YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Observation on fit

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Observation on fit https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 20 May 2026 02:41:25 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Carla on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618966 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 23:07:38 +0000 Carla 1618966@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Mochi, you should keep the jacket! Leather jackets do stretch a bit the more you wear them. The colour is wonderful, and it does not make any part of your anatomy look unattractive! FWIW, i just L-O-V-E how you are wearing your hair! Suz, I have the same problem as your daughter - broad shoulders, small bust - and I can never get arms long enough. Though not a true IT, I've had some success in the men's wear dept - hoodie, sweater, t-shirts. Suz on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618960 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 22:48:23 +0000 Suz 1618960@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Angie's spoken and she knows best. But I definitely think it makes sense to look at those IT guidelines and consider shapes that work for ITs. My daughter is an IT and I am learning what it means to shop for one! So many tailored and woven tops/ jackets are difficult to fit on her; even if they look okay, they feel constricting to her in a way that they simply do not feel to me. She has a tiny bust, too -- but broad shoulders, short neck, and many of the other characteristics -- and the small bust doesn't seem to make much difference, although she can wear a button front shirt if we find one with shoulders and arms that are loose enough.  I understand the problems with addiction to YLF! I have had to be away much of the autumn also but hope to pop in as I can.  Janet on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618959 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 22:47:14 +0000 Janet 1618959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I'm bummed if the jacket has to go back. It really did look great from the front. Can you post pics of the back to get a bit more feedback?  Back fit can be so tricky, and I think that's true even for someone with my pear-ish hourglass body type, which is very different from yours. Of course, I have uneven shoulders, which makes it even more complicated, but a lot of times I make myself content with a fit that accommodates my widest shoulder and has a little extra room on the other side, because the alteration would be ridiculous. But many times I've put on a jacket that appears to fit in the front because it fits across my bust, but then (not always right away, sometimes only after I've purchased and worn it) I've realized something is off. When I can get a good look at the back, I can see that even though the jacket fits well across my waist and hips, the issue is just a tad too much room across the shoulder. But the fact that I'm busty makes it look like it fits from the front at first glance, and sometimes even second. A narrow back and a not-so-narrow front can be a tricky fit, and yet somehow I've managed to acquire a bunch of jackets, huh. I just put one in the donate pile that breaks my heart because I really love it, but I never wear it because the fit is bulky enough across the back that it makes me feel sloppy and unfab. :-(  Angie on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618949 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:24:00 +0000 Angie 1618949@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ (Waving madly with a huge hug back. Miss you).  If the leather is soft Nancy, you'll probably find that it will stretch across your back and mould to your body.  Marina on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618947 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:17:10 +0000 Marina 1618947@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I don't know if this may be your case, but all my jackets and blazers look at least a little "ill fitting" because my structure (shoulders, waist and length) is a smaller size than my arms/bust. Since  I can't buy for my shoulder/structure size and enlarge bust/arms and I can't buy a larger size and fix the structure either, my jackets and blazers serve, but they never really fit :/ ps.: by arms size I mean arms "thickness", not arms length Mochi on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618945 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:14:05 +0000 Mochi 1618945@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hiya, Angie! (waves madly) It looked nice. But there was that slight tightness in the back, across the shoulder area. This led me to believe that, for example, even if I were to lose weight, it would be unlikely that the jacket would fit (much) better.  I still have the jacket, so I can think about it. As I've said repeatedly, getting a perfect fit for me is like finding a unicorn anyway....:D  Angie on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618943 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 21:09:31 +0000 Angie 1618943@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ FWIW Nancy, I thought the jacket fit very well open from the front - (couldn't find the back view?). That type of jacket does not need to close to fit perfectly. Sleeve length of course, needs adjustment.  I think you're apple shaped with IT tendencies. Both sets of body type guidelines will probably resonate.   Mochi on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618932 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 19:46:47 +0000 Mochi 1618932@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Gigi, right? So many variables could be in play. If you think about it, it's amazing that things ever fit properly on anyone!   Shiny, I will keep in mind the arm-crossing trick! And re petite vs. regular sizing: even with my short torso I almost always need the longer length of a regular size. Maybe it's because of the bust. The sleeves do end up too long, always, but I can have that fixed...and usually I end up scrunching anyway. Thanks also for the recs. Vince is kind of pricey for me, but I am curious to try one on anyway.... Traci, it's good to know that sleeve length can be fixed in various ways! rachy, it's like playing detective, in a way, isn't it?  Joy, I'm not even sure what a sway back is, but somehow I can imagine the frustration!  Suz, since it's related to my self-identity, and because your observations are always so grounded and carefully considered (especially seeing how we have met in real life), I found your comment particularly interesting. I just identify as an apple...for so long I have done so. And in an example of possible body dysmorphia, I have never even been sure whether my shoulders are wide or narrow. Don't laugh! I think it's because they slope so much, I couldn't picture them as being wide. But regardless, I guess it's true that I am top heavy--not just because of the bust, but all the way up through the shoulders. And I already know I have comparatively slim hips and legs--I do look like an ice cream cone... I just went back and read through Angie's IT body type guide, and it resonated pretty well with me.  I am only away from this site because it's so easy to get sucked into being on here too much But with all the challenges I face in buying clothes that fit, and the desire to fill wardrobe gaps AND tweak my style direction, I may need to spend more time here....just know you all have never been far from my fond thoughts....:)  Thank you!    Traci on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618896 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 16:33:10 +0000 Traci 1618896@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Piggy backing on Shiny's comment about shortening sleeves on leather jackets:  I've got two different soft leather jackets with sleeves that are too long and I simply fold the sleeves inside.  The structure of the leather holds them in place.  I don't wear them that often, so I forget that I've done this adaptation when I put them on and I'm always surprised that it stays in place through careless putting it on and taking it off and hanging in my closet for seasons.  Ideally I'll get them hemmed one day, but I'm not even sure it's necessary.  I do suspect I'm working a crease into that area that will be visible if I ever untuck. Mochi on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618811 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 04:44:50 +0000 Mochi 1618811@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Such interesting thoughts! I'll respond more in-depth tomorrow. Thank you, all! rachylou on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618779 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 02:56:11 +0000 rachylou 1618779@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ah, now see, I think this is very interesting. The source of a misfit may not be obvious. It's like the pants wrinkling problem. Anonymous on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618775 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 02:49:23 +0000 Anonymous 1618775@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have a sway back that is a problem in fitting jackets and having them hang well.  It may be something like that. Suz on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618774 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 02:48:10 +0000 Suz 1618774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Nancy, I missed the first thread. But...based on our in-person meetings... my guess is that your calling yourself an apple is actually a bit of a misnomer. I think you are more of an IT who happens (at times) to have apple tendencies.  Truly. That's my call on your body type. FWIW.   This is why fitting jackets can be so challenging. It's not just bust. It is also the shoulder/ back area.  Also, it is great to see you!! :)  shiny on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618773 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 02:46:47 +0000 shiny 1618773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm a busty apple, maybe not as busty as you (I'm 34C), and I think it is just the Bernardo brand. I don't care for the fit or the leather.  If your budget can take it, try the Vince scuba jackets. They are so soft  and forgiving all over, it's like wearing a sweater! And fits well in the bust area, as it has give. On the more moderate budget side, try WHBM. I had to size up to a PM to fit the bust and waist. It may be a bit on the short side for you, if you are buying petites for shorter arms only.  I will add here that I have been told by tailors that many leather jackets are constructed to be easy to shorten the sleeves, even if there are zippers. You can figure this out -- if there are seams around the elbow, this is intentional for shortening from the elbow, rather than at the sleeve. For me, at 5'0", I need the petite version not just for sleeves but for all over torso length. Petite versions tend to be more narrow in the shoulders and have higher armholes as well. My shoulder are always just a tad wide for petites, so I have to be discerning and check for the bunchy fold in the back between the shoulder blades or near the collar. Usually if I can cross my arms comfortably then that's a good sign, especially with leather which will give over time and conform. Gigi on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618768 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 02:26:34 +0000 Gigi 1618768@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I missed the thread about the jacket, but I'm glad you were able to discover that the jacket wasn't going to work for you and will be able to return it. I'm sorry that you have to continue your hunt, but as you say, you can return the jacket with a clear conscience, knowing that it just wouldn't have worked in the long run. I know what you mean about liking to know exactly what it is that doesn't work about an item. It can be tricky when the problem is in the upper back, because it could be the size of the back itself, the size of the front, the drop for the armholes, the size of the armholes, and maybe even something else! I am not busty at all and have narrow shoulders, so I have the opposite problem: things don't fit correctly because I don't have enough to fill them out. I have gotten very good about noticing correct fit for myself, and now I am quite picky about what I wear as far as fit goes. I used to wear A LOT of ill-fitting clothes, though! Mochi on "Observation on fit" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/observation-on-fit#post-1618764 Sun, 21 Feb 2016 02:15:35 +0000 Mochi 1618764@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ This is a follow-up to a K/R question I posed a few days ago about a leather jacket from Nordstrom that I ordered online. I really liked it, and based on the photos I attached, got positive feedback. After someone mentioned the shoulders or the back--I haven't gone back to review the conversation--I tried on the jacket again and realize it's going to have to go back.  I'm an apple with a big bust so my expectation is always to have a jacket that will be snug in the front, and I'm okay with leaving it unzipped. But I could see now that there was some tightness.  It took me a while to figure out exactly what it was....I discounted the front, because I left the jacket wide open. I was wondering if it was the armholes, with my upper arms being too big, possibly. But no, they fit within the sleeves okay.  Now I'm guessing that what it is is that the back of the jacket is not cut broad enough.  I don't think I have a particularly wide back, and I wonder if this is a typical reason for a jacket not fitting, but anyway it was interesting trying to narrow down (no pun intended) what was making it not work. I am glad I paid more attention...I'm so used to things not really fitting that well in one way or another, I was almost taking the tags off.  Of course, now I'm out of a jacket I really liked, and not going to find another one that easily. But better than having a slightly ill-fitting one.  Thanks for all your astute advice!