Ask Angie - Is there a Best Length for a Utility Jacket?

I already received one utility jacket from EB but decided to order the petite after some try-ons and DH saying maybe it was a bit long. The regular fits below my crotch line by a couple of inches and the sleeves are a bit long but look great cuffed because they have a cute denim colored trim that works well with jeans. I am about 5' 6" or so (not really "petite" but sometimes in EB I can wear them). I am a size 8. So I started looking back at all the utility jacket posts and images and noticed that the length varies from above crotch to below. I have average legs, not short, not long. I wear more flats or small heels than high heels. I'm confused about which lenght is really right.

This is not going to be an item I am willng to have altered because the cost would just be prohibitive for the value. The jackets are in the $80 range for the most part and most have a drawstring at the waist to cinch, not to mention low pockets so it just wouldn't be easy.

I've considered trying a couple from the Nordstrom Juniors dept. (online) because they might be shorter in length (sometimes I buy Juniors L) but maybe I'm overthinking it.

Is there a "best" length in average for this type of outerwear jacket? It's not exactly a coat I guess (I read the blog post about proper length of coats) and I will be wearing it with jeans and pants (probably never dresses or skirts).

13 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

It sounds a wee bit long but I like my layers to peek out from beneath the hem of the jacket. I rarely tuck though. Depending on the cut, the extra length might look boxy unless there is a waist that can be cinched. Morethanbeige tried the Nordstrom jacket and it got rave reviews here. Did you see her pics?

ETA:
http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....et-outfits

texstyle

(website)

Kelly, I def. saw morethanbeige's jacket. I think I've seen everyone's utility jacket. lol.

Mine is close to the same length but maybe just a bit longer and has a cinch waist. It doesn't look boxy but it might be leg shortening (main concern). I have recently started tucking more but not sure if I always would want to. In this case, the jacket looks better (I think) if the top is either not too long or if it is tucked.

I have several other shorter jackets, but this one would be great for the "every day" kind of walking around I do outdoors and around our little town. And since it is a bit longer it would also be a bit warmer on those slightly cold days (we don't have many true coat days in central Texas). I guess when I get the petite I'll have to post photos to compare.

When I see some of the posts on YLF I think the outfits have leg shortening effects and then I'm surprised when everyone thinks they look perfect - so maybe it's just a personal call at some point.

Oops, I just realized, I'm not Angie! Sorry to butt in

LOL @ Kelly.

You know, it comes down to what you're comfortable with and what looks good on you. I don't think a one-size-fits-all perfect length exists. Personally, I like them a little longer, in spite of the fact that I'm so short. For you, well, I think we'll have to see the pictures.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

Any way you can post a picture? I'm not sure I like the idea of the turned back denim cuffs.

D'Ellen

Reading with interest because I just received the same (I think) EB jacket. I'm 5' 4" and I ordered the regular. I'm a size 12, with broad shoulders and long arms...petite sizing usually doesn't work for me. I like the length, but I haven't decided whether I'm keeping it, partly because of the denim/chambray showing when I turn back the cuffs. I haven't made any styling attempts yet, so just not sure if it's going to work for me.

Hmm, I actually quite liked the denim accent (but it doesn't have to be rolled back to expose, it could easily be left or scrunched) - but I'm living the country life out here so I may be out of the fashion zone a bit too far :-). I will have to get some pics.

Thanks, Tex! I don't want to further advise you without a visual in case I bark up the wrong tree.

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