Jackets: What Type Should I Buy for My Body Shape?
Author: Stylist at TellarDate: 2025
When it comes to jackets, a poor fit can undermine even the most premium design. Choosing the right jacket isn’t just about style—it’s a technical consideration of structure, proportion, fabric behaviour, and cut. For consumers looking to invest in wardrobe pieces that complement their frame and fit properly without trial and error, understanding body shape is key. At tellar.co.uk, we match your exact measurements to 1,500+ brands to help you find your correct size instantly—removing the guesswork from outerwear shopping.
This guide outlines the most effective jacket styles per body shape, technical considerations when selecting structure and fabric, and how Tellar.co.uk helps you navigate sizing inconsistencies between brands with real-time precision.
1. Why Jacket Fit Matters More Than You Think
A jacket’s fit defines your entire silhouette. Unlike a jumper or shirt, a jacket must work across three layers: base layer, mid-layer, and outer shell. If it fails at any level—shoulder seam placement, waist suppression, sleeve pitch—the result is visible imbalance. According to retail analytics by Edited (2024), outerwear returns are 23% higher than other categories, primarily due to incorrect fit.
Tellar.co.uk eliminates this by using your chest, waist, and hip measurements to calculate your ideal size per brand and garment type. Whether shopping for a belted trench or a structured wool blazer, fit precision is critical—and achievable with data.
2. Understanding Your Body Shape
Before selecting jacket types, identify your base shape. Here’s a technical breakdown:
Body Shape | Characteristics |
---|---|
Hourglass | Proportional bust and hips, narrow waist |
Pear-shaped | Hips wider than bust and shoulders |
Apple-shaped | Full midsection, narrow hips and limbs |
Rectangle | Bust, waist, hips nearly the same width |
Inverted Triangle | Broad shoulders, narrow hips |
Accurate body shape assessment can be done using Tellar’s tellar.co.uk to check how each brand defines waist-to-hip proportions before purchasing.
6. Rectangle Shape: Add Curves and Structure
Best Styles:
Double-breasted coats
Cropped jackets with hemline flares
Jackets with belts or cinched waists
Avoid:
Straight boxy cuts without any darting or shaping.
Fabric with no drape or stiffness, which can exaggerate flatness.
Recommendation:
Choose jacket styles that break up the vertical plane. Jackets with asymmetric closures or waist seams visually define curves.
📌 Use Tellar’s profile tool to compare waist-to-bust ratios between brands—ideal for rectangle shapes aiming for proportion control.
7. Inverted Triangle: Minimise Width at the Shoulders
Best Styles:
A-line cuts
Soft-shouldered designs (e.g., dropped seams)
Collarless jackets or those with slim lapels
Avoid:
Military jackets, epaulettes or shoulder detailing.
Thick shoulder pads or dramatic collars.
Technical Consideration:
Balance is created by visually widening the lower body—opt for belted designs or peplum hem jackets that flare out.
💡 Compare how brands like ME+EM, Whistles, and Massimo Dutti cut their jackets using tellar.co.uk.
Let Tellar.co.uk Eliminate Jacket Guesswork
Finding a jacket that fits both your shape and your size used to mean trial and error. With tellar.co.uk, you only need to:
Create a profile with your three key measurements.
Instantly see what size you are in over 1,500 brands.
Get style-matched based on shape, cut, and fit history.
✅ Stop returning jackets. Start wearing them confidently.
👉 Create your free profile now
🎯 Use the size lookup tool for real-time jacket recommendations
📎 Download the measuring tape to start measuring accurately
Follow Us for More Professional Fit Advice
Final Word: Whether you're shopping high-street or luxury, jacket fit should never be a compromise. Let Tellar.co.uk guide your next purchase—so you get a jacket that fits your shape, your size, and your lifestyle.
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