By That Girl Whitney Team
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A blazer is the fastest way to look put together. Throw one over a tee and jeans, and you look ready for a meeting. Add one to a dress, and you’re dressed for a dinner out. For plus size women, though, finding a blazer that fits can be frustrating. Buttons pull across the bust and the shoulders either swallow you or squeeze.
The right plus size blazer fits your shoulders and lets you move your arms. Once you find one, you’ll wear it with almost everything you own.
This guide covers how a blazer should fit, the styles worth owning, how to wear a blazer for work and weekends, and shopping tips that help you find the right one. Your closet is about to get a serious upgrade.
How a Blazer Should Fit
Fit is everything with blazers, so check these areas.
Shoulders. The shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, not hang down your arm or pull toward your neck. Shoulders are hard to tailor, so get this part right first.
Bust. The blazer should button without pulling or creating an X shape across the front. If it pulls, size up or choose an open-front style.
Sleeves. Sleeves should end at your wrist bone and give you room to bend your elbows and reach forward.
Length. A blazer that hits at the hip is the most versatile. Longer blazers create a long vertical line, and cropped styles work well with high-waisted pants and dresses.
Closure. You should be able to button a single-breasted blazer without the fabric forming an X across your middle. If you’ll always wear it open, focus on how it hangs at the front instead.
Raise your arms and give yourself a hug when you try one on. If it feels tight across the back, try the next size up.
Blazer Styles Worth Owning
These styles cover most situations.
The classic single-breasted blazer has one row of buttons and a tailored shape. In black or navy, it works for every office.
The longline blazer falls to the upper thigh. It looks especially polished over leggings and dresses.
The open-front blazer has no buttons, so it never pulls across the bust. It drapes easily and works for casual looks.
The knit blazer is made from a stretchy, soft fabric. It feels like a cardigan and looks like a blazer.
The oversized blazer has a relaxed, boyfriend fit. It looks cool over a tee and jeans.
Start with a neutral color, then add a fun color or a pattern like plaid for fall.
Start with a neutral like black or camel for your first blazer, then add a color or a pattern once you know which style you reach for most.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size longline blazer or plus size knit blazer
Wearing a Blazer for Work and Weekends
A blazer works far beyond the office.
At work. Pair a blazer with trousers and a shell for a classic look, or with a dress for a polished meeting outfit. Our plus size work pants guide covers the pants that pair best.
Smart casual. Wear a blazer over a white tee with dark jeans and loafers. This might be the most useful outfit formula in fashion.
Date night. Throw a blazer over a slip dress or a silky cami with wide-leg pants. Add heels and gold jewelry.
Weekend errands. An oversized blazer over a graphic tee and sneakers looks effortlessly stylish.
Push the sleeves up slightly for a relaxed look, or roll them to show a pretty lining.
Shop Whitney’s storefront: plus size oversized blazer
Shopping Tips for Plus Size Blazers
These habits help you find a blazer that fits.
Check the size chart for bust and shoulder measurements. Blazer sizing varies a lot between brands.
Read reviews from plus size shoppers. Look for comments about tight sleeves and shoulder fit.
Consider stretch. A blazer with a little stretch in the fabric moves more comfortably.
Look at plus size specialty brands. Brands designed for plus size bodies often cut blazers with more room in the bust and arms. Our Eloquii review roundup covers a brand known for tailored workwear.
Plan for tailoring. A tailor can shorten sleeves or adjust the waist for a custom fit, but shoulders are hard to change.
Try it with your real layers. Wear the top you’ll usually style the blazer over when you try it on. A blazer that fits over a thin tee may pull over a sweater.
The Blazer Effect
A plus size blazer that fits well is one of the most versatile pieces you can own. Check the shoulders and sleeves first, pick a style that suits your life, and wear it with everything from trousers to jeans and sneakers. Once you find the right one, you’ll wonder how you ever got dressed without it.
Shop Whitney’s favorite plus size finds on her Amazon storefront, and follow @thatgirlwhitney on Instagram for more plus size outfit ideas.