Single Breasted Jackets - The Ultimate Guide

A single breasted jacket is the ultimate versatile wardrobe essential that every woman needs. Unlike its double breasted counterpart, this streamlined silhouette features a single row of buttons and a clean, unfussy front that creates an elegant, elongated line perfect for both professional and casual settings.

Why Single Breasted Jackets Are Essential

As a stylist, I've seen countless women transform their entire wardrobe with just one perfectly fitted single breasted jacket. The beauty lies in its incredible versatility – it's the chameleon of outerwear that effortlessly transitions from boardroom to brunch, formal events to weekend casual.

The single breasted design creates a clean vertical line that's universally flattering, making it ideal for all body types. Whether you're petite and want to add structure, curvy and seeking definition, or tall and looking for polish, this jacket style works brilliantly.

Key Style Features to Look For

When selecting your perfect single breasted jacket, focus on these crucial elements:

Lapel Shape: Notched lapels are the most versatile and classic choice, whilst peak lapels add drama for evening wear. Avoid overly wide lapels if you have a broader frame.

Button Placement: The button should sit at your natural waist to create the most flattering silhouette. Too high and you'll look boxy; too low and you lose definition.

Shoulder Fit: This is non-negotiable – the shoulder seam should sit precisely at your shoulder point. Everything else can be tailored, but shoulders are costly to alter.

Length: For professional wear, choose a length that hits mid-hip. Petite frames suit cropped styles, whilst taller women can carry longer, boyfriend-style cuts beautifully.

Choosing the Right Fabric

Fabric choice dramatically impacts both the jacket's versatility and longevity. For year-round wear, I recommend wool crepe or tropical wool – they're wrinkle-resistant and work across seasons.

Cotton blends offer excellent value and casual versatility, whilst linen creates that effortless summer sophistication (though expect some creasing). For investment pieces, nothing beats a quality wool gabardine or ponte knit for comfort and polish.

Body Shape Styling Guide

Apple Shape: Choose jackets with soft shoulders and avoid excessive waist suppression. V-necks underneath elongate your torso beautifully.

Pear Shape: Opt for structured shoulders and chest details like breast pockets to balance your silhouette. Keep the length at hip level.

Hourglass: You can wear virtually any single breasted style – embrace fitted waists and consider belted options to highlight your natural curves.

Rectangle: Create curves with peplum styles or jackets with waist details. Textured fabrics add visual interest.

Colour Strategy

For maximum versatility, start with navy, charcoal, or black – these work with 90% of your existing wardrobe. Camel and cream are sophisticated neutrals that transition beautifully between seasons.

Once you've mastered the basics, experiment with rich jewel tones like emerald or burgundy for statement pieces. Tweed and check patterns add texture and British sophistication to casual looks.

High Street Heroes

ARKET: Exceptional quality at accessible prices. Their wool blazers offer minimalist Scandi style with impeccable tailoring. Perfect for the modern professional woman. £69-£149

COS: Architectural cuts and premium fabrics make these jackets feel far more expensive than they are. Their structured blazers are office-appropriate yet fashion-forward. £79-£179

Whistles: British tailoring expertise at its finest. Their jackets offer sophisticated cuts with contemporary details – excellent for petite to tall frames. £149-£299

& Other Stories: On-trend silhouettes with European flair. Perfect for younger professionals wanting fashion-forward pieces that still work in conservative offices. £69-£159

Premium Picks

Ganni: Danish design at its coolest. Their blazers combine unexpected colours with classic cuts – perfect for creative industries or weekend sophistication. £245-£395

Toteme: Swedish minimalism perfected. These jackets offer understated luxury with impeccable proportions. Investment pieces that transcend trends. £290-£450

Lemaire: Parisian sophistication with relaxed tailoring. Their blazers offer that coveted 'undone' elegance that's both professional and effortlessly chic. £380-£590

Filippa K: Swedish precision meets timeless design. Their jackets offer exceptional fit and sophisticated neutral palettes. Perfect for the discerning minimalist. £295-£495

Designer Dreams

The Row: The gold standard of modern tailoring. Their single breasted jackets offer museum-quality construction with contemporary silhouettes. An investment for life. £890-£1,590

Khaite: New York sophistication with a twist. Their blazers combine classic tailoring with unexpected details – perfect for the fashion-conscious professional. £695-£1,295

Loewe: Spanish craftsmanship meets modern design. Their jackets offer architectural lines with luxurious fabrics – statement pieces that elevate any outfit. £790-£1,450

Gabriela Hearst: Sustainable luxury at its finest. Their blazers combine environmental consciousness with impeccable tailoring – guilt-free investment dressing. £850-£1,650

Styling Your Single Breasted Jacket

Professional Power: Pair with matching trousers, a crisp white shirt, and pointed-toe flats. Add statement earrings for personality whilst maintaining authority.

Weekend Sophisticated: Layer over a silk camisole with dark denim and ankle boots. Roll the sleeves slightly for a relaxed feel.

Evening Elegance: Wear open over a slip dress with heels and delicate jewellery. The contrast between structured and fluid creates modern glamour.

Casual Chic: Throw over a striped tee with tailored joggers and white trainers. It's the easiest way to look polished whilst running errands.

Care and Maintenance

Invest in quality wooden hangers to maintain shape, and always hang your jacket immediately after wear. Professional dry cleaning twice a season maintains fabric integrity, whilst steaming between wears refreshes the silhouette.

For wool jackets, use a clothes brush to remove surface dirt and lint. Store with lavender sachets to deter moths and maintain freshness. Quality jackets reward proper care with decades of wear.

Discover Your Perfect Fit with Tellar.co.uk

Finding the right size across different brands can be frustrating – but it doesn't have to be. Tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading sizing tool that matches your body exactly to over 1500 brands instantly.

How it works:

1. Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or existing brand size.

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Plus, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub – a library packed with free posts from top stylists. Honest, unbiased, independent advice that's always free.

Essential reads:

Never look at a size guide again – because perfect fit should be effortless, not guesswork.