https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:52:07 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated/page/2#post-1746728 Wed, 02 Nov 2016 20:18:05 +0000 tulle 1746728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, are you left-handed?&nbsp; If so, you probably have developed your left arm more over time. An old injury to the upper arm or shoulder can also create over-developed muscle in one spot. If you can check the sleeve seam allowance (impossible if the sleeve's lined unless you take the lining seam apart under the arm, unfortunately) you can see whether it might be possible to let out the sleeve enough to make a difference.&nbsp; But that's a hassle, I know, and most garments made now have very little extra seam allowance.&nbsp; Substituting a slightly thinner shoulder pad on the left side might help somewhat, but probably not enough.&nbsp; We all have these body idiosyncrasies that affect fit (mine are a short torso that creates a sort of fold at the mid-back of most fitted jackets &amp; dresses, and one shoulder that's higher than the other.) Sadly, I've learned that the only dependable remedy is patience:&nbsp; you just have to pass up those tempting "almost-fits" and wait.&nbsp; Eventually a jacket with an upper sleeve made for your body will come along. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated/page/2#post-1746711 Wed, 02 Nov 2016 18:24:03 +0000 Zibbets 1746711@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Beth Ann may have the answer - maybe it's just the lining! <br />Love the chevron stripe. I hope a tailor can fix it for you!</p> <p>I agree that we're all asymmetrical somewhere. I apparently have one ear a little lower than the other, so unless I wear big sunglasses, it looks like I have one eyebrow permanently hiked up. Ha! Fortunately, I like big sunnies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated/page/2#post-1746709 Wed, 02 Nov 2016 18:05:01 +0000 Dana 1746709@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm pretty sure we're all a little asymmetrical. I have one hip slightly higher than the other (which can be really noticeable in dresses, because on that side my waist is also higher, but for the most part, I'm over it.) That's just one of my oddities. I won't bore everyone with the rest.&nbsp;</p> <p>You have to kind of wonder if there isn't something just a little off on the jacket for them to be reduced so much. They may fit everyone a little oddly. But I agree-see if it can be fixed and return it if it can't.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1746117 Mon, 31 Oct 2016 13:39:19 +0000 Aziraphale 1746117@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have fit problems with shoulder pads too. What happens if you take them out? That often works for me. I can't do it myself, but it's usually an easy thing for the tailor to do. I usually don't recommend buying something that you know you're going to have to alter and you're not sure how it will turn out, but because shoulder pads are so common in jackets and coats, I've been forced to do this occasionally. If this jacket is such a good price, it might be worth buying it and having the pads removed to see if it solves the problem for you. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745990 Sun, 30 Oct 2016 20:42:12 +0000 Beth Ann 1745990@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find that manufacturers are kind of giving up on fit. &nbsp;They choose their target customer, cut for that body, and then just add or subtract inches to create the range of sizes. &nbsp;I've noticed a lot of smaller sleeves recently. &nbsp;I'm fairly broad and square shoulders and fuller in the upper arm than I'd like to be. &nbsp;I sometimes have to size up for the sleeves alone. &nbsp; I'd be an IT too, if it weren't for my hips,lol! &nbsp;And I'm a fellow lefty.</p> <p>Big question: &nbsp;Is the jacket lined? &nbsp;I find that often the lining is tighter than it needs to be. &nbsp;Removing the lining in the sleeve, or putting a small gusset in the lining, might be enough to release the upper arm.</p> <p>Love the chevron like stripe!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745809 Sun, 30 Oct 2016 02:22:49 +0000 Jaime 1745809@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting and interested in what the tailor says. Hard to imagine the whole thing, but the shoulder looks like in ends at a good place - perhaps the sleeves are just cut too narrow (Angie mentioned this on her list of universal fit challenges I recall). Hope there is a good solution! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745800 Sun, 30 Oct 2016 01:39:36 +0000 Carla 1745800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My dad and 1 brother have one shoulder that is 'thicker' than the other. Dad's tailor sorted his issue with shoulder pad modification. brother gets bespoke shirts. (He is tall and thin.). DH broke his collar bone 15 years ago and one shoulder is 'shorter' than the other. !he has had fit troubles with anything 'off the rack' ever since. </p> <p>DS#2 has one shoulder that is slightly externally rotated, while the other is slightly internally rotated. He has an exercise routine (with weights) that addresses the issue. Maybe you can consult with a physio, chiro, or real good fitness expert who can help you work on symmetry. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745752 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 22:34:11 +0000 catgirl 1745752@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nothing feels tight, but this is silk so it has a lot of give. I do not have big arms overall but they are big for my size, and they curve outward, so it's not just my bone structure that gives that IT shape. This is me below! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745751 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 22:24:24 +0000 shedev 1745751@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I get this issue from jackets and shirts a lot due to big arms. I hope you post what the tailor says. It is a lovely jacket. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745733 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 21:36:53 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 1745733@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with barbaraq. The jacket is made for someone with pencil arms, or no triceps anyway. <br />One way the jacket could be altered is to remove the sleeves and make new ones for it, adding more fabric across the upper arm. You could replace the sleeves with leather or pleather ones, perhaps. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745731 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 21:34:06 +0000 Chris987 1745731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree that it's a fit issue, not enough fabric in the top of the sleeve, both the cap and the overll circumference. There would have to be a large seam allowance to be able to let it out enough to fit. Can you take it to a tailor without cutting the tags to get an assessment on what might be possible? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745707 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 19:13:03 +0000 Karie 1745707@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do sew and do my own alterations, but this is really puzzling! Hopefully our expert seamstresses Diane G or Firecracker will chime in. Does the upper part of the sleeve by the shoulder pad feel tight at all? My guess would be that either that area of the arm needs a bit more ease in the seam, or it that the pad on that side extends out a bit too far for a proper fit on that shoulder.</p> <p>I am curious to hear what the tailor says. Please keep us posted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745699 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 18:28:42 +0000 catgirl 1745699@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am going to do exactly what unfrumped says. I bought the jacket and will take to tailor for evaluation. Since I have this problem with just about every jacket with shoulder pads, whether expensive or not, it's got to be me. </p> <p>Janet, yes, I thought of you! Everything on my left side is a little bigger - feet, hands, and apparently shoulders too. </p> <p>Diana, I like to think it's muscle since I've started climbing seriously again, but it could well be arm chub!</p> <p>Will let you know what I find out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745691 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 17:55:43 +0000 unfrumped 1745691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is it possible to show it to a tailor for an opinion, and if the answer is ix-nay, return to Burlington for store credit? ( I seem to recall they are not return- friendly. ) otherwise I think it is, sadly, Next!<br /> I really have to resist buying the almost- right. That is even more important and also more vexing if a piece is intended to elevate outfit polish and is a " good" brand otherwise. I feel, sooo close but so far. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745676 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 17:16:17 +0000 Gaylene 1745676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>OK, it's hard to diagnose sleeve fit issues when your arm is bent and the sleeve is scrunched, but my guess is the shoulder pad on the jacket extends too far past your left shoulder "hinge" point. Normally, the "fix" would be try a smaller size, BUT that solution doesn't usually work for those of us with an IT shape because our broader than "normal" shoulders and backs need that size's extra room in the back and sleeve to avoid feeling constricted in a shaped, tailored jacket. </p> <p>Since our bodies aren't symmetrical, it's perfectly possible to have different shoulder lengths on our right and left sides. You might want to measure the shoulder seams on your made-to-measure jacket to see if the tailor made an adjustment for your left shoulder. Even 1/4 of an inch can be important here, and, if that is the problem, I'd buy the jacket and get a tailor to re-insert the shoulder pad in the correct location. If that's not the problem, it could be the pitch of your arm (basically the angle your arm hangs from the shoulder joint) that is at odds with the angle of the jacket sleeve. And that is a major headache to fix--walk away time in my books. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745608 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 14:08:08 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1745608@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it looks like the sleeve is too narrow. Unless there is extra fabric at the seam, I am not sure how you could get that adjusted. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745581 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 13:31:25 +0000 Anonymous 1745581@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The jacket is inexpensive enough that maybe it would be worth a trip to the tailor. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745568 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 13:07:58 +0000 Suz 1745568@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm not a seamstress so can't say for sure. In the photo it looks as if the arm in the bicep area is cut too small (which could be fixed with enough seam allowance) but it could also be the entire armhole shape, as Smittie says. Still, agree with Traci that this is a good opportunity to experiment. $70 won't be wasted either way. Best case scenario you get a jacket you love that truly fits. Worst case, you learn what the problem really is and what to look for and consign the jacket.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745552 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 12:21:41 +0000 Anonymous 1745552@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with Barbara that the armhole is too small or something like that. If you look up "shoulder divot" online, one possible reason is that the armhole shape is not right for you and that it needs to be cut wider from front to back. I think this would be a difficult alteration.</p> <p>My feeling is that if the fabric lies flat everywhere else, you should get the jacket. It is really lovely!</p> <p>ETA: Fit issues are one of my favourite topics which is why I googled it. Our bones and musculature are all so different. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745547 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 12:07:15 +0000 Traci 1745547@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since the jacket is perfect in every other way I'd buy it as an experimental piece to learn once and for all if this problem is fixable or a deal breaker for all future jackets. &nbsp;$70 isn't a bad price for the knowledge and the shot at a simply amazing jacket if it works out. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745545 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 12:04:23 +0000 Janet 1745545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Una, since you mention this always happens on your left side, I realize you and I might have a very similar fit problem! For me it's on the right. My left shoulder is more square, and my right slightly more sloping, so things never fit me the same on the right even though they may look perfect on the left. This does look like it might be a little snug on your left bicep too. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745539 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 09:51:25 +0000 Joyce B 1745539@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am not sure the shoulder of the garment sits at the tip of your shoulder.<br /> Did you also try a size up? Maybe that will have some ease for the arm as well. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745505 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 06:14:07 +0000 Diana 1745505@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Is your left bicep maybe a little bit bigger than the right? Or maybe your deltoid? This sometimes happens to me too (on both sides) although in my case I think it's just arm chub and not really bicep! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745503 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 06:09:55 +0000 barbaraq 1745503@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think it is not a shoulder pad issue at all. Rather, the sleeves are too small in the biceps area, causing the top of the sleeve to ride up. The shoulder pad rises with it as the sleeves seeks more room. I don't think a tailor could fix this. There simply is not enough fabric in the sleeve circumfeace. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745500 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 06:04:22 +0000 Tina 1745500@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! One issue solved....next:-/<br /> Seriously though, we do have to remember time and again that retail wear is made en masse and especially garments like jackets simply do not account for varying arm and shoulder shapes. It's great to see this one at least has room in the arms. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745499 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 05:57:50 +0000 catgirl 1745499@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks! Has it taken me all my life to realize that maybe this is me and not the jackets that are the issue? DOH! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745497 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 05:56:17 +0000 Tina 1745497@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My vote would be to keep and get it figured out with a tailor. I think it's totally fixable. It sounds like an amazing deal and from what I can see, it's a gorgeous jacket!<br /> Keep us posted! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745495 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 05:53:08 +0000 catgirl 1745495@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not at all! The other arm lies properly. I think I'm asymmetrical which would explain why it always is one side that's warped. I am left handed so makes sense that my left side is bigger. Maybe tailoring is the inevitable answer? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745494 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 05:49:27 +0000 Tina 1745494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>From the photos I would say it's a bad fit. I would be curious to see the other side. It may just take a slight adjustment to get this side to sit better. Does it feel tight in the arm? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/shoulder-pad-issue-illustrated#post-1745489 Sat, 29 Oct 2016 05:44:13 +0000 catgirl 1745489@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Tina, I tried on a few sizes and a couple in the same size. It's me because I have had this problem with other brands of blazers and this style of shoulder pad. Unfortunately, they are inside so I can't just chop them out which was my remedy in the 80s. </p> <p>So I take it this is a bad fit? </p>