Anyone else (especially moms) find jackets/blazers uncomfortable? - YouLookFab Forum

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Anyone else (especially moms) find jackets/blazers uncomfortable?

Cilleena

Veteran

I really like the way a jacket or blazer spiffs up my MOTG look. The problem is that I find most blazers constricting for my "mommy" duties of bending and picking up or sweeping up spills, bending over to put little shoes on, etc.

Do I just have ill-fitting blazers or is it because of the stiff, non-stretchy fabrications they are made from? They are perfectly comfy just sitting or walking around or doing regular things, but squatting, scooping up babies, wrestling a 3 year old into her snowpants is difficult. I end up frustrated and tossing the blazer off.

Dressing

27 replies

Latest reply was from sarah

Louise

Veteran

I totally sympathise I find many of mine go tight around the tops of my arms when I move about. I have 1 unlined blazer which doesn't do this but whether it's to do with the lack of lining or that the arms are cut bigger I'm not sure x

Aziraphale

Veteran

I've never tried the blazer thing, mainly because I imagine I would have the exact problem you're having with them. It just doesn't seem practical when you're hauling a kid around. When I was in my 20s and working as a teacher, I probably could have worn a blazer comfortably, but it wasn't my style back then. I like the look now, though. I'll probably wait until my youngest is too old to carry, and then I'll give the blazer/jeans look a try.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

That's one of the reasons that I like tailored vests- you get the sane fitted silhouette and put together look, and they don't constrict arm movement. I just save blazers for times when I will be out of the house at meetings, events, etc.

Queen Mum

Veteran

I do understand what you are saying Cileena. When I am wearing a jacket or blazer as part of my outfit, it often comes off when I'm at home for those very reasons. They just aren't as cozy and giving as a cardigan is.
I have an old long chunky cardigan that I do pull out for days that I want to take my jacket off but still need some warmth.

Cilleena

Veteran

Ok, so, since I'm mostly at home, especially in the summer, I probably should limit my number of blazers and instead look for more cardigans? I tend to cringe at the idea of putting on one of my blazers right now. So,they don't come out unless I'm going to a "smart casual" type of thing like book club or casual parties.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I wear my denim jackets and pleather jackets more and cardigans less- do you have any of those?

Jonesy

Veteran

You can also look for sweater jackets (soft and snuggly like a sweater, but fitted and tailored like a jacket) for times when you want to feel a bit more dressed up. Some ideas, from a quick search:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/cl.....ultback=76

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ve.....ltback=532

http://www.gap.com/browse/prod.....pid=802754

http://bananarepublic.gap.com/.....=813619012

Laura

(website)

Veteran

What Jonesy said. I often see moms who wear jeans, boots, a t-shirt or knitted top, a couple of necklaces and a knit blazer like this one:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/ha.....ltback=215

Button it, scrunch up the sleeves and you are good to go. Looks amazing!

Stephanie

Veteran

Several brands had knit jackets this year--sort of like a jacket made out of the fabric of a nice sweatshirt. I admired one by Romeo and Juliet Couture--I've forgotten where I was when I saw it--but I know there were others. I personally prefer wovens, but I thought, when I saw the R&J one, "this would be great for someone who wanted the look of a jacket but the moveability of a sweatshirt," and it sounds like that's you!

Cilleena

Veteran

Great ideas! Thanks ladies! I knew YLF had some great answers.

MNsara

Veteran

Yes, I have tight upper arm problems and when I get one that gives me plenty of room, it is too big!

I have had more luck with denim jackets that have Spandex. I also second looking for knit blazers (although they may never look as polished as those straightjacket ones).

I used to love wearing boiled wool jackets as a blazer alternative. They held their shape beautifully (the Austrian ones did), but had the comfort of a sweater. I'm hoping they'll have a style comeback or they just might become my signature style!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Also a short or cap sleeved jacket could work. I just got 2 last fall that I get tons of use out of. One other thought, I have a lyocell (like tencel) convertible sleeve jacket that's great because it's not stiff in any way #3.

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CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Hello Cileena -- good question! I love blazers and don't have a discomfort problem if the blazer is either with stretch fabric in it, or simply constructed the right way.

I have a navy double breasted blazer from BCBG that is really comfortable and there's not a hint of stretch in it. Below is a picture. I can't find it for sale anymore. It had an SRP of over $350 but I got it on sale at flash site Ideeli.com for $76 + shipping 2 months ago.

My other favorite blazer is a ponte knit blazer from Three Dots. Completely stretchy! The fabric is great, even though it's cotton it looks tailored and casually elegant. Here's a link.

http://www.shopthreedots.com/c.....B200W.aspx

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April

Veteran

Thanks, Jonesy -- I totally needed to be lusting after a $168-dollar sweater jacket from Classiques Entier...

Elly

Veteran

Maybe I don't know good fit on a jacket, or they are just not made for being a crazy person like me. I never understood why shows always put cops and detectives in blazers or jackets. I've yet to meet a jacket that allows me to throw a good punch while also protecting my face with the other hand. Is it weird that I am always concerned about being able to do this in my clothes?

crwilson

Veteran

I do find them uncomfortable, so I've found some jackets with stretch. I'm always on the hunt for nice sweater jackets too. I can't deal with the craziness of small children in combination with restrictive clothing.

Cilleena

Veteran

Haha Ellie!

Exactly CRWilson!!!

catgirl

Veteran

I have a nice black blazer/jacket that is made out of stretchy jersey but looks quite tailored. I want to say it's Mac & Jac? It is a great dressy casual item for running around, AND it's washable!

modgrl

(website)

Veteran

I'm with queen mum, I wear lots of blazers for work and running around on weekends, but they come off as soon as I get home.

Laura B.

I also go for the stretch knit blazers or cardigans with more structure. They pass the sleeping 5 year old lift test for me!

Patty

Veteran

Hahaha Elly
I used to wonder if, in certain outfits, I could crawl under my car if I had to fix it --which happened alot.

Now see this is why I'd need someone or people like you to shop with me--I didn;t even know that a sweater jacket existed! And I doubt I would recognize their value on the rack--great pieces and ideas here!

Polly (thunalata)

Veteran

I'm always aware that they might get dirtier quickly - no fun as they're mostly dry clean only. I like the idea of a washable softer one fo r frequent every day use.

Isabel

Veteran

Another in agreement with QM. I LOVE blazers and jackets, but I don't wear them in the house. I also have a very warm, grubbier sweater that I throw on.

I don't seem to find them as restrictive as many of you. I can whip my off in a second to throw a punch ( though I would rather try to negotiate ) or run after one of my kids. But I will wear one to the playground or skating....

FoolOfATook

Exactly Cilleena! For ease of movement and coziness, I prefer a sweater. Something about the thought of putting on a jacket just makes me feel cold. And a Jean jacket especially! Must be a flashback from my denim jacket days when I was a teen. I am going to be on the lookout for a short sleeved jacket for summer, however, when warmth is not an issue.

RoseandJoan

Veteran

My blazers and jackets often come off whilst in the house but I only buy jackets which are comfortable when carrying Emmy. My favourite jacket smartens my look but does not pull or snag and passes the pat your head test.
http://www.asos.com/Ben-Sherma.....;clr=Black

amyreh

(website)

Veteran

I just picked up a couple of knit blazers from H&M for just $25 each if anyone is looking for some cute and inexpensive ones - I feel like they will add a little structure to my look without having to sacrifice on comfort.

sarah

Veteran

I wear blazers a fair amount, and have found them to be very comfortable. Most of mine are from Talbots or Gap, and as I think about it, I don't really feel the need to take them off when I get home from work, at all. So, I think with the right fit, a woven blazer can in fact be quite comfie.