Need advice on J. Crew Tippi sweater - YouLookFab Forum

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Need advice on J. Crew Tippi sweater

Anonymous

I've been eyeing this patterned Tippi sweater from J. Crew. Style-wise, it's right up my alley - excellent color, great neckline for me, and the pattern makes it suitable for a stand-alone piece. However, I've had fit issues with J. Crew in the past and I'm currently between sizes (medium and large). I need a large to accommodate my hips, and to provide a slightly longer length, but I don't want it sloppy-big over my narrower shoulders. I generally prefer slightly fitted sweaters but I have *some* tolerance for drapeyness. Can any pretty pears chime in and tell me whether it's worth trying, and if so, in which size? The nearest J. Crew is 60 miles away and I have no time for an out-of-town shopping trip, so it has to be worth the hassle of ordering.

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14 replies

Latest reply was from Beth

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I have 2 Tippi sweaters, and I go up one size. They run slightly small in my opinion and the size up does not make it overly drapey and they still fit my shoulders. I am a short hourglass with pear tendencies. Hope this helps.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Oh this may also be helpful. I wear the medium Tippi and my chest is 34", waist 27", hips 37".

unfrumped

Veteran

I had wanted to try the tea/gray houndstooth but it sold out in my size, and though I've forgotten what size I needed ( think M also instead of small which might be usual size), but I agree that they run small unless you like slim fit. I think the way they are shown on the models is much more fitted than I like and also no pears are featured. I was willing for it to look a wee bit like a sweatshirt, but not overly sloppy, if that helps.

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Linda, this is really helpful for me, too! I've been wondering about my size in Tippis.

saramir

I'm a pear and have 4 Tippis. I have narrow shoulders and find it necessary to size down in Tippis (to my normal J Crew top size), even though this means they are definitely fitted throughout. Going up in size eases through the torso but because of the way the neck is, the top looks really odd and basically loses what is nice about the Tippi, the special neckline. If you are planning to layer a button-down underneath it, then it might work but if you have narrow shoulders and plan to wear it alone or with just a cami underneath, I would order your smaller regular size. (I usually wear ballet necks underneath mine so they can't be seen but give me extra coverage.)

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Definitely go up a size - buy large. The Tippis run a little smaller this year too.

carambola

Veteran

I am also between sizes in J crew tops and I like the larger of my 2 sizes for the merino Tippi. It is fluid, but not too big and sloppy. I also have one in cashmere and, oddly, the same size does border on big and sloppy. Not sure if I got a weird one or if there is really a difference in how it fits in merino vs. cashmere. I am more rectangle than pear though, so take the sizing info with that in mind.

Aziraphale

Veteran

Stacey, I'm the opposite of a pretty pear, and the Tippi sweaters fit me really well. I don't know if this knowledge will affect your decision at all, but I thought I'd throw it out there.

Mind you, I don't see why the Tippi wouldn't fit a pear shape body -- it seems to me that it's a pretty basic shape, neither drapey nor fitted, that would work with most body types.

Anonymous

Thanks, everyone! It sounds like a large will probably work best for me, although I'm concerned about the issue Saramir mentioned. Linda, I really appreciate that you posted measurements. Based on those, I definitely need to size up.

greycat6

Veteran

Jumping in to echo everyone's recommendation to size up.

My usual JCrew size is small or XS but I sized up to medium in the Tippi. A small may have worked but I wanted to be able to layer underneath and was looking for a more fluid fit.

FWIW, my pretty pear measurements are 38" around the shoulders, 34" bust. My medium Tippi (purchased in Oct 2013) measures 14.5" across the shoulder seams, 18" across at the base of the arm holes.

Good luck!

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Just echoing others here. I got a Merino Tippi in xs (which would be my regular J. Crew size) and sent it back because it felt too fitted for me. I'm not a pretty pear, but nonetheless. Next time I am ordering a size up.

Gigi

Veteran

I would call J. Crew and ask for the exact measurements of the sweater.

MRL

Veteran

I have 2 Tippi's and they do run a bit snug so if you want a little drape, I agree with the others - size up. BTW, the Tippi is a terrific piece to add yo your wardrobe.

Beth

Veteran

I was going to suggest the same thing as Gigi. J. Crew is usually very good about providing measurements when you call (although it's a mystery why they don't provide this on their website). Could you measure a sweater you own and compare the numbers from J. Crew?