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Jackets: What Type Should I Buy for a Curvy Body Shape?

Introduction

When buying a jacket for a curvy body shape, the priority is proportion, structure, and fit. Curvier figures—whether classified as hourglass, pear-shaped, or full-figured—require jackets that enhance the waist, balance volume, and offer room through the bust and hips without gaping or pulling.

Yet, brand sizing is notoriously inconsistent. A UK 14 in one label might fit like a 16 in another—or worse, be cut straight with no consideration for curves. This is where Tellar.co.uk steps in. As the UK’s leading free sizing tool, Tellar matches your body measurements to sizing data from over 1,500+ fashion brands, saving time, money, and frustration.

This guide explores the most flattering jacket styles for curvier women, key technical features to prioritise, styles to avoid, and the best brands for tailoring to shape—all backed by fit logic and practical examples.

Understanding the Curvy Frame: What Does It Mean Technically?

A “curvy” body generally includes:

  • A defined waist (typically 8–12 inches smaller than the hips or bust)

  • Full bust (UK cup size D or above)

  • Full hips or thighs

According to Tellar’s sizing data, around 46% of UK women fall into a curvy or hourglass category—yet most mainstream high-street brands still pattern-cut to a straight model base. This is where jacket fit issues arise, particularly around the bust and waist.

To remove the guesswork, start by creating a profile at Tellar.co.uk/create-profile with your chest, waist and hip measurements in either cm or inches. Tellar will instantly show you the correct size per brand, based on actual garment data.

Top Jacket Styles That Work for Curvy Figures

1. Single-Breasted, Tailored Blazers

Why they work:

  • Streamlined silhouette

  • Minimise extra bulk at the bust

  • Darts and panels shape the waistline

  • Elongate the torso

Features to look for:

  • One or two-button styles (avoid double-breasted)

  • Stretch blend fabrics for flexibility

  • Nipped waist with princess seams

Best brands for curvy tailoring:

  • Karen Millen: Known for body-conscious tailoring and sculpting lines

  • Hobbs: Elegant silhouettes with room at the bust

  • Boden: Offers structured blazers in extended sizes up to UK 22

🔗 Check your size in Karen Millen now via Tellar.

2. Belted Trench Coats & Wrap Jackets

Why they work:

  • Define the waist (a key curvy asset)

  • Adjustable fit

  • Flattering overlap for busts

  • Versatile for all heights

Fabric tip: Choose mid-weight twill or gabardine with some drape but structure.

Recommended brands:

  • Reiss: Sleek trenches with clean lapels

  • Mango: Affordable wrap coats with high-street accessibility

  • & Other Stories: Belted wool-blends that offer room through the hips

👉 Use Tellar.co.uk to confirm size compatibility across these retailers.

3. Peplum and Fit-and-Flare Jackets

Why they work:

  • Accentuate the waist

  • Add volume only where it flatters

  • Balanced silhouette from top to bottom

Great for: Hourglass and pear-shaped figures wanting to balance wider hips.

Try styles from:

  • Coast: Occasion-friendly peplum styles

  • Chi Chi London: Fitted cropped jackets with a flare

  • Whistles: Modern tailoring with subtle shape enhancements

4. Cropped Jackets (Paired with High-Waisted Bottoms)

Why they work:

  • Draw attention to the waist

  • Avoid covering hips awkwardly

  • Add proportion to short torsos

Best used as:
A layer over dresses or high-waist jeans to keep proportions harmonious.

Brands that do it well:

  • River Island Curve: Cropped faux-leather and denim

  • Levi’s: Trucker jackets with just enough taper

  • Monsoon: Embroidered cropped styles with flair

5. Soft Draped Jackets with Structure

Why they work:

  • Skim without clinging

  • Follow body lines subtly

  • Ideal for layering over fitted tops or dresses

Watch for: Draped lapels and defined seams at the back for shape retention.

Go-to labels:

  • Phase Eight: Draped waterfall jackets with stretch

  • Elvi: Modern shapes made for curvy silhouettes

  • Zara: Tailored options with flowy open fronts

What to Avoid for Curvy Body Shapes

To maintain proportion and comfort, avoid these common jacket missteps:

Don’t Wear Why It Doesn’t Work
Double-breasted jackets Adds unnecessary bulk at the chest
Straight boxy cuts Hides the waist and widens your frame visually
Overly padded shoulders Can make your top half look disproportionate
Cropped sleeves that cut mid-bicep Shortens and widens arms visually
Heavy zips or patch pockets over bust Adds visual weight where it’s least flattering

🔎 Want to know how your favourite brands handle structure and cut? Use Tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup to see how each one actually fits.

Key Fit & Fabric Considerations for Jackets on Curvy Frames

✅ Look for Princess Seams

They provide contour through the bust and waist without needing excessive tailoring.

✅ Prefer Vertical Over Horizontal Lines

Seams, piping, or lapels that follow the line of the body elongate your shape.

✅ Choose Stretch Wovens or Ponte Knits

These fabrics offer support without stiffness and provide better range of movement across the bust and arms.

✅ Check the Armhole Cut

Curvier women often need higher armholes for mobility. Lower cuts can restrict movement and cause fabric pulling across the chest.

Brands That Consistently Fit Curvier Women Well

High Street:

  • Hobbs

  • Karen Millen

  • River Island Plus

  • M&S Autograph

  • Zara TRF (select cuts)

Mid-Range:

  • Phase Eight

  • Reiss

  • Boden

  • Whistles

Premium/Designer:

  • Lauren Ralph Lauren

  • Marina Rinaldi (Max Mara Group)

  • 14th & Union

Find your exact size across all these brands instantly at Tellar.co.uk.

Final Pro Tips: Buying Jackets That Fit and Flatter

  1. Fit the largest part first (e.g. bust or hips), then tailor in at the waist

  2. Avoid overly thick linings that reduce ease over curves

  3. Use Tellar’s measurement guide or printable tape measure to measure correctly:
    https://www.tellar.co.uk

  4. Size up and tailor down if between sizes – tailoring is easier than squeezing into tight seams

  5. Prioritise cut over trend – the best jackets make you feel confident, not hidden

CTA: Ready to Shop Smarter?

Never guess your jacket size again. Tellar.co.uk will show you your exact size across 1,500+ brands using your measurements.

🎯 Create your free profile in under 2 minutes:
👉 Tellar.co.uk/create-profile

🎯 Instantly check if brands run large, small or true to size:
👉 Tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup

No sign-up fees. No guessing. No returns.
Just your perfect fit – first time.

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