Sharp mens-style blazer for a plus size "woman"

Post date: 2019-09-13 11:20:09

I'm a plus-sized "assigned female at birth" person looking for a sharp-looking, mens-style blazer/jacket. Having a lot of trouble finding what I'm looking for!

Last month I went to a formal event where I was impressed at how most of the men around my age (thirties) had blazers that just seemed to fit them really well, both the skinny guys and the fat guys. I have had no such luck!

What I'm looking for is a blazer that will look well constructed and fit me in a fairly androgynous/masculine way. (ie, will not emphasize my curves) I'll be wearing this with tucked-in button down shirts, maybe a tie, nice pants or jeans, and men's dress shoes. I am OK - actually prefer - looking manly in these clothes.

Where should I be looking? If I buy a men's blazer, what kinds of alterations should I have made?

Considerations:

- I'm a size 20-24 in women's clothes, so firmly in the plus-size category. Which means a lot of the "preppy androgynous" options for women from upscale stores are not available to me. And I do prefer men's clothes in general.

- I have wide shoulders (~47") but even wider hips (~53") and a big belly. I'm resigned to the fact that anything for men that fits in the shoulders, will not close in front. I'm also on the short side, so a lot of men's blazers are just too long for me.

- Boobs are not an issue - they're relatively small and I'll be wearing a chest binder anyway.

- My wide shoulders mean I've found a few blazers that come close to fitting me there but they are still just a bit too big and it ends up looking boxy.

- Blazers for plus-size women are almost always kinda ... flowy (think Eileen Fisher style) or have a lot of darting to emphasize the waist. OR they are "boyfriend blazers" and look intentionally oversized and boxy in a 90s throwback kinda way.

- I have a tailor I like but they told me that taking a jacket in at the shoulders would cost $75, so I only want to do it if I'm sure that will solve the boxiness problem - and I'm not sure it will!

I may wind up just having one made, but it's likely my body is going to change shape in the near future for several reasons, so I'm hesitant to spend that kind of money right now.

Please click Here to read the full story.