Need help with Theory blazer - YouLookFab Forum

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Need help with Theory blazer

catgirl

Veteran

This is how bad it's been - this jacket arrived 2 weeks ago and I've only just had time to try it on! I can not go smaller because of the shoulders but I think it fits. Is it too long for me? The fabric is heavier than my other Theory blazer but still stretchy. The sleeves are too long but I will be scrunching most of the time so would I need to alter? This needs to be perfect or able to be made perfect at this price.

(How petite are you gals who fit into a 0 or 2 in this brand? This is a size 8 and it is making me feel like a giant hulking linebacker.)

Also showing a second jacket I picked up last month and tags are still on - in STRIPES! this is a Caslon knit jacket that was pretty cheap and I fell for the colors. Any feedback there? My judgment is so off right now!

Thanks for any input and apologies for being so scarce right now.

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41 replies

Latest reply was from

ironkurtin

Veteran

I think Theory looks good scrunched. Is that how you plan to wear it?

Caslon jacket is no. Sorry. It's just a visceral reaction.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

The Theory blazer looks like it fits in the shoulders but if it makes you feel bulky, then I don't know how it can go to a 10 in your own eyes. I really like the cutaway bottom style of the Gibson blazer Rae got a while back. I think I'm kind of stuck on that in my head so I'm having trouble evaluating other blazers against that one.

The striped blazer is great to my eye - such fun and great colors on you - I'd keep it and wear it right now as styled because it looks great on you just as it is - and I know they are very comfortable and affordable.

catgirl

Veteran

Texstyle, it's just the number that is throwing me off - I know Theory runs small, but a size 8 is making me feel like something must be off. I need to forget the size and focus on fit!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Una, first thing, I feel that if you keep it, you must have the sleeves altered to the correct length It affects the way the whole jacket hangs, even if you scrunch. And if it has to be 10, then sleeves that hang down too low are going to spoil the effect.

Second, are you sure you can't fit a 6? I am wondering....Of course if you can't comfortably stretch your arms in a lower size, that would be a no -go. But I'm not 100% convinced of the fit on this at the moment. Something in that shoulder/ top area. Again, it could be a sleeve effect.

I don't think it is too long. It has a sort of BF vibe to it, which might make you want to keep it on the looser side -- not sure.

What is the colour? Is it grayish brown? Taupe? Grey? Hard to read on my monitor and I am wondering how it will work with your bottoms. Would love to see it styled.

I am not a fan of the striped jacket (ducking) BUT I think for your summer weather it could be a really fun addition. And the fit looks good. So if you love it, you should keep it and wear!!

catgirl

Veteran

Suz, no worries - I fell for the neon and grey but tags are still on and I think it will go back.

As for the Theory, I tried a 6 at Nordstrom and it was just too tight in the shoulders and arms. Like I said, LINEBACKER. The color is a medium charcoal grey - not taupe or brown at all. Horrible camera!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

No, Una - it is probably my monitor (or my eyes...) But I would still love to see it with your bottoms.

If you like the yellow stripes, keep and have fun with!!

kellygirl

Veteran

I love the Theory with the arms scrunched. I would definitely pay to have them altered even if you think you are going to wear them scrunched all of the time. It's just too nice not to. The length looks sophisticated and cool and I love the fit. SO Fab!

Is the striped jacket knit? I have one Caslon knit blazer and I kind of fell out of love with it after wearing it a few times. I prefer ponte over the unlined sweatshirt fabric jackets. If this is just something to wear with jeans on the weekend, I think it's good but it's not something that is easily dressed up. Stripes and colors are fun though.

nancylee

Veteran

Una, don't worry about the size. I'm a size 4 in Banana Republic jackets, a size S in others, a size 6 in yet others.....and a size 8 in my Theory Gabe blazer. It's the only 8 I own....but I just wanted you to know that Theory sizing is all over the board. I actually once tried on a Theory jacket in size 4 that fit. If the 8 fits, so be it.

As long as you can deal with the sleeves and you feel ok in the Theory jacket, I think it's a go. But if you don't feel comfortable in it, I'd return. There are SO many great jackets out there, you deserve to have one you love.

I'm not a fan of the Caslon jacket. I know you're concerned about your shoulders looking too wide, and (to my eye at least) the stripes add visual bulk to your shoulders.

Anonymous

I don't like how the Theory blazer fits -- to me, there is no wow like with your Lanai one. It could be any blazer. The sleeves I think would have to be shortened too.

I tried a blazer from Gap in grey and navy that is pretty much a twin of that Caslon one. I ultimately sent it back because I thought the stripes were not flattering. Some times I really liked it, and Ican see that in that neon and grey one, but ultimately on my body there was something off.

Anonymous

Oh, and please don't get hung up on size. It is just a number intended to help people pick garments that are likely to fit, but it is a system riddled with issues! If it fits, that is what matters, not the number on the tag. I say this as someone who can't imagine ever fitting into a S, even if I was a skeleton. I am not a large person, but my skeleton is large and physically I can't fit into some sizes because my scaffolding takes up a certain volume and I can't change it!

ElleH

Veteran

Una this blazer looks like Gabe with contrast sleeve lining. My Gabe is a size 8 I bought when I was heavier but it only feels one size too big now & still looks ok to wear. This new one is a size 2 & i could even maybe fit a 0. The sales associate said they changed their sizing but I'm thinking maybe not in the Gabe or maybe after this one was made. Anyway the jacket you have on is not the same as my white one. The Gabe is a shorter BF style than the white. The Gabe does have stretch right? Are you sure you can't wear a 6? As a BF with sleeves rolled or scrunched it might be OK on you.

As for your styling questions I wear mine with jeans and trousers with tee or button down or sweater & a pencil skirt & also with the Theory Betty shift dress. It is quite versatile for me. I am 5' 7".

DonnaF

Veteran

Hmmm. I know you said the size 6 was too small, but to my eye, the size 8 looks a bit loose through the chest and arms. Maybe it's a half size too big? I'm not swooning over it, and I feel like I should be for the price.

As to the Caslon jacket: I'm not sure. I am a fan of both colors. Maybe it's the equal width of the stripes that bother me, that I would prefer unequal stripes? I am assuming the stripes match at the side seams; mismatched stripes are a dealbreaker for me. They seem well matched where the sleeves are set. I can't articulate why the jacket is not getting a lot of love.

catgirl

Veteran

Hi ladies, thanks for the feedback so far! The Caslon is going back - it was an impulse purchase and I can see the money going to better things.

The Theory is confusing me. As Ceit said, it doesn't have that WOW factor and the fit seems off - my shoulders need an 8 but the rest of me is probably a 6 or 4. And I'm only 5'1". ARGH.

Elle, which one did you get in white?

Anonymous

It's called Shinna I think se said on the other thread.

unfrumped

Veteran

I love the Theory color but agree it looks too big all over without really being BF style. It would take more tailoring than just the sleeves. You look terrific in blazers, though.
The Caslon does not look like "you" to me, for some reason. Not sharp or edgy enough, somehow.

ElleH

Veteran

Una the white one is Shinna. Sorry I forgot to mention I had answered you on my post:) it is longer than Gabe but might fit better, though I think Gabe was better on me when it did fit me. I find shoulders on white one made me get a size that has too long sleeves & too big at the hip.

ElleH

Veteran

Una Shinna in black is on sale at Bloomies online right now. No size 8 or 6 but in this I'm a 2.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Too bad there's not more love for the striped neon jacket - I guess I just love the way you look in those neon brights against your skin tone and dark hair.

Anonymous

I love the theory blazer. I think it is one of those pieces that have the ability to make every outfit better, although not a showstopper on its own.
I like the sleeves folded.
As for 2, yep, I'm not a fan either.

rachylou

Veteran

First, love the striped jacket. It's hot.

Second, I do feel the Theory is baggy in the waist. It looks good with sleeves rolled up, which gives you a sense of the jacket being purposefully oversized, but I don't know that you're going for that look. That's my problem. I think you want a fitted, let's-go-to-work jacket. Do you?

deb

Veteran

I do not think you will be able to make The Theory a 10 even altering the sleeves because of your feelings wearing the jacket. I vote send it back and keep looking.

Parsley

Veteran

I really like the Theory blazer on you. I would definitely get the sleeves shortened even if you never plan to wear them unscrunched. I'm sure you could have it taken in a little through the body, too, if you wanted, but I like it as is. It's got that little bit longer, little bit looser androgynous look that really appeals to me, but I know it's not everybody's cup of tea.

To me that kind of fit can be a nod to your UWP/RATE side in your work wardrobe in a way that a perky little nipped waist jacket never would.

Diana

Veteran

Hmm, the Theory does look a bit boxy but I'm not sure it's a bad thing necessarily. To me, the fit is almost like how a man's suit is supposed to hang, like a straight cut with comfortable but still tailored ease. So not menswear style, but actual menswear if that makes sense. I think you do have the body type to pull it off, but I don't know if that's the style you want. I have been shopping for suiting with j. lately, so maybe I have menswear on my mind.... Did you know that ideal fit for a men's suit jacket is 3" of ease at the chest when buttoned?

Re: sleeves. If you do keep, I'd have them shortened, as I think it's more versatile to have the option of wearing them down. Plus, do they stay scrunched? I don't buy jackets with the expectation of being able to scrunch any more since none of my jacket sleeves except the unlined knit one seem to stay put w/o uncomfortable rubber bands.

Caslon jacket is ok, but not wowing me.

cinnamon fern

Veteran

Can you show us back and side views of the Theory jacket?

Glory

Veteran

I like the theory jacket but would like to see how you are going to wear it. Is it primarily for the new job? Do you have bottoms already or it is a matching suit? Perhaps you could show us a few bottoms - it might help to see if it is a keeper.

catgirl

Veteran

Well, looks like nothing is a real win here. Thanks for the honesty - especially when my own eye is so tired and off.

I would love to know what the exact issue is with the fit of the Theory blazer, so I can look for the right fit. I suspect it is that it's not cut for ITs who are otherwise petite - definitely seems to have a fit more suited for slim rectangles.

Mia

Veteran

That's weird. I usually wear a 4 in jackets and I have a little white Theory from a few years ago that is an 8. I actually thought mine had been mis-sized!

I am not crazy about either of these on you but photos are always hard. There are so many grey blazers out there that I'm sure you can do better if you feel this one is "off". The stripe, if low enough cost per wear, and you really feel it's a fun injection to the closet makes more sense somehow.

Anonymous

Personally I see zero issues with the theory blazer. I would guess it is reading as too boxy and long, but I think along the lines of Parsley above. I think the androgynous silhouette works to your advantage here. Very avant garde, IMHO. It reminds me of something Kate Lampear would wear and I friggin adore her.

K. Period.

Veteran

Um, so, seriously? I think the Theory blazer looks great. It is a more traditional, conservative cut, but not boring. It doesn't seem overly long in the body. Its sleeves are too long, but that is an easy fix. (And one you'll need to get fixed. You are paying enough for this jacket, it should be perfect.)

Boxy middle? It isn't super fitted, but it does seem very much within the range for a traditional, more conservative fit in a suit. You could take it to Nordstrom and see if they could take the waist in a bit. Often a little tweak to the back will work wonders. Also, you didn't show it buttoned at all. Wearing it open and expecting it to look very fitted is a tall order. If it is fitted unbuttoned, it is likely too tight at the waist buttoned (for me at least).

And yes, Theory runs small. Humiliatingly small for us broad shouldered gals. I'm often sized out in Theory. But it is just a number. It only irritates me when I can't fit into a top or jacket and have no possibility of sizing up.

I think you should give it a few days and look at it again. I think it is a lovely jacket and really would be perfect for what you need it for. However, you can find something else that is perfect for what you need and also makes your heart beat faster if this one doesn't. Just give it a few days probationary period to give it a fair chance.

ETA: And YES YES YES what Parsley said about "in the way that a perky little nipped waist jacket never would." That's exactly it. This can be UWP. A nipped waist would never have the toughness that this one could.

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