Choosing the right blazer for your body type can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! The key is understanding what silhouettes and styles will be most flattering for your unique shape. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through how to choose a blazer for all body types – from pear, apple, hourglass to rectangle. You’ll learn insider tips on necklines, fit, length, fabric and more so you can feel confident and look fabulous in your next blazer.
Determine Your Body Type
The first step to finding your perfect blazer is identifying your body shape. Here are the most common female body types and their characteristics:
| Body Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Pear | Narrow shoulders, larger hips, bottom-heavy |
| Apple | Fuller midsection, less defined waist |
| Hourglass | Curvy, well-defined waist, balanced top and bottom |
| Rectangle | Athletic build, straight waist, balanced shoulders and hips |
| Inverted Triangle | Broad shoulders, narrow hips, top-heavy |
Look in the mirror and determine which silhouette you most closely match. This will help guide your blazer selection process. Don’t worry if you’re between two body types – choose the one you resonate with most!
Blazers for Pear Body Type
If you have a pear body shape with narrow shoulders and wider hips/thighs, the goal is to add structure and volume on top while drawing attention upwards. Here’s how to choose the perfect blazer:
Necklines
Opt for wider or embellished necklines such as a cowl neck, embellished collar, or off-the-shoulder cut. This adds volume and interest to your upper half.
Fit
Look for a slightly oversized or boxy fit blazer that skims (rather than hugs) your waist. Avoid anything too tailored or shrunken.
Length
A longer blazer that hits at high hip or covers your hips fully will help balance out your shape. Avoid cropped lengths which cut you off at the widest part of your hip.
Fabric
Thicker fabrics like tweed or textured materials add nice volume on top. Stretchy blazers can also hug your waist without being too clingy.
Shoulders
Padded or structured shoulders visually broaden your upper half. Look for shoulder pads or stitching details.
Other Tips
- Darker colors on bottom, lighter on top helps draw eyes up
- Wider lapels balance out hips
- Pair with heels to elongate legs
- Cinch with belt to define waist
Blazers for Apple Body Type
If you have an apple body shape with a rounded midsection and less defined waist, the goal is to create shape through the torso while drawing attention upwards. Here’s how to choose a flattering blazer:
Necklines
A v-neck helps elongate the torso, while a collarless neckline is less restrictive. Avoid turtlenecks or crew necks.
Fit
A tailored fit that defines the waist is key. Look for darts, princess seams, and thickened waistbands that nip in at the smallest part of your natural waist.
Length
Aim for a hip or tunic length that provides coverage over the midsection. Cropped styles will cut you off at the fullest part of your tummy.
Fabric
Smooth, non-clingy fabrics look best. Avoid anything too stiff that might add bulk.
Shoulders
Softer, rounded shoulders keep things less boxy. Avoid very padded shoulders.
Other Tips
- Wear darker colors on bottom, lighter on top to draw eyes up
- Single-breasted styles are more slimming than double-breasted
- Embellished collars or lapels add interest up top
- Pair with heels to elongate legs
Blazers for Hourglass Body Type
If you have an hourglass body shape with a defined waist and curvy hips, the goal is to show off your beautiful shape while keeping things balanced. Here’s how to choose an amazing blazer:
Necklines
Options like a deep v-neck, collared, or sweetheart show off your assets tastefully. Stay away from high-necklines.
Fit
Look for tailored, cinched-in styles that contour your waistline. The blazer should be snug (but not tight) through the waist with room at the hips.
Length
Aim for a hip to tunic length that hits at the fullest part of your hips or lower. Cropped styles can make your lower half look disproportionately larger.
Fabric
Smooth fabrics with stretch like ponte, jacquard and velvet nicely hug curves without being too restrictive. Avoid thick or overly structured fabrics.
Shoulders
Softer shoulders are best for hourglass figures – thick shoulder pads can make your upper half look out of balance with your hips.
Other Tips
- Princess seams and darts contour waist nicely
- Wear darker colors on bottom, lighter on top
- Pair with heels to really show off legs
- Belt at narrowest part of waist to accentuate hourglass shape
Blazers for Rectangle Body Type
If you have an athletic, rectangle-shaped body with broad shoulders and straight hips, the goal is to create curves while adding shape through the waist. Here’s how to find a gorgeous blazer for your frame:
Necklines
Softer necklines like a v-neck help feminize a rectangular shape. Collars and lapels also add nice detailing.
Fit
A tailored, nipped waist paired with a slightly flared peplum or swing shape can help add curves. Look for princess seams, thickened waistband or belted styles.
Length
Aim for a hip to longer length that hits below your hips instead of a cropped style that cuts your line off. Longer lengths help elongate your shape.
Fabric
Textured or embellished fabrics add visual interest and femininity. Avoid anything too stiff.
Shoulders
Soft, unpadded shoulders keep things balanced. Severely padded shoulders can make you look boxy.
Other Tips
- Wear darker colors on bottom, lighter on top to draw eyes down
- Pair with feminine heels and accessories
- Try a swing or peplum shape for added curves
- Cinch with a belt to accentuate waist
Blazers for Inverted Triangle Body Type
If you have an inverted triangle shape with broad shoulders and narrow hips, the goal is to balance out your upper body while emphasizing your legs. Here’s how to rock an inverted triangle-flattering blazer:
Necklines
A v-neck helps take emphasis off your shoulders. High or turtlenecks can make shoulders look even wider.
Fit
Look for a tailored blazer that gently skims (rather than hugs) your waistline. Oversized or boxy styles will overwhelm your frame.
Length
Aim for a shorter, cropped length that hits at high hip or above to show off legs and draw attention downwards. Long and oversized styles can make you look top-heavy.
Fabric
Smooth, delicate fabrics with drape help soften broad shoulders. Avoid thick, stiff materials like shoulder pads that add bulk up top.
Shoulders
Avoid pronounced shoulder pads or stitching – they widen your already strong shoulders.
Other Tips
- Wear lighter colors up top, darker on bottom
- Pair with heels to elongate legs
- Try flutter or kimono sleeves to soften shoulders
- Look for curved hemlines like a peplum
Additional Blazer Styling Tips
Here are some finishing touches for looking fabulous and pulled together in your blazers:
Pattern and Color
Solids and muted patterns are universally flattering. Bolder prints and bright colors call more attention, so wear strategically. Monochromatic color schemes look chic and elongate the body.
Sleeve Length
Experiment with different sleeve lengths and details. Long sleeves balance fuller bottoms, cropped sleeves show off arms, Bell/flared shapes soften broad shoulders. Cuffs and rolled sleeves add visual interest.
Closures
Pay attention to closures like buttons, zips and hooks. Off-center closures are slimming. Opt for a single-breasted over double-breasted jacket.
Lapel Style
Peak lapels draw the eyes upwards diagonally, shawl lapels soften shoulders, notched lapels nicely frame the face.
Pockets
Patch pockets add volume visually, while jetted pockets streamline the hips. Avoid pockets at fullest part of stomach.
Conclusion
Finding a blazer for your unique body type might seem tricky, but understanding what flatters your silhouette makes it easy. Focus on broadening narrow shoulders or shrinking fuller midsections with strategic necklines, lengths, details and fit. Most importantly, have fun with your personal style and choose pieces that make you feel confident, chic and comfortable in your own skin!
