Ask Angie (et al): Is this JCrew blazer worth considering? ETA: Update on the bottom :-( - YouLookFab Forum

Category

Shopping

Welcome! Read about what to wear and how to wear it on the YLF Blog. Join the YLF Forum to ask specific questions or just chat about fashion and personal style. Or check out the curated list of things we love in YLF Finds.

Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Ask Angie (et al): Is this JCrew blazer worth considering? ETA: Update on the bottom :-(

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

As I am still on the hunt for my perfect navy blazer I have ordered 3 JCrew blazers in Tall size to try.
Both two button blazers are the same cut but in different colors (solid navy and pinstripe) so I am only attaching pictures of a solid navy in one button and two button styles. In the attached pictures one-button is on the left and two-button is on the right.

I think 2 button is no go. It fits well in shoulders and sleeves but overall fit is very strange on me and pulling too much.

I like one-button style much better but it is 1" shorter (not sure if this is a deal breaker or not) and cut too high under the arms and narrow in the sleeves. However I think that I may need the next size up as it also feels small in the shoulders.
So here is the question: based on what you can see in the pictures (on the left) - is it worth trying the next size up or should I just cut my losses, return everything and forget about it? Unfortunately returns are not free at JCrew for Canadians so before I am ordering the next size up in one button style I would want at least be sure it is worth it.

Thank you so much!

ETA:

Update: a single button blazer in size up came - and it is going back. I took it today to my Expert Super Mom to assess the fit and the verdict was - not the best cut for me! Size up was comfortable in sleeves but she determined that sleeves were cut too narrow on top so the jacket did not lie well. So all his JCrew stuff is going back tomorrow
...which means I am on the hunt for a perfect classic jacket again. I think BR is the next in line to try although Canadian site does not have the Tall size in it. I may order regular to try first and if the fit and cut is good order Tall from US...
..why it is so darn difficult to buy a good classic blazer?!

This post has 5 photos. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

1035 single-button jacket in Italian stretch wool

View Info

Top Pick

4

1035 jacket in pinstripe Super 120s wool

View Info

Top Pick

1

Shopping

18 replies

Latest reply was from Sveta

MsMaven

Veteran

Definitely the one button looks better on you. Is the tighter shoulder and upper arm fit uncomfortable? Do you want to wear a heavier knit sweater under it? Will you often wear it with high contrast bottoms.

I think the difference in length is minor on your frame--and in fact, I prefer the length of the shorter on in back.

My problem with J Crew jackets is that they usually have too much fabric in back and need alteration.

My usual preference is to go to the smaller size in tailored jackets unless I want it for something to wear over layers or heavier sweaters. Always looks much neater, and I usually don't play basketball in a jacket. So if the tightnes is a deal-breaker I think I'd look for something else rather than a size larger.

Carole

Veteran

Well I love the one button on the left and it "looks" like it fits perfectly and the length looks good, I like the shorter length much better. If it feels too constricting than I'm wondering if the next size up will look "too big"....hmmmm I'm not familiar with crew and their sizing, unfortunately. It's a beauty, though.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

The one button is definitely the better fit of the two. However, I would like it better on you if it was longer.

Debbie

Veteran

I like the one button. I would try the larger size so that you could comfortably layer under it.

Beth Ann

Veteran

The one button, even without considering fit, is by far my favorite. How do you want the jacket to function in your wardrobe? That, to me, would make a difference when it comes to considering whether to size up. If it feels constricted in the arm or shoulders, I'd return --- after wearing it around for an hour or so. My lined blue moto from Gap (we're twins) relaxed noticeably upon wearing, which I did not expect with the lining. On the other hand, I have 3 blazers I bought just a tad too small. Sigh.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Thank you for your help. Unfortunately this one button blazer is too tight in the sleeves AND in the shoulders so I think sizing up is the right thing to do. In the worst case my Mom can alter the back if there would be extra fabric there.
As you all liked the style of this one button blazer I have ordered it in the next size - and also another one which I did not get before. Fingers crossed one of them will fit...

1035 jacket in Italian stretch wool

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

2

Staysfit

Veteran

I buy a lot of J Crew and sometimes take tall sizes. If you order the larger size in the one button it is likely to be a bit longer in length. It will probably also be a bit wider in the shoulders and torso. The only way to know is to try it.

unfrumped

Veteran

The one button looks too skimpy though it has a nice shape. So hopefully myths next size will retain shape but with a bit of ease.

I'm stumped on what is modern blazer fit nowadays. This one almost looks too short , but maybe I'm thinking of
BF fits.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Crossing fingers for you. It is so frustrating to find the right fit. I ordered a few things from J. Crew on the sale price the other day -- with free shipping. But not a jacket. (Yes, I am economizing, I promise!! )

I do think the larger size may work. It looks like a lovely jacket. What is the other one you ordered to try?

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

The one button looks like a winner. Hope the next size gives you a bit more ease in the shoulder but is not too big elsewhere.

Anonymous

Too bad the one-button one looks so right and feels so wrong (isn't there a song about that?). Fingers crossed for you that one of the ones coming will work out. Your Mom can fix anything. That third blazer looks intriguing, like it might not require a super-tailored fit.

crutcher

Veteran

You know I have read all of the posts and before I altered the blazer, I would return and start over....If the one button is not comfortable, and you have questions about the other, maybe it is time to just move on (Angie) to the next blazer..

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I prefer the one button as well but from the back, it looked like there was a bit of extra fabric between the shoulders. I thought the fit looked really good from just below the armholes down and I preferred the shorter length. Another observation I have relates to the pocket position. When looking at the side view, the one-button pocket was placed higher on the jacket and I thought this emphasized the waist and was more flattering.

I suspect the next size up will be a bit too large but with luck, it will be the one and your mom will be able to work some magic.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I agree, the one-button version looks like a great fit across the back, and I suspect the next size up will be too large.

I tried on a really lovely houndstooth jacket in JCrew yesterday while out and about, and once again, I find JCrew jackets don't work for me. I can't put my finger on it, but it definitely seems like they have too much fabric in the upper chest or back, while not being especially boob-friendly. I suspect they're cut for a straighter figure than mine, with more substantial shoulders perhaps.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I think it's worth trying the one button in a larger size too, Sveta . I would also give BR a bash if you see a blazer you like.

Banana Republic

Navy Lightweight Wool Two-Button Suit Blazer

$198.00 $109.99

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

2

Banana Republic

Gray Lightweight Wool Blazer

$198.00 $149.99

Sale

View Info

Top Pick

5

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

He-he Suz, you were bad too. The worst for me that I do have to pay the return shipping and it is quite expensive...oh well, there was no other way for me to try those jackets because they did not have them in the store in Seattle! The other one I ordered was 2 button in stretch wool - I thought I need to return anyway so why not to try one more? I also went all out and ordered 2 pairs of pants for a suit: at least I would know after that if this is a potential for me or not.
Crutcher, my problem is that most of brands are too short for me so I have quite limited selection in blazers - mostly brands which carry tall sizes like JCrew and BR. If it fits everywhere and good length and quality it makes sense for me to alter the upper back fit or I would go blazer-less!
dianthus, I don't think there is extra fabric on the back- if anything it pulls a bit because there is not enough of it. The shoulder fit is the most important and they were a bit too short for me. My fingers are crossed for the next size! I wish they add shoulder circumference to the size chart together with bust and hips!
Janet, we have opposite fit problems it seems. My shoulders are substantial but my back is very narrow for my frame. It is very rare when tailored dress or topper fits of the rack: if it fits my shoulders most likely it is too big in the chest and back. Alterations are my friend for the best fit. I am OK to alter if needed if the cut is right for me overall (and 2 button was just the wrong cut for me altogether).
Angie, thank you for taking the time out of your busy (and sad) day to reply - I really appreciate it. It is ordered and I will report when it arrives. If it does not work I will look at BR (too bad Tall sizes are not available in Canada so I would need to order to the border and drive to pick it up.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Crossing fingers for you, Sveta!

It's a miracle any of us find tailored clothes that can work for us, really, when you think about it.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Update: a single button blazer in size up came - and it is going back. I took it today to my Expert Super Mom to assess the fit and the verdict was - not the best cut for me! Size up was comfortable in sleeves but she determined that sleeves were cut too narrow on top so the jacket did not lie well. So all his JCrew stuff is going back tomorrow
...which means I am on the hunt for a perfect classic jacket again. I think BR is the next in line to try although Canadian site does not have the Tall size in it. I may order regular to try first and if the fit and cut is good order Tall from US...
..why it is so darn difficult to buy a good classic blazer?!