Where should a cropped denim jacket hit? (plus mini-review)

Where should a cropped denim jacket hit? I know it's north of high hip, but is it "just barely grazing the hip bone" or is it supposed to be all the way to my natural waist?

I've been wanting to get more mileage out of my summer dresses, so I tried on and purchased the 3 shortest jackets I could find: Ann Taylor Loft, American Eagle Outfitters, and Express. Express was the shortest and most fitted; 18" long and 16" at the waist. AE came in next, at 18.5" long and 16" at the waist. When I got home, I realized ATL was so boxy in comparison it would never be a contender (which was a shame, since the 1% elastane really made a difference in comfort; also, it was 18.75" long). Note: measurements are all for size S.

Here's my question, though: none of them hit at my natural waist, which is quite short. And, because of pocket placement, I don't think either the Express or the AE can be altered any shorter. So, are either short enough to work? Or should I give up and find something that I can tailor to my natural waist (somewhere around 16.5-17")?

Photo #1 & #2: Express jacket. First held open to show distance from my waist, and then with waistband folded under to show a 16.5" length.

Photo #3: Pile o' jackets. From top to bottom: express, ae, loft.

Photo #4: ATL jacket (worn to demonstrate fit; I wouldn't wear this jacket with pants).
Photo #5: AE jacket.
Photo #6: Express jacket.

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13 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I have the AE jacket and I think my waist proportions are about the same as yours. It's longer than my natural waist but I like the length as is, since otherwise I would look SUPER short waisted. I never button it at the top or the bottom though. Sometimes I do the middle one or two buttons up for a closed look. I think if I wanted to button the bottom button it would only look right if it was cropped to the natural waist.

(In the photo my natural waist is a little above the belt.)

ETA: I like the AE for you too. The express one looks too boxy especially up by the pockets.

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Anonymous

I like the Express one because it's the shortest and most fitted. It's likely to get my vote for wear with dresses, however, you will not be sorry if you hold out for one with some stretch IMO. It adds so much to the comfort factor when you are going super-fitted. Have you tried the really junior-juniors stores like F21 or Rue 21? Their denim jackets are usually even shorter than these, if you want to try one on to see if you can like a waist-length one.

That said, I think we're seeing a trend in longer, boxier jackets so you could totally go that way too. I'm a real big help, aren't I?! I guess it all comes down to your figure flattery priorities.

Suz

(website)

I like the AE one best for you.

Have you tried --- hang on -- the KIDS' section? I got my white denim jacket at Old Navy there last year. I liked it way better than the adult version, which was too long and had no stretch. The kids' one had that bit of stretch to it. Note, this is longer than my natural waist, too. But not as long as the adult versions were. My blue one is about the same. I have no idea if they are the right length, but they seem to work okay.

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Liz A.

I agree with Diana. Plus the sleeves look a bit short on the Express. Although they are long on the AE, I guess I prefer long than short.

Debora

The AE jacket! I prefer the pockets and buttons on this one over the others.

Angie

Fashion Stylist

AE jacket by a mile!

Charmian

Thanks ladies!

Am I right in assuming that the consensus is: the jacket doesn't need to hit your natural waist (especially for short-waisties like me), but that these two are still too close to my hipbone?

I confess I'm not loving either jacket. The chest pockets on the express jacket trigger anxiety about my IT shoulders & bust, but -- to my eye -- that extra 1/2" on the AE jacket throws off the proportions when worn with a dress.

I'll swing by F21 (thanks Claire!) and some kids' sections (omg brilliant, Suz!) this weekend. If not, the tags are coming off the AE jacket!

If your shoulders are wide, you might have a bit of trouble, but it's still worth trying, I think. I got a Large kids' jacket at ON --- my shoulders are 38.5 inches wide. But it comes in XL, too. Here's a link. And good luck!!

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