Jean jacket sizing tips? - YouLookFab Forum

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Jean jacket sizing tips?

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

As we're all trying on summer dresses, I've noticed a couple of conversations about the sizing and cut of jean jackets. Since I've only ever worn a jean jacket as an "outside" jacket, not really part of an outfit per se, I don't know how it should properly fit. I do know to stay away from a boxy look, but what about length? Does it matter what your body shape is? For me, I generally stay away from cropped jackets because they emphasize the pear part of my pear/hourglass figure *g* -- should jean jackets be the exception to this?

Any help would be much appreciated, thanks!

Dressing

18 replies

Latest reply was from Kristen

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for starting this one, Kristen. Colour me very interested in others' responses, too. This site has inspired a full-on denim revival over here!
Actually I've always wondered about what style of jacket is most vercitile, regardless of material. Is a tailored blazer-style with lapels flexible or is it dead wrong for certain settings? What's the ideal style for a jean jacket?

Elika

I'm curious too what will pop up here. I've never owned a denim jacket but do like the look on others so I'd be interested to hear tips!

Obviously a lot will depend on body (and personality) type, but maybe there are some general guidelines?

crwilson

Veteran

I can't wait to see responses; clearly this is a question that I have too.

shiny

Veteran

Kristen, maybe this pic of Angie in her jean jacket will be helpful?

http://youlookfab.com/2009/04/.....-body-bag/

I think the key is that the jacket fits perfectly in the shoulders and is body-skimming on the sides (which may require tailoring - even for non-boxy jackets).

Length: although I adore cropped cardis, I'd personally stick to a more traditional length for a jean jacket (around high hip for me - which is my favorite length for suit jackets too - ymmv). For style I'd stick to as close as the "classic" styling as possible (like Angie's), but super-super-fitted (tailor if necessary). Does that make sense?

I do have this thrifted jean jacket which is NOT a classic style - more of a blazer style - but I think it works anyway because it's super-fitted (sleeves need to be shortened):
http://s386.photobucket.com/al.....orm174.jpg

... but when I added this one, I already had a more classic one. Which unfortunately I can't find now... I am fearing that my DD lost it.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Shiny/anyone else, do you think you could provide me with a verbal description of Angie's jacket in terms of colour and styling? What exactly is classic styling in this case? Sorry!

merry77

Michelle, I'll attempt to explain Angie's jacket.

It is dark denim (not super dark like indigo, but not at all faded) and has traditional jean jacket construction. The collar is more like a men's shirt collar than lapel style. It buttons up the front. The buttons are all large and matte silver (although gold is often used on this style also - either works). The button style is like what is normally used on a pair of jeans. There are two chest pockets that feature buttoned flaps. Angie has rolled up the sleeves on her jacket in this pic. The cuffs on the sleeves are styled like a men's dress shirt also. The bottom of the jacket is straight across. It looks like hers hits high hip like Shiny mentioned she likes also.

Shiny already described the fit pretty well IMHO.

Anonymous

The traditional jean jacket like Angie's is perfect for making more formal outfits look casual. After reading this site, I knew I needed one and actually ended up with 2 (Gap dark denim with contrasting stitching and JCrew very dark denim with matching stitching...both the classic style you see everywhere and with lycra). I wear them several times a week. The contrasting stitching on the Gap jacket makes it a bit more casual.
I looked and tried many to find a snug cropped fit and it was worth it to make my rectangular body look like it has a waist. If you are curvy that may not be as important. The shorter jacket works great for skirts and dresses. When wearing pants, a longer top peeks out from under the short jacket.
As to your question of classic styling, it looks like Angie's with collar, metal buttons, adjustable with buttons band on the bottom. Pocket placement will vary and may make a difference to you. I remember Nicole looking for one without chest pockets. Some may have a more Western styling. I hope this makes sense.

Elika

Edit: i was late with my post, but Joy and merry described it very well.

I think the 'classic' part when it comes to jeans jackets refers to the styling of the (breast) pockets, the collar and the dark uni wash, as opposed to eg. acid wash or ripped styles. It's a classic style jacket, but not like a blazer.

Hope that makes sense.

bella

(website)

Veteran

Kristen, I think I saw you in two different jean jackets, a white one and a darker denim one. I thought their fit was good but they were perhaps one size bigger than they should be. Can you also tell me where you got them?

tarzy

Veteran

Great discussion. I have two classic jean jackets, one dark denim (but a bit more casual than Angie's) and one white. This year I tried on a slightly shorter version. I really liked the fit. The difference is very slight, but the slightly shorter one seems to hit in a better spot for dresses. It's not really cropped, but just seems to be a tiny bit more fitted on me.

But I ended up not buying it. I couldn't justify spending the money right now, since I already have a jeans jacket. I would love to get the new, shorter one eventually though. It was from Eddie Bauer:
http://tinyurl.com/rbsjo3

April

Veteran

Tara -- I feel like I have linked to that Eddie Bauer jacket so many times on the forum that when people see a jean jacket discussion, they're thinking "this is the part where April mentions the jacket from EB..."

I love that jacket. It's probably time for me to break down and buy it.

Michelle

(website)

Veteran

Thanks to everyone for the great descriptions of Angie's jacket, they helped a lot. Sounds like I'll have my work cut out for me if I want to find one that works for me. I'd be on team Nicole when it comes to pockets, I think, since I'm quite busty, and I never feel comfortable in things that are too cropped. But you ladies have inspired me. The search is on.

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

This has been a VERY helpful discussion, thank you all!

Shiny, I did see Angie's photo, and the reminder was helpful. I actually like my blazer jackets to hit a little lower than my jean jackets are hitting, but I think it works for them. "Body skimming on the sides" helps clarify a lot for me too; I may need to get both new jackets altered to bring them in a little there, because they do fit everywhere else. But I wasn't sure how or where to alter them until your comment. Thank you!

Bella, I picked up the white jacket at Old Navy; it's still full-price for $29, but I had a $10 coupon off. It's a heavier denim with not a lot of stretch, but that works for me because it does have a nice curve on the sides and I wear it as an outside coat to and from the office.
I got the darker-wash denim from Target for $29, and they have other washes and colors. I exchanged the large for a medium yesterday, which had a MUCH better fit the second I put it on. I actually got a compliment from a random shopper as I was inspecting it in the mirror. LOL!

I may try on that Eddie Bauer one eventually, too, but I find their stuff to be so boxy on me I am hesitant. Plus, I think I may be set!

P.S. I now have two larger sized jean jackets, XL for both, from Forth & Towne, if anyone is interested. Both have collarless collars with military epaulets on the shoulders, which I actually love about them. One is a thin dark denim and the other a thicker white. Let me know if you are interested and we can set up a swap! They fit just fine when I was in the size 16-18 range...

Anonymous

I just got a new Eddie Bauer catalogue and they say their jean jackets are cut a bit shorter and a more "feminine fit" than before. Their jackets are available in petite and tall, but their smallest size will probably still be too large for several of us.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/W.....%220%22%7D

Has anyone seen or tried on their linen jean jacket? It sounds like a good summer weight and comes in white and some colors.
http://www.eddiebauer.com/EB/W.....%220%22%7D

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Fabulous descriptions and I have little to add. Remember this post:

http://youlookfab.com/2009/02/.....essential/

You are not bound to a traditional style of denim jacket like I have. Michelle and Kristen, you’d look great in the style Nicole, Kari and Sarah bought – a mandarin collar pseudo biker look with zip front, sans pockets. It has to have an element of tailoring in the shoulders and torso unless it’s a baby doll style. Length depends on body type.

bella

(website)

Veteran

Kristen, I really have my eye on that Old Navy Jacket for sometime now. Would you say that it is too stiff? Does it get better with wear or wash?Would you recommend it? Also, where did you find the coupon?
Thanks!

marianne

I am also on a lookout for a denim jacket, and this thread is quite helpful. I saw a nice looking one in Macy's junior dept - dark wash, thin soft material, but it was kind of pricey. With a coupon it might be a good option. Unfortunately it's not online.
Has anyone see this one IRL?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3024931?Category=

Kristen

(website)

Veteran

Angie, I actually have owned mandarin-collar style jean jackets, and it is a look I like. I'll keep an eye out if I see any further down the road!

Bella, I don't think the ON jacket is too stiff, but then I prefer a jean jacket that feels like real jeans. I've only been wearing it less than a week so I can't comment on the wear yet, but I am really liking it. I was sad to put on my boring old trench today!

The coupon was from my Gap card, for earning the points needed. Try retailmenot to see if there is anything out there. I saw some 15% off coupons around!