https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Tue, 26 May 2026 18:20:11 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1204252 Tue, 25 Mar 2014 01:17:40 +0000 trix 1204252@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Update: We have a diagnosis, and it is that the jacket just isn't meant for petite proportions. The tailor pulled up the shoulder seams up by almost an inch to illustrate how much better everything fell on me -- armholes, bust, waist. So the ideal fix would be an extremely massive one,&nbsp;not just a matter of&nbsp;taking in seams or adding darts or even recutting the armhole.</p> <p>Even so, the experience wasn't a total loss. I learned so much about fit and tailoring&nbsp;from the collective experience here -- thank you all! And along the way, I got to a) confirm my size/fit in some other makers, b) scratch the Theory Lanai itch (it looks a bit long on me, although admittedly that may be because I had to try it one size too big) and c) discover some pretty new Theory jackets that I'll sale-stalk (has anyone seen the Tadean? open-front like the Lanai, doesn't have the interesting angled lines in the front but still impeccably cut and draped).</p> <p>On the other hand, this may be the most expensive return I've ever done. How can you *lose* money on a return, you ask? You can if&nbsp;you go try on other jackets by the same maker to figure out your size and fall in love with a *cough*cough* <a rel="nofollow" href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/rag-bone-nancy-blazer/3688164">$450 blazer</a> that fits perfectly off the rack, no tailoring required. Now off to contemplate whether that one will ever hit sale in my size... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202793 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 16:27:29 +0000 trix 1202793@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks again for the continued opinions and advice!</p> <p>Angie: Am wearing the blazer as I type...will keep you posted!</p> <p>Diana: Yes, I was wondering if the arms could use slimming, but&nbsp;I'm glad to hear that you think the shoulders are OK. It's possible that the fact that this jacket doesn't have shoulder pads may be affecting how I look at it.</p> <p>Golden: Thank you for the vote of confidence! :-)</p> <p>Shiny: I'm relieved that you're seeing something -- this must be the eye of a fellow petite who's faced similar issues. I love the idea of pinning&nbsp;it yourself and seeing if the fit improves so that you can decide if it's worth tailoring. And that's a fascinating observation about the changes you're noticing at AT, the kinds of bottoms the new jackets go with,&nbsp;and the question of what kind of blazer this one is. I do think this one is meant to be on the shrunken side, hence the greater curve in on the side.</p> <p>I'm actually going to do two things: 1) Go to a nearby store to try on various blazers by Rag &amp; Bone as well as Theory (since I have an older Theory jacket that has gotten the "personal stylist seal of approval"), which will help me figure out if this is indeed the closest size to mine and if all jackets are cut like this. I have the sneaking suspicion that the jacket cut I really ought to be wearing, given my shape, is the Lanai.&nbsp;2) Take the jacket to a highly recommended tailor near my office tomorrow to get a professional opinion. Maybe I should also visit AT to see what I think of the newer "classic" cuts there. Stay tuned!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202732 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 15:45:13 +0000 shiny 1202732@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One more thought, as I look at the blazer again... the lower armholes may not be simply a factor of regular vs petite. I am getting the sense that this blazer is intended to be more of a classic cut.&nbsp;</p> <p>In recent years, blazers had higher armholes in general. Higher armhole means slimmer sleeves too. Frustrating if you have heavy upper arms. Since you're petite, if you usually shop BR &amp; AT for petites, that's the type of blazer they had in the stores, but then I have noticed recently (last year or so) that AT in particular is now shifting towards more classic cuts. The interview suit I bought last year, a petite,&nbsp;has lower armholes and is cut similar to this jacket of yours. It's just a different style. I do have to say I find my interview jacket is very forgiving and comfy to move around and wear all day long. That said, there's something "off" to my eyes when I try to pair it with jeans for smart casual. It seems to really want to go with the suit skirt or suit trousers instead. When I do pair it with jeans, it looks too big all over in my eyes.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202723 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 15:37:23 +0000 shiny 1202723@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am seeing what you're seeing, trix. It does look just a little&nbsp;too big in the shoulders to me. &nbsp;This is the most difficult and expensive alteration to make, hence why tailors recommend finding a garment that fits in the shoulders even if the rest is too big all over.&nbsp;</p> <p>That said it doesn't look outrageously too big in the shoulders, and yes, more fluid fits are in style, so I don't think you'd be committing a horrible fashion crime wearing this, but if you are annoyed by fit issues elsewhere, it may just make more sense to return it and keep searching. </p> <p>I guess I'd fear that fixing all the other fit issues (taking it in, moving buttons etc) would just make the shoulders more obvious. Then again, since the shoulders are only a tad too big, your tailor may be able to do something, I dunno.&nbsp;</p> <p>Often when I'm on the fence like this, I'll turn the garment inside out, then pin it all over, taking in seams I think need to be taken in. Then I'll turn it back around and try it on like that, just to get a sense of what it might look like with some tailoring here and there. I did this a few months ago with a sheath dress I was considering, then took it to the tailors (with all the pins still in) and she said... yeah, it can be done... but the garment's material was so cheap and chintzy... she recommended I go find myself a better quality sheath and then have her attack it to fit perfectly.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202694 Sun, 23 Mar 2014 15:16:22 +0000 Golden 1202694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think the fit looks great without alterations! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202107 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:40:09 +0000 Diana 1202107@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I might narrow the sleeve a little bit but otherwise I like the fit as is. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>For tailoring in general, I've been told multiple times (and i know from constructing knitted garments)&nbsp;that the most difficult part of a jacket to have altered is the shoulder because it involves reconstructing both the armhole and the sleeve cap. &nbsp;The shoulders on your jacket look great. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202086 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:27:54 +0000 Angie 1202086@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was just going to suggest that you wear it around the house to get a sense of how you like the new to you&nbsp;fit. Keep us posted on your decision. xo </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202065 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:10:00 +0000 Mellllls 1202065@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This looks great! You fouls take it in a tad but it also works as is. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202061 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:07:06 +0000 trix 1202061@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you Angie! So maybe it *is* just that I'm not accustomed to these fits. I'll try wearing it around the house a bit more today to see if I can get used to it. In an absolute worst-case scenario, if it I wear it as is and then decide it's just not workable, it'll be quite easy to pass on untailored. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202038 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:36:37 +0000 Angie 1202038@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for weighing back in, Trix.&nbsp;</p> <p>Personally, I do not think you should alter the blazer at all. To my eye in these photos, it looks perfect, although it may feel roomier on the armhole than what you are used to. Also, tailoring fully&nbsp;lined blazers on the armholes and shoulder points is heading for disappointment. Too tricky and risky.&nbsp;</p> <p>If the blazer feels too big to you&nbsp;- return it.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202036 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:28:42 +0000 trix 1202036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting -- thank you Sarah/Angie/Suz/Isabel/unfrumped/K for weighing in! OK, unfrumped is right, it's hard to get a sense from static images, but let's see if this works. The extra room is probably most annoying&nbsp;in the underarm area, which is in general my problem area with jackets (narrow ribcage, big bust). If you look closely at Picture #1, you may able to see how it bags out just above the price tag. (Sorry about the blur -- this sharp print shows every bit of photographic shake.) Picture #2 is another attempt at capturing the space under the arm. In Picture #3, I'm trying to show where the side of my ribcage is (sorry about the blur again! this selfie thing is hard). Picture #4 is a bit hard to interpret because that photo was taken right in front of a mirror, so there's chevrons galore going on between the arm and side, but it shows one other thing that bothers me slightly, the way the jacket folds between the bust and waist. I think that's because I'm shorter-waisted than the jacket.</p> <p>It's entirely possible that the problems are due to my not being used to "fluid fits." (Although I *do* have another petite-cut&nbsp;jacket that feels more right as a fluid fit, perhaps because it's not as fitted through the torso and doesn't bag out under the arm.)&nbsp;Another possibility is this is just what happens when you put a petite-proportioned person in a regular jacket; the armholes (and waist)&nbsp;are cut too low. Perhaps&nbsp;the only way to be sure would be to go to a good tailor and get a professional opinion...or to go to the Boston meetup and ask for opinions in person (if I have a) the patience to wait two weeks, or b) the bravery to venture offline and IRL).&nbsp;;-)&nbsp;</p> <p>But either way, I'm glad that enough people like it and think it's worth tailoring. I really appreciate all of your expert advice!&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>ETA: Hm. Maybe it's just that I need a petite cut. I'm wearing it around the house and keep trying to pull it up at the shoulder by&nbsp;a centimeter or two.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202027 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 16:15:01 +0000 Kristin L 1202027@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it looks great as it is. I think the question is why and where do you think it's too big?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202011 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:42:46 +0000 unfrumped 1202011@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That was my first reaction-- hat is too big now? Fits are " easier" now-- I'd be careful not to alter it to a shrunken fit. Since if anything the alterations seem like they would be minimal, you could take the leap of faith and wear as-is ( e.g. With any thicker top, it is not likely to feel too big) so you get the feel of it, moving around, not just the static photo) and then see. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1202006 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:36:14 +0000 Isabel 1202006@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It doesn't look that big. Try to focus on the fit and not the number of the size. It is a great jacket and I think it is worth tailoring. I don't think that it will be a whole size. I read Kelly's blog sometimes simply because my mom was an awesome seamstress and I LOVE the alterations that she makes. </p> <p>Please call a boutique or a men's suit store to find a good tailor. Ask for recommendations. For things like jackets, men's tailors are super. Good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1201998 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:28:28 +0000 Suz 1201998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yay for posting! And yes....where does it seem/ feel too big? It looks good with the looser fit to me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1201984 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 15:20:50 +0000 Angie 1201984@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with Vildy. I love the blazer as is. Where is it too large?&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1201883 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 12:42:22 +0000 Sarah A 1201883@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would definitely use a menswear tailor. The blazer is lovely and I would think tailoring would be worth it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1201881 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 12:38:02 +0000 trix 1201881@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you everyone!</p> <p>Suzanne: That's reassuring to hear that you got some significant tailoring done and were happy with the result. Yes, I'll ask about the sides -- I wonder if that would also help with the fact that the waist is a bit low on me (non-petite sizing, again). I was also wondering about the sleeve width, so good to hear that you're noticing the same thing. I'm glad to hear you approve of keeping it!</p> <p>Jeanie: The strong print is&nbsp;a bit of a departure for me, but that's exactly what I need because -- seriously -- I need to break out of a plainness rut. It's a bit scary to post pics (for privacy reasons too, for work-related reasons)...I'm glad everyone here is so supportive and kind!</p> <p>Vildy: Hm, let me go check. Interesting, the side seams are set a bit farther back; I don't think they're meant to sit right at the sides.&nbsp;And thanks so much for the useful feedback re shoulders -- you must have a lot of experience with making or tailoring clothing to "diagnose" fit problems so well.&nbsp;You've put your finger on something that's always made me go "hm": Things that feel they fit in the shoulders look too small. I suspect&nbsp;that my problem may be a combination of a narrow ribcage/big bust/heavy upper arms. So if it feels like it fits under the arms, it looks too narrow on the shoulders. I suspect that what I really need to do is have it taken in/adjusted under the arms and slimmed along the sides, raising the waist, without adjusting the shoulder width.&nbsp;If this isn't the best argument for getting it tailored, I don't know what it is -- my chance to find out what a really good custom fit feels like, using an inexpensive blazer that's just big enough to allow room for trimming and shaping.</p> <p>Jenny H: That's a good idea. I was thinking of going to a tailor who specializes more in menswear, because they must be used to recutting armholes&nbsp;and stuff for jackets&nbsp;all the time.&nbsp;It's funny, I totally trust my other tailors with dresses, but blazers and jackets are their own beast. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1201871 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 12:01:21 +0000 Jenny H 1201871@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do you have a good tailor? If so, I would take this there to see what s/he thinks. And maybe get a price on the alternations before you commit so you can decide if it is worth it. That's what I've done with a couple of blazers with good success. My tailor even convinced me that one of my blazers didn't need alterations, winning my trust for all tailoring eternity.</p> <p>In my amateur opinion the fit is close enough that I would give it a try! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1201830 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 10:33:14 +0000 Vildy 1201830@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Well, horses for courses. I look for that little flounce out at the back. I love it on myself.&nbsp; There seems to be no reason you couldn't move the button over <br />a half inch or so to draw the front in. Though the sides could be easily slimmed, though more expensive if lined, since they tend to charge double. <br />Where are the side seams falling on you? People are not always the same size in front and in back.&nbsp; So sometimes a garment that seems a bit loose could be loose only in front or in back. <br />I think the easy fit of the blazer is rather nice on you but I don't have to wear it.<br />Sometimes, just a small shoulder pad will lift the jacket and help fill in the top back and fronts. It does give a wider shoulder line but sometimes that's fine, too. Sometimes with a shoulder, it's not how far out it extends but it may be too high off your shoulder line and the seam from your neck to the sleeve cap should be what is made smaller. That's not tricky at all. Altering the shoulder where it meets the sleeve is a trickier process but doesn't look as though it's too much to do there.&nbsp; To my eye, in the photo, when you have pulled in the shoulder seam, I think it's too far in. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1201801 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 07:04:43 +0000 Jeanie 1201801@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Bravo for posting pics! &nbsp;I say if you love this blazer then it's absolutely worth getting the tailoring don't to get the fit right. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1201763 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 04:49:36 +0000 suzanne 1201763@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, it is totally worth getting a blazer tailored, especially one that fits in the bust and then needs fitting at the waist and back. You will love the end result. I bought a great blazer on eBay for a real bargain a size too big, just as you have. I took it to be altered at a local shop. The alterations are not expensive and so worth it. The just okay blazer became fantastic when it fit in all the right places. Women don't get alterations nearly as often as men do and we don't appreciate how great suits or blazers really can look when they fit well. I've noticed that some dry cleaners also offer alterations, so that might be one place to look also.</p> <p>Your photos look like you would really benefit from having the the blazer fitted thru the sides at the waist and the back vent to get it to lay flat. If you are happy with the sleeves you can leave them alone. You will be happy with the result. I really was.</p> <p>As to your other Qs, the jacket is really versatile and I think would have many uses. I think you could consign it altered or not. But since you already have it, why not enjoy it? You've gone this far with it. Take the next step and get the most out of it. It's a good looking blazer. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/ktr-taking-a-blazer-one-size-down#post-1201641 Sat, 22 Mar 2014 02:57:21 +0000 trix 1201641@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Are there any cases in which you'd get a blazer tailored to be almost one size smaller?</p> <p>The background: As part of an attempt to freshen up/upgrade my wardrobe,&nbsp;I recently&nbsp;picked up a <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.shopbop.com/pritned-bailey-jacket-rag-bone/vp/v=1/845524441945724.htm?folderID=2534374302046122&amp;colorId=12867&amp;extid=affprg-4441350#reviewsArea">Rag &amp; Bone blazer</a>,&nbsp;I think&nbsp;from winter 2012-2013 or fall 2012. I've been trying to wear more blazers instead of cardigans to work &nbsp;and felt a need for more spring/fall-weight blazers, and I also wanted to add more variety, as the majority of my blazers are either solid or a tweed (maybe a&nbsp;glen plaid, pinstripe or understated houndstooth&nbsp;if I'm being especially daring). This one was&nbsp;an absolute steal at Saks Off Fifth,&nbsp;but it was also one size larger than I usually wear, not to mention the fact that it's not petite-sized for 5'3" me.&nbsp;</p> <p>There would certainly be precedent for tailoring it down -- Kelly at Alterations Needed actually had some dramatic resizing done&nbsp;to the same blazer a year ago (see <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.alterationsneeded.com/2013/01/adventures-in-alterations-rag-bone-blazer-overhaul-preview.html">before </a>and <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.alterationsneeded.com/2013/01/print-blazer-vintage-watch.html">after</a> <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.alterationsneeded.com/2013/06/simple-in-a-printed-blazer.html">pics</a>).&nbsp;In my case, since I usually find jackets a teeny bit snug in the bust, you could make the argument that I'm buying to fit my largest part and taking in the rest. The risks are that a tailoring job might not turn out well and that if I decide soon that I don't like it, all the tailoring would make it harder to consign/resell. That's a consideration&nbsp;because&nbsp;the pattern is&nbsp;a bit bolder than my usual style (I tell you, I'm very boring); perhaps I'd be too timid to wear it.&nbsp;</p> <p>So I'm torn. Do I keep it, or is it too much of a risk? Do I do some trial wears before getting it tailored (so that I can consign it if I don't like it), or is it sabotaging the test even before I start because I'd be wearing something with a suboptimal fit? Is it not good/current/flattering enough, and am I being blinded by sale goggles? (I'm betting that even with alterations, it would still be a bargain, especially as there are&nbsp;no shoulder pads to move and the sleeves are unlined, simplifying the job.)</p> <p>More generally, I guess I'm asking,&nbsp;how *do* you&nbsp;decide when a garment is worth extensive tailoring?&nbsp;</p> <p><i>(Although I'm too shy to post WIW photos, I'm actually putting up a few photos of the jacket for those visual types. Now excuse me while I run and hide...)</i></p> <p>#1: The front view, unbuttoned. (Please excuse the blur; I didn't realize until after I downloaded the photo that I must have been in motion when the photo was taken.)<br />#2: The side view. A little poofy over the rear view...does that bother anyone? (And please excuse both the blur <i>and </i>imperfect pants length in this one; these are new shoes and I'm just testing them out.)<br />#3: The front view, pulling the shoulders in a bit to sit closer to where I imagine they ought to be.<br />#4: The front view again. This time I pulled in the front panels a bit at the center, maybe by 1/2",&nbsp;to approximate a better fit. </p>