Tellar

Menu

Jackets – What Type Should I Buy for a Smart or Workwear Look vs Casual Wear?

Whether you’re heading to the office or styling a relaxed weekend fit, the right jacket can elevate your outfit—and make or break the silhouette you’re going for. With so many styles available, it can be tricky to know which jacket suits a smart, professional look versus which works better for laid-back everyday wear. In this guide, we’ll break down the best jacket types for both smart and casual wardrobes, explain how to tailor your choices to your body shape, and show you how Tellar.co.uk makes getting the perfect fit easier than ever.

Why Jackets Matter

Jackets are one of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe. They’re the first thing people see and often the element that defines your overall look. A blazer can instantly smarten a basic outfit, while an oversized denim jacket screams street style. But how do you know what works best in a professional setting vs your weekend wardrobe?

Let’s explore.

Smart & Workwear Jackets: Structured, Polished, Intentional

If you’re dressing for the office, interviews, meetings, or any event that requires a polished appearance, the jacket should say: “put together.” These are the key styles to consider:

1. The Classic Blazer

Best for: Office, meetings, formal dinners
Cuts to look for: Single-breasted, tailored fit, cinched at the waist (for women), or structured shoulders (for men)

A well-fitting blazer is a smartwear essential. For women, opt for a tailored or slightly oversized cut with defined shoulders and a nipped waist. For men, structured lines and classic lapels elevate any shirt-trouser combo. Brands like Reiss, Massimo Dutti, and Whistles are known for their sharp tailoring, but sizing can be tricky between brands—which is where Tellar.co.uk becomes indispensable.

Tip: Pair with tailored trousers or a pencil skirt for a refined finish.

Find your blazer size across brands with Tellar.co.uk →

2. Wool Coats & Crombie Styles

Best for: Autumn/winter office days, events, smarter layering

When the weather cools, opt for wool-blend overcoats or a Crombie style. Longline cuts add instant elegance, and dark tones like navy, camel or charcoal work perfectly over suits or dresses. COS and Jigsaw offer minimal, sleek options that run differently in size depending on cut—another reason to use Tellar.co.uk.

Style Tip: Layer over a blazer for a double-structured silhouette. Don’t forget to check shoulder width—an often-overlooked fit issue that Tellar can fix.

3. Tailored Trench Coats

Best for: Transitional weather, city commuting, spring/summer meetings

Smart but not overly formal, a trench coat is an ideal middle ground. Stick to neutral colours (beige, black, khaki) and belt it at the waist for a flattering finish. Brands like Hobbs, Burberry, and Zara offer a huge range—but again, sizing varies wildly. Use Tellar.co.uk to match your chest, waist and hip measurements to the brand’s real-world sizing.

Casual Jackets: Relaxed, Functional, Stylish

Casual jackets should bring flexibility and personal style. Whether you’re heading to brunch, running errands, or styling a night out, your jacket should feel effortless.

1. Denim Jackets

Best for: Spring days, layering, off-duty looks
Cuts to consider: Cropped, oversized, fitted

The classic denim jacket remains timeless. Cropped styles highlight the waist (great for hourglass or petite shapes), while oversized fits suit a more laid-back, modern look. Brands like Levi’s, Topshop, and Weekday offer denim jackets in multiple cuts—but a ‘Medium’ can mean very different things brand to brand.

Use Tellar.co.uk to compare your measurements against 1,500+ brands

2. Bomber Jackets

Best for: Streetwear, casual evenings out, layering over dresses or tees

Bombers give off a sporty yet cool vibe. Opt for a minimalist satin version for a sleek, feminine look or a classic nylon bomber for a tougher edge. Nike, Mango, and Arket have versatile options. Want to avoid it being too tight at the bust or riding up your back? That’s where Tellar’s sizing precision helps.

3. Utility & Shacket Styles

Best for: Daywear, travel, warm-weather layering
Features: Multiple pockets, button-ups, shirt-style collars

The ‘shacket’ (shirt-jacket hybrid) has gained traction as a go-to casual piece. It’s great over jeans or layered with knitwear. Choose khaki or cream tones for versatility. & Other Stories, AllSaints, and New Look stock trendy options.

Top Fit Tip: These often have a boxy cut—great for apple or athletic builds, but pear and curvier shapes may want to size up or belt at the waist. Check your best fit here.

How to Choose Based on Body Shape

Curvy Body: Structured blazers and belted jackets highlight the waist. Avoid overly boxy cuts unless belted.
Petite: Cropped or short-length jackets elongate the legs. Stick to fitted silhouettes.
Tall: You can pull off longline coats, trenches, and oversized bombers with ease.
Athletic or Rectangle: Look for volume-adding details—like puffed sleeves or cinched waists—to create curves.
Pear-Shaped: Balancing wider hips? Go for strong shoulders and avoid cropped styles that end at your widest point.

Want personalised advice? Create your Tellar profile in 60 seconds to get jacket recommendations tailored to your shape and favourite stores.

Why Jacket Sizing is So Confusing

You’d think a UK 10 is a UK 10 everywhere—but that’s far from reality.

  • Zara runs small on jackets and often has narrow shoulders

  • Mango fluctuates depending on the collection

  • Reiss tends to be more structured and closer fitting

  • H&M often has oversized cuts—but not consistently

  • Burberry’s trench coats are iconic but notoriously tight in the shoulders

This is where Tellar.co.uk changes the game.

By entering your three core body measurements—chest, waist, and hips—Tellar instantly recommends your best size across more than 1,500 brands. Whether you’re buying a smart blazer or a casual puffer, you’ll avoid sizing guesswork and awkward returns.

Tellar.co.uk: The UK’s Leading Free Sizing Tool

At Tellar.co.uk, we believe you shouldn’t have to gamble with size charts. Our smart algorithm:

  • Matches your body measurements to real brand sizing

  • Shows you your best size for jackets (and everything else) in seconds

  • Saves your profile, so you don’t have to repeat the process

  • Works across 1,500+ stores including COS, Zara, Reiss, Massimo Dutti, Mango and more

It’s free, fast, and takes less than a minute.

👉 Find your jacket size now
👉 Create your profile here

Follow Tellar.co.uk for More Styling Tips & Sizing Truths

Stay up to date with smart styling tips, brand comparisons, size guides, and how to avoid the nightmare of ordering the wrong size (again).

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re after a sharply tailored blazer or a throw-on denim jacket, understanding the difference between smart and casual jackets—and how they fit your body—is key. The modern wardrobe is all about versatility, but that doesn’t mean one-size-fits-all.

Instead of guessing, let Tellar.co.uk take the pressure off. With the UK’s most accurate size-matching tool, you’ll always know your best fit, no matter the brand, cut, or occasion.

“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy”
Start now at Tellar.co.uk