Denim Jacket Shopping

Take two denim jackets.

Two different brands, two different sizes, with one similar fit.

This is the perfect illustration of why it is less important what the label says and more important how good the shape and fit of a garment is on you.

I wanted to fill what I thought was a gap in my current wardrobe for a denim jacket.

My old favourite jacket had been packed away.  I had assumed because I had put on a little bit of weight that it was too small for me now.

I shopped around online for a replacement.  One that would be the right style for me.  There are lots of different variations on a theme to choose from.

I needed the jacket to be a certain length to wear with my dresses.  Also, I wanted to have one with some shaping around the waist so that it didn’t feel too boxy and end up looking bulky.

In the end I chose one from Sosander, a store I’ve never bought from before. 

I was delighted when the package arrived.  The colour and fabric looked and felt exactly as I had hoped.

Unfortunately, my joy was short-lived when I opened it out fully though.

Despite being the ideal shape and cut of jacket for my body shape, I could tell straight away that it was going to be on the small side.

After trying it on I thought I could get away with keeping it as a throw over piece during the transitional season of summer into autumn.  Although it was never going to be comfortable fastened, but that’s not too much of a problem with this type of jacket.

Why it’s important to always ‘shop your wardrobe’ first

This got me thinking!  I retrieved my old denim jacket from its storage place.  I’d kept it because it is a wardrobe classic that never goes out of fashion, and it was still in good condition.

I laid the jackets one on top of the other to compare them.  Lo and behold, my old M&S size 10 jacket was almost identical in dimensions to the new Sosander size 16 one.

When I tried it on, it had a similar look and fit too.

Instead of wasting money on a jacket that wasn’t quite right, I returned my purchase.

I’ve now been able to enjoy getting quite a bit of wear out of my old jacket.  Something I hadn’t thought to try at first because I was worrying about what the size on the label said.  Saving myself some money into the bargain.

Is there something in your wardrobe you could revisit before you rush out and buy something new?