Jackets: What Type Should I Buy for a Curvy Body Shape?
Author: Stylist and brand team at Tellar
Date: 2025
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Finding the right jacket when you have a curvy body shape can feel like a minefield. Too boxy and you risk hiding your beautiful shape. Too tight and nothing sits quite right. But with the right cuts, styles, and a little guidance from Tellar.co.uk, you can find a jacket that flatters your curves, fits you perfectly, and elevates your entire look.
As the UK’s leading free sizing tool, Tellar.co.uk helps match your body measurements to over 1,500+ brands, removing the guesswork from sizing across retailers. Whether you're shopping high street or high-end, here's your ultimate guide to buying jackets that work with your curves – not against them.
Understanding Your Curvy Body Shape
A curvy body doesn't follow one fixed template, but generally, it refers to bodies with a fuller bust, defined waist, and fuller hips or thighs. Some fall under the "hourglass" label, others lean more pear-shaped or full-figured. The key to flattering jackets is balance and tailoring – you want to highlight your waist, avoid shapelessness, and create smooth, structured lines.
If you're unsure where you fall in terms of shape and size, start by heading to Tellar.co.uk/create-profile and entering your chest, waist, and hip measurements. You’ll get personalised sizing recommendations across brands in seconds.
Best Jacket Styles for Curvy Figures
Let’s break down the most flattering jacket styles for curvy women, and why they work.
1. Belted Jackets
If there’s one golden rule for curvy figures, it’s don’t hide the waist – highlight it. Belted jackets cinch you in and emphasise your curves rather than concealing them.
Whether you go for a trench coat, wrap jacket or belted blazer, the added definition helps your silhouette shine.
Try:
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Hobbs belted trench coats
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Reiss tailored wool wrap coats
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Mango tie-waist blazers
🔗 Use Tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup to find your best fit in Reiss, Mango, and more.
2. Peplum Jackets
Peplum designs flare out just below the waist, balancing the hips and creating a beautifully feminine hourglass effect. These are perfect for eveningwear or dressing up a daytime outfit.
Look for:
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Fitted bodices
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Structured shoulders
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Subtle flare from the waistline
Pair with skinny jeans or a pencil skirt to let the shape take centre stage.
3. Tailored Blazers
A tailored blazer with darts at the bust and shaping through the torso can be a curvy woman’s best friend. Avoid boxy styles and instead opt for single-breasted designs with some stretch – these hug the body without clinging.
Best picks:
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Boden fitted blazers
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Karen Millen sculpting jackets
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Zara curve-friendly tailoring
For real-time size matches in these brands, plug your profile into Tellar.co.uk and see your best jacket size in seconds.
4. Cropped Jackets
Cropped jackets can work wonders for petite curvy frames or those with longer torsos. They stop at the waist, drawing the eye to your narrowest point and creating a visual break.
Pair with high-waisted jeans, dresses or skirts to elongate your legs and accentuate your figure.
Recommended styles:
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Cropped denim jackets from & Other Stories
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River Island cropped biker jackets
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Whistles short box jackets with tailoring
5. Structured Denim or Leather Jackets
Denim and leather jackets are wardrobe staples – but the trick for curvy shapes is finding ones with structure and shape. Avoid oversized and slouchy versions.
Look for:
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Vertical seam details
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Panels that enhance your shape
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Stretch fabric blends
Use Tellar.co.uk to check how brands like Levi’s or AllSaints fit you personally.
6. Wrap and Drape Jackets
Wrap jackets or coats with soft lapels and a tie-waist add elegance while still flattering the waist. These look particularly great on fuller busts and hourglass figures.
Try layering over knit dresses or tailored trousers for a balanced silhouette.
What to Avoid if You’re Curvy
Here are a few jacket traps that don’t do curvy figures any favours:
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Boxy or oversized fits that hide your waist
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Double-breasted blazers that can over-emphasise the bust
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Straight-cut jackets with no waist shaping
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High necklines that crowd a fuller bust
Instead, go for deep lapels, subtle structure, and shaping that follows your body rather than hiding it.
Need help interpreting a brand’s cut? Use Tellar.co.uk to check if a brand is known to run large, small, or true to size.
Fabric and Fit Tips for Curvy Women
✅ Prioritise stretch blends
Jackets with a small amount of elastane or spandex (around 2–5%) allow for flexibility and better shape retention.
✅ Go for vertical detailing
Princess seams, vertical zips or panelling lengthen the body and create a leaner silhouette.
✅ Choose the right sleeve length
Three-quarter or full-length sleeves draw the eye vertically. Avoid wide or puffed sleeves that can add bulk.
Shopping Smarter: Use Tellar.co.uk to Find the Right Size Across 1,500+ Brands
When you're curvy, size variation between brands becomes even more frustrating. One UK 14 might fit perfectly in Hobbs, but be too tight in COS and way too roomy in ASOS. That’s where Tellar.co.uk becomes a game-changer.
What Tellar.co.uk does:
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Matches your measurements to real brand sizing data
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Tells you your best-fitting size in each brand
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Works for over 1,500+ brands, including Zara, Reiss, Whistles, COS, Mango, and more
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Works with UK, US and EU sizing
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Completely free to use – and no measurements are ever sold or shared
Create your profile and get matched today.
Real Talk: Confidence Over Convention
Whatever the trends say, the best jacket is the one that fits your body and your style. Curvy doesn’t mean hiding – it means dressing with intention. Own your silhouette and work with pieces that feel good on you.
And remember: Size doesn’t define style. Fit does.
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Final Thoughts
Shopping for jackets as a curvy woman doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right cuts, smart fabric choices, and your free size profile from Tellar.co.uk, you're one step away from wardrobe wins every single time.