Question for Gryffin: Helmut Lang Smoking Tux Sizing; ETA : it's here! - YouLookFab Forum

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Question for Gryffin: Helmut Lang Smoking Tux Sizing; ETA : it's here!

Tanya

Veteran

I have posted this question for Gryffin, who I know owns the blazer in question, but please feel free to chime in if you have it as well/or have insights on it's sizing.

The blazer in question, Helmut Lang Smoking Tux, has been around for years. It is no longer being sold in retail, but can be found on various resale sites. I have been wanting it forever, and still do, but somehow never got around to getting it. Well, I have just randomly found one, on an actual online store site, so it is new, which is a huge plus for me. There is only one, and it is size 6.

Currently, most of my blazers that fit well are size 4. This includes a couple of Veronica Beard jackets, including some Millers, which are all 4. I have a recent Smythe in size 6, that fits well, but Smythe tends to run small. My one and only Helmut Lang (in Finds), which is a bit of a moto/blazer hybrid, is also a 4 and fits well. I prefer my blazers properly tailored/fitted, especially in the waist area, but am happy to settle for a slightly (but not very) fluid fit of something I have wanted this long.

Thus I am very curious to hear about the sizing of this particular jacket, and if 6 might be a possibility for me.

Helmut Lang SMOKING TUXEDO BLAZER

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Helmut Lang Technical Stretch Suiting Jacket

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22 replies

Latest reply was from

Greyscale

Veteran

I have a vest version of it that is a 4, and it’s almost too small on me. I’m usually a 2 in blazers. But I don’t know if the sizing is consistent across all the versions.

Does the store allow returns?

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

If I remember correctly, this runs a little narrow.

Tanya

Veteran

Thank you for your input, Greyscale and Angie! It sounds like it might be worth a try.

The website allows for returns, but only within 10 days of the order date. Since I don't know how long the shipping would take, that sounds pretty tight.

gryffin

Veteran

Sorry Tanya just signed on. I own 3 iterations of this jacket. The cropped sleeve version (feather factor has this posted on her blog) there was a stretchier ribbed ponte version and a version w leather sleeves. All my Helmut Lang is size 6. I’m 5’3” about 107, 34A, slim rectangle, usually 4 - VB size although the Miller I should have gone w the 2, my smythe blazer is an 8. I think we are pretty similar in proportions but if I remember you are a little taller. Definitely recommend the 6. It runs small but drapes beautifully. Best jacket ever for dresses or formal but stunning casual. I don’t think you’d ever regret this purchase. I think you are my Theory Daverin Lustrate sheath dress twin. Blazer is awesome w this for cocktail and could swing black tie (not that anyone has an event). But I cannot recommend this jacket highly enough. DM me is you need more info or want me to measure my jackets. So excited for you!! BTW Tanya did you see the Theory Clairene jacket is up to 50% off? I bought the black. It’s great if you want to de bombshell a sheath of as an elegant but relaxed topper. I thought of you when I tried it on.

Tanya

Veteran

Hi Gryffin,

Thank you so much for the information, no need to apologize, you are helping me a lot here! It sounds like 6 would be indeed the right size for me, so I will go ahead and order it. The version I am looking at is the first one, all wool, bracelet length sleeves. And yes, I have the same Theory dress, great to know they will work together. It is precisely because of dresses that I am thinking of the tux jacket.

Thank you for the info on the Theory Clairene. Did you try on the leather sleeved version? And is it more blazer weight or light coat weight? I think we have a very similar taste in jackets.

Speaking of jackets, I have the Rag & Bone below on order, hope it works out. You might like it too. I am not sure if it is very dark denim or non-denim fabric, but feel in love with the dark navy/black leather combo.

There is a relatively new Helmut Lang available that I am swooning over, also with leather combo (in Finds) - I guess you can detect a theme here Definitely not affordable for me now at full price, but perhaps if at some time in the future it goes on deep enough sale.

Rag & Bone Timeless Blazer

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Helmut Lang Leather & Wool Blend Blazer

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gryffin

Veteran

Tanya - that’s a steal on the R&B. I love the HL almost like gauntlets and great on the body. HL jackets are amazing in the restraint, unusual features but quiet. They never date. Yes too spendy at full price for me too. But we can pray for a sale!! I’m so glad you are ordering the tux. I’ve never seen another as nice. I will never donate that jackets. The bracelet sleeve is my favorite because it’s all season and shows off a nice bracelet. The back is so fun. Looks good buttoned or open

The Theory Clairene is really unusual. It’s 90% wool 20% cashmere. Double faced. Back is shorter than front. It’s more like a swacket. The nicest most unusual sweater blazer. Very polished for work or zoom. But you could wear this at home and not have the over formal or corporate vibe. The sleeves are narrow so you can fit a sweater but not super heavy. OTOH you can easily get the sleeves into a coat. I consider this a blazer (no closures but nice on seam pockets). But like a blazer you could wear this with layers as a light coat spring and fall. Not sure if it will crease but anything should steam out easily. Saks has the leather sleeve variant on sale. Someone at bloomies thought the leather was very thin. It’s not a heavy coat so I think that’s expected. The styling and seaming look slightly different. I took a small. Good fit shoulders and body is supposed to be roomy. There are reviews of the coat in green on rent the runway which I found helpful for sizing.

BTW I know you also love VB. I you see a Matteo jacket in a 4 that should like it’s my favorite cut. Long, faux double breasted really creates the most elegant curves. The ashburn corded lace blazer is divine. Not Dickey compatible but I sized up to a 6. Also I just lemminged ummlila we bought the rebecca Taylor leather blazer in 4. I really like it. So that’s why no more shopping for me this month. But drooling over your choices!!

Tanya

Veteran

He he Gryffin, we can stalk the new HL jacket together.

Thank you for the info on the Theory Clairene. It sounds very intriguing and I don't have anything like it. I will consider it for the future, but not for a while. I have just ordered the Smoking Tux (it was 40% off, but still spendy), and with the R&B order it is adding up so no more big ticket purchases for me for a couple of months.

gryffin

Veteran

I hear you. At the bottom of my my purchase list I wrote “I have enough....”

gryffin

Veteran

Please let me know what you think of the tux. I’m praying you love it!!

Tanya

Veteran

Oh, I just saw your final paragraph about VB and Rebecca Taylor. I also like the RT leather blazer, and will enjoy it through you, one can't have them all.

As for the VB, you are going to laugh (I have become quite an addict and have a number of their jackets now). Not only do I have the lace Ashburn blazer as well, but I have the matching pants to make the full suit. I got them in the beginning of 2020 for an annual awards ceremony gala at work, which got cancelled because of pandemic, so it is sitting in my closet waiting for better days. As for the Matteo, I don't have any yet, but I have noticed it and do like the look as I have a similar cut in the same length, Moroso (in the Finds, real double breasted). I really like the flashy silver buttons. I have been thinking about getting a full proper VB black suit, and keep changing my mind between Matteo and Miller. The decision and possible purchase will wait for 2022 though.

ETA: I will certainly let you know about the tux once it arrives!

Veronica Beard Moroso Dickey Jacket

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gryffin

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OMG that is so fab about the ashburn!! The suit must be incredible!! So jealous!! I too have been “collecting” VB jackets... The tailoring is so extraordinarily flattering. I have the scuba as a suit. Both the leggings and pants which I really love. Do the pants fit TTS? On the jackets I have 4,6,8. Most 4’s but some ran very small. The scuba leggings were a 6 and I sized up to an 8 in the pants which are a little big but better than skin tight. So I have often not bought the pants because of fear of sizing.

Tanya

Veteran

Yes, I remember that you have the scuba suit, lucky you! I may get it one day, but no definite plans.
I find the pants somewhere between TTS and running a bit small, perhaps half a size or so. It is also dependent on the cut. I also think that I prefer to wear things more fitted than you do, so perhaps for you I would say a full size small? What other brands pants do you wear? They are definitely smaller than Theory pants of the same size.

UmmLila (Lisa)

Veteran

I adore the Theory Clairene jackets. I have two I've had for a while (well one is a slightly earlier pea coat iteration but same shape). Who would think your most worn winter jackets would be cream mohair and cream faux fur? It's the shape of them and the balance between comfortable and casual and formal that makes them fantastic. I so regret not picking up a lavender one that was on sale at the end of last winter.

Theory Clairene Faux Fur Jacket

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Tanya

Veteran

Oh wow UmmLila, your Clairene is stunning! I have a serious jacket envy. Thank you for further confirmation about it's versatility. Cream is very flattering on you, so no wonder you have been wearing it a lot.

gryffin

Veteran

Ummlila - I remember how fantastic that jacket looked on you. I didn’t realize it was a Clairene. It’s the drape and line that makes this jacket so special. I keep waffling about getting the leather sleeve version. It’s on super sale..... They have other pretty colors. There is a blue green that would look amazing with your coloring

Tanya

Veteran

So, it has just arrived and 6 size fits perfectly! I also happen to like it very much. It definitely feels a full size small, so there is no way size 4 would have worked.

Thank you very much, Gryffin, and other Fabbers, for all of your help here.

Bijou

Veteran

Tanya, so thrilled the jacket was a perfect fit - your post shows the power of asking the forum.

gryffin

Veteran

Tanya thanks so much for the update!!! I'm thrilled that the jacket fits perfectly (I was sweating that one because as you and Ummlila pointed out I tend to select clothing with a bit more ease than you do). I do find HL in general, at least the old stuff, ran a size small. It's a gorgeous jacket and I know you will enjoy it. Very few pieces have such polish with restraint, back and front interest but chic, elegant and minimalist. Enjoy!!!

Tanya

Veteran

Bijou, the forum is indeed super helpful. I have always received excellent sizing advice here.

Gryffin, it must have been meant to be! I mean to find one final one left online on a website of a small random boutique, in what turns out to be a perfect size. I think you are right about sizing of older vs newer HL pieces, as my newer jacket is a 4 and still fits right. Thank you SO much for your help, I would not have dared to order the jacket without it.

Anonymous

I could not contribute information to this but I so enjoy a delightful story with a happy ending

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

*happy dance*

Yay to YLF team work

Anonymous

Happy for you Tanya! Hope you enjoy your new jacket