How Should A Blazer Fit? Helpful Tips For Finding The Best Fit When You Are Petite

Do you have a blazer that fits your body like it was made just for you? One that you reach for over and over again. A blazer fit like that is one that is essential for your wardrobe. Yes, it is just one of those classic wardrobe investment pieces that you will come to cherish. When you do find “the one” it will change how your wardrobe works for you.

There are a few things that you need to consider when you are looking for a blazer. Below I will go through those tips so that you can find the blazer of your dreams for your petite body.

Here are some other petite fashion posts I have written that you might want to check out.

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brunette woman wearing a black Rag & Bone blazer, Unfortunate Portrait Fashion Circus tee, Joe's Jeans black jeans, and VanEli Sport Yavin sneakers

How Should A Blazer Fit A Petite Woman

It can be tricky to find blazers when you are petite. The ultimate goal is to find a blazer that accentuates your natural shape. You want it to create a balance between your upper and lower body. Our goal is always to look taller and leaner.

This post will help you nail the fit points and then explain the styles of blazers that typically look best on petite bodies.

5 Fit Points For The Blazer Of Your Dreams

The key to a great blazer fit is making sure that each of the elements is tailored just for you. You may need to have the fit of your blazer tweaked a little bit. Some alterations are less expensive than others so keep that in mind while shopping.

1. Shoulders

This is probably the most important area for a great fit. The shoulders should be straight and crips. The seam where the arm and body meet should be at the outer edge of your shoulder.

You definitely want this area to fit you perfectly. Shoulder alterations can get very expensive.

2. Arm Length

The sleeve of your blazer should fall at the heel of your hand for a truly classic look. Another good length for petites is a 3/4 or bracelet-length sleeve for a great blazer fit.

The cost of hemming sleeves can depend upon whether there are buttons on the end of the sleeve or other details. Sometimes you can just remove one of the buttons and it does not alter the look of the blazer sleeve. If the sleeve has a zipper detail I have just had the sleeves tacked back permanently to keep the design detail and not have a huge alterations bill.

3. Length of Blazer

Even petite-sized blazers come in various lengths. The classic blazer fit is meant to fall at your hip. However, the length can be longer or shorter. It is all a matter of personal preference and your unique body shape. Remember to keep your overall proportions in mind to create the best silhouette for your body. A good thing to pair with a blazer is a pair of high-waisted jeans or pants. That will create the illusion of longer legs.

Petites should avoid blazers that are too long. They can overwhelm our frame.

4. Body

You have to make sure that the body of your blazer fits you in the chest area. Even if you never plan to button your blazer it needs to appear smooth in the front. You don’t want any bumps or bulges in the front of your blazer. Once the bust is fitted you want to make sure that there is not a lot of extra room at the waist.

I am an hourglass figure and many times have to have the waist of my blazers and blouses nipped in at the waist to accommodate the chest. It is usually an easy alteration and not that expensive. Little tweaks like that make all the difference in the fit.

5. Buttons

Well-placed buttons are part of a great blazer fit. Yes, that button detail is important. First of all, the sign of a quality blazer is that all buttons are working buttons with real buttonholes.

Blazers can have one, two, or three buttons. For one and two-button blazers you want to make sure that the top button is under your breast and the lower button is above the belly button. For double-breasted blazers look for buttons that start wider and go in at the waist to create a slenderizing illusion.

Final Blazer Fit Test

While you are trying the blazer on make sure that you:

lift your hands above your head
reach out in front of you
act like you driving and turning the steering wheel

The blazer should move with you when doing all of these things. It should not pull or bunch.

Best Blazer Styles For Petites

Some styles of blazers are just naturally going to look better on our petite frames. Here are examples of blazers that look good if you are a member of the short girl’s club.

Tailored

A tailored blazer is always a good choice for a petite woman. A simple garment that naturally nips in at the waist to accentuate your figure. This style of blazer usually hits right at your hip. A navy blue or black tailored blazer if a must for your fall wardrobe.

Notice how the blazer in the photo above just creates the perfect silhouette on the model’s body. Giving her waist beautiful definition. This is a great tailored corduroy blazer for fall and winter. The placement and angle of the pockets are a great example of a tailored blazer.

Shop Tailored Blazers

Single Breasted

Single-breasted blazers are probably the easiest type of blazer to wear. They work well with pants, jeans, skirts, or dresses. Hip length or shorter is ideal for this style on petite women. Remember that high-waisted bottoms paired with this will make your legs look longer.

Shop single-breasted Blazers

Cropped

This is a style of blazer that every petite woman should have in her closet. They can be tweed, wool, knit, or cotton. This style helps to show off the length of your legs. You can wear this style with flats, loafers or heels. This is one style where you can get away with not always needing petite sizing. Most likely you will just need to have the sleeves hemmed.

Also, the fact that this style of jacket hits at the waist will give the illusion of a small waistline (even if you don’t have one). Many times you will hear this style of jacket referred to as a lady jacket. J. Crew is known for it’s Lady Jackets year-round.

Pinstripes

Any time a petite woman can find thin vertical stripes it is usually a win. It is a classic fabric that never goes out of style. So if you are lucky enough to find one that fits your body make sure you get it. Even better if you can get the coordinating high waisted trousers.

3/4 Sleeves

3/4 sleeve jackets are great for petites. Most of the time they are a cropped length as well. Those design elements go well together. You usually see this style of blazer in the warmer months and I am writing this as we are going into the cooler months.

If you have a 3/4 sleeve jacket and want to wear it in the cooler months consider pairing it with a sheath dress or with a 3/4 length or shorter-sleeved blouse or sweater.

Best Places To Buy Petite Blazers

If you can find a true petite blazer that is the best option. Here are my favorite retailers for petite-sized blazers. Every season they usually have a good selection of sizes and styles that are one trend and made for our smaller framed bodies.

Thanks, Let’s Stay In Touch

Thanks so much for stopping by my post today. I hope that it has helped you with any fit questions you may have as a petite woman. Once you find the blazer that fits you just so and doesn’t need many or any alterations, you may want to buy it in multiple colors or fabrics. Especially if you can find it on sale.

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How Should A Blazer Fit? Helpful Tips For Finding The Best Fit When Petite

How Should A Blazer Fit A Petite Woman