not being able to close if you're doing a layered look with a button down, under a sweater, topped with a blazer since they aren't typically made to handle that much bulk and are meant to be tailored. I think if the person omitted a layer then it would fit and don't find that too annoying, but I'm not a fan of a lot of those looks. I've seen it done well, but it's usually a miss. It bugs me though when a blazer/cardigan/jacket won't close and there's just a thin button down or t-shirt underneath it. Then it truly doesn't fit or they're in denial over their true size. This BS about not buttoning a blazer or jacket for comfort irks me. There are times where it should be buttoned.

[AlpineSlide]

I hate to post and run but I'm off work now. I'll be back tonight or Monday to read replies. Thanks girls!

[amandasw]

I'll admit I have two jackets sort of like this. As a petite person, I would rather it fit my shoulders even if it doesn't button up, than to get something that looks too large. Blazers/jackets are just really hard for me because I have a small frame, so like pp said, it's hard to find something that would fit across my shoulders as well as close sometimes (I'm a 32'D). IMO, no one would probably notice that I couldn't button them up (they aren't THAT small), but it would be uncomfortable if I did.

*Also, FTR these are sort of 'style' jackets, not my actual suit blazer or any of my winter coats.

[highlarious]

I always look for fit in the shoulders and across the back, and I ensure that I can raise my arms without straining the fabric. Whether it can close in front is an afterthought for me personally, since I don't care to close them. Some of mine I am able to close, but some just look or feel too snug across my chest.

I'm pretty average in the chest area (32C) with a 24" waist and small build overall. I find that to accommodate even my moderate chest and allow enough room for closure, the shoulders and waist are often too roomy. But this just might be a consequence of my particular build. I do find that leaving it open is a more forgiving look, so long as it sits properly at the shoulders and back.

[littlemermaid]

It needs to fit the widest part, whether it's your shoulders or your chest then you bring it to a tailor and have the rest taken in so that you can button it without it being baggy on the sides.

[Deleted]

I will buy jackets that can close but don't look great closed (buttons pull a bit) because they fit better. My rib cage id disproportionally small (or my arms/chest/waist are disproportionately large?)

I don't think jackets can easily be taken in at the shoulders, can they? Wouldn't you just have to get a jacket specially made?

[maucat]

My shoulders are actually fairly wide and I have a small-ish chest, so if I get a blazer that fits my shoulders, it'll button. I sometimes need to get it tailored to accentuate my waist better and to get the sleeves lengthened.

[treedimensional]

I've seen the images of which you speak- the ill-fitting blazers irk me too.
Blazers should be very well fitting garments. When they don't fit, they look awful. IMO it should close comfortably even if you don't ever wear it that way. I see pictures of wrinkled, puckered, cheap-looking blazers that are pulling at the center button, gapping at the nape, and with lapels curling, and they look hideous.
Another garment that I always see NOT fitting the models wearing them is BRAS. It's annoying because I think it causes women to assume their breasts should be squoosed into cups that are way too small, and to think that is how a bra is supposed to fit.

[lo]

I have some stretchy blazers that I can button, but there's no way I could buy a normal one and button it. And that's ok with me... I just wear them styled so that it looks fine unbuttoned. I don't have the time/energy/money to take them to the tailor.