Jackets with wide arms

August 20, 2015 7:09 AM

I have proportionally really big arms. Is there any story that sells women's jackets/blazers/button-downs with roomier arms?

So I wear a size medium top (fits in the shoulders and the body), but I need an XL to comfortably accommodate my arms - but then, of course, it looks totally ridiculous on the rest of me. And it is so much larger than I need that a tailor can't do anything without completely changing the structure of the garment (not to mention costing me a small fortune).

I've been getting by with cardigans and those hybrid sweater-blazers, but I really like the look of structured jackets (not to mention button-downs and non-stretchy long-sleeved shirts, both of which are off the table). Is there any hope for me? For money reasons, it is not feasible for me to get something custom made, although I realize that might be the answer.

If it's helpful, I do most of my shopping at the Loft (where I need an XL in the arms) and the Limited (where I can soooometimes squeeze them into a large, but still usually need an XL). But I don't ever shop other places (except for Target or Kohl's or whatever), so maybe there is a store that makes this product? I can't be the only big-armed girl.

posted by goodbyewaffles to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (7 answers total)

Check out Carhartt. Amazon has a bunch of Carhartt outerwear, too.
posted by theraflu at 8:35 AM on August 20, 2015

Best answer: What is your price range / upper price limit? Can you pay $100 for a good-quality blazer? If so, consider going to a big Nordstrom (some stores have a lot more selection than others) and scheduling an appointment with a personal stylist. The styling is free and there's low pressure to buy, but your shopping choices will be from Nordstrom and you're unlikely to fit into the junior's clothes which tend to have extra-slim arms, so don't expect Loft/Limited-level prices.
posted by serelliya at 9:06 AM on August 20, 2015

I had a similar issue after having my first baby- My waist was too large to fit the women's jackets that fit my shoulders. I wandered into the men's section and found the perfect coat there. Their sizes are more forgiving and they have cute stuff.
posted by myselfasme at 9:11 AM on August 20, 2015

Response by poster: Right, sorry, to clarify: I'm looking for blazers and casual jackets (i.e. this one), rather than winter coats (I just buy those in a larger size, since I live in Chicago and it doesn't really matter if my giant down parka is flattering).

Thanks for the tip on Nordstrom, serelliya. $100 would be totally fine - I don't need a lot of blazers but it'd be nice to have one :)
posted by goodbyewaffles at 9:20 AM on August 20, 2015

Google blazers with dolman sleeves. I have a couple and I love them so much. Stylish, plus freedom of movement!
posted by the webmistress at 12:30 PM on August 20, 2015

Best answer: I have a similar build, and I've had the best luck with Jones New York, Vince Camuto, and occasionally Anne Klein. It all depends on the individual blazer, though, so be prepared to try on a bunch of garments, and to make a bunch of returns if you're shopping online. I strongly recommend avoiding eBay unless your seller has a generous return policy. Under no circumstances should you buy anything non-stretch from Talbots: their fit models have toothpick arms and they cut their armscyes to match.
posted by timeo danaos at 3:11 PM on August 20, 2015

Best answer: Oh hey, I asked this question. Some of the answers there were helpful, although I ended up going with the Nordstrom method for a blazer.

The blazer I got from that process is labelled "Lafayette 148".

I've also found that Brooks Brothers women's shirts tend to run wider through the arms than most (e.g. Banana Republic). I do still buy a size larger than I might for the rest of me, though, and I wear them out around the too-tight forearm a little quickly, but they are sufficient for my needs (and noniron, yay).
posted by nat at 1:47 PM on August 22, 2015