Best Moto/Biker Jacket for Short-Torso Hourglass

yearningmaple

What is the best style of leather/moto/biker jacket for an average sized short-torso hourglass with a larger chest? (5'7"/130 lbs/34D). Specifically I'm wondering about the plethora of asymmetrical styles. I already know I want it to hit high-hip (any higher and I look more short-waisted), and to minimize horizontal lines - but does this mean to avoid the "biker belt" on the bottom, with the hanging buckle? Should epaulets be avoided? I don't like the short "nehru" collar (I know that's not the right name, please forgive) and a collarless version would, I suppose, read as a horizontal line enclosing the neck and making the chest appear larger. But I can't decide on how an unzipped asymmetrical figures in. Would it make one look longer/thinner/smaller chested? Or the opposite?

8 years ago

Dressing

13 replies

Latest reply was from yearningmaple

calmwave

Active Member

Excellent questions... I'll be following this thread.

8 years ago

yearningmaple

Active Member

Thanks! It's my first one. I thought perhaps I should have put it in the "Ask Angie" section, but perhaps she'll run across it here.

8 years ago

April

Veteran

You're so in luck! -- Right now, it's pretty easy to find a cropped leather moto with a collar that isn't the sort of tab (Nehru) collar that you dislike. See here for some inspiration: https://shop.nordstrom.com/sr?.....yword=crop

8 years ago

April

Veteran

P.S, If you're open to non-leather options, this asymmetrical Angie pick from a short while ago is pretty great: https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/l.....goryid=600

8 years ago

yearningmaple

Active Member

Yes, there are plenty to choose from, that’s the problem - too much choice! Since I have to shop online only, I try to make the wisest decisions (first) before proceeding to the desperate, random, last-ditch guesses

I have 5 on order, as follows:

Well clearly I don’t know how to attach images.

This post has 2 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.

8 years ago

yearningmaple

Active Member

Click to embiggen

8 years ago

Anonymous

2 and 4 are more cropped and look most like what you have in mind. I also like 1, but it may be too long.

8 years ago

Sal

Veteran

I am a short waisted hourglass, I have one moto (which I was gifted) and I find it does work on my figure without too many concerns. I think a good shoulder fit is important-so probably not too stiff a leather.

8 years ago

yearningmaple

Active Member

I don’t want it cropped, I think that would make me look more shirt-waisted. I’m thinking #5 may be best because the line coming down to point at the waist is just how a one-button blazer does. We’ll see!

8 years ago

Aquamarine

Veteran

Short-torso with large bust here. Agree you don’t want it too cropped...you’ll know the sweet spot when you see it. I avoid epaulets like the plague...they make me look extra boxy. I find moto-style jackets to be very flattering, and I avoid any kind of chest pocket or detail.

8 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Great questions.

Personally, I find motos with belts annoying.

You need to decide on the amount of hardware you want too.

If you have broad shoulders or a large bust - it's probably best to leave off the epaulettes - but take it style by style. Not essential.

Decide on the colour.

Length! Don't go too long.

8 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Another short torso and large bust here, but I am a little heavier than you (same height). I always defaulted to short jackets because they were easier to fit on me, but have realized that too short emphasized the shortness of my torso and also didn’t de-emphasize my hips (I suspect I’m a little more pear-ish than you).

I actually do well with epaulettes because they balance out my hips. I generally avoid the belted styles unless the belt can be removed.

I find asymmetrical styles and hems that are not straight and horizontal to be particularly flattering on a larger busted figure — they tend to de-emphasize without flattening. But I don’t zip up my moto jackets very often anyway. I think it’s necessary to try on multiple styles to find the sweet spot length because when you’re short-torsoed, there is literally a short area to work with in terms of fit and flattery when you’re looking at a fitted jacket. Too short and you emphasize your natural proportions; too long and it looks ill-fitting. I think it can make a difference depending on what kind of tops you are wearing underneath and whether you want to wear the jacket more with jeans/pants (a longer cut works better), or skirts and dresses (shorter may be better then).

All the ones you’ve shown here have potential — I think it’s really a matter of trying them on in person to evaluate!

8 years ago

yearningmaple

Active Member

Update - Turns out #1 is of a weight and style that I call "indoors" and mostly like a blazer. It's extremely flattering and I'm keeping it. I was going to keep #2 as my true moto (notice no epaulettes) but then decided #4 (just like #3 but a larger size and black instead of forest) is really the true moto/biker and since it has a very slightly oversize fit, it looks even more biker-y, plus it is much heavier and definitely for outdoor only. And, I can zip it all the way, just like a "real" outdoor jacket. So I'm keeping #4 too. (Plus crazy on sale doesn't hurt either!) I prefer the forest color, but the medium was way too small and the large only came in Black. I agree with Angie, the belt on the bottom would be super-annoying. Now I'd like a carmel color and have a few of those on order.

8 years ago

Category