Knit blazers are slowly taking over my jacket wardrobe. Take note if like me, you happen to have a hard time finding blazers that fit…knit blazers are almost like cheating when it comes to blazers. The knit fabric is meant to stretch, so they’re often cut a little smaller than a traditional wool or cotton blazer. Also, like a cardigan, they tend to hug curves a little nicer than a traditional blazer, which helps to keep your curves from getting lost under stiff fabrics or boxy fits. All hail the knit blazer!
I love the double-breasted shape of this blazer, but even more so the way they did it. True double-breasted blazers have a tendency to make the wearer look thick and boxy, but the way this blazer buttons is sleek and without bulk. Only the bottom button closes, leaving a nice clean v-neck shape without the extra fabric bulk that double-breasted blazers usually have. The buttons are metal and crested, which adds to the menswear feel, and the buttons along the bottom of the sleeve really work (button and un-button). The shoulder is pretty padded, making it a strong look, which some ladies may not like. Make sure the shoulder actually fits on the snug side to avoid the football player look. There are lots of seams running down this blazer, giving is a very feminine shape and it’s fully lined.
Only the bottom button buttons, keeping the silhouette slim even though it’s double-breasted
I also like the small lapels, thin sleeves (which actually stay pretty well when I push them up without having to cuff, which I like), and real side pockets. The sleeves are just a tad long on me, but look just fine when pushed up to 3/4 length (my preferred length).
This blazer currently comes in 3 colors: navy and white striped, solid navy and solid bright pink.
Size quality control isn’t the best on this blazer. I really wanted the navy, but realized in the fitting room that the striped fit so much better in the shoulder and torso than the navy in the same size. After standing in an aisle trying to eye-ball the differences between several blazers, I saw a dizzying array of shoulder and torso measurements. I brought the navy home, despite the big shoulder, so I could properly compare the measurements. Sure enough, I measured the shoulder of the navy to run about an inch bigger than the striped version. Now I’ll be on a mini mission to find the navy in a similar small fit as the striped because I really do like the whole concept and fit of this blazer, and navy is so versatile. If you can find more than one of this blazer in your size, you might want to try on each one before deciding.
There are also pattern discrepancies on the striped version. The mark of quality craftsmanship on an item that is patterned, specifically striped, is the patterns match up at the seams. The first striped blazer I picked up looked symmetrical from the front, but the stripes didn’t match at the point where the shoulder and sleeves meet. The second striped blazer I found matched better at that point, so I’m choosing this one over the mismatched version. All of these striped blazers I’ve seen so far haven’t matched along the bottom of the sleeve, and side seam at the bust. Not perfect, but it is H&M, after all. Obviously, this won’t be an issue on either of the solid colors.
This blazer is far bolder than any blazer I’ve ever bought before, but it’s quirk is growing on me, even though the first thing the boyfriend said when he saw it was, “has there been a jailbreak?” No, it’s nautical…duh!
This blazer is expensive for H&M at $50, but cheap as far as blazers go. For such a nice fit and fun design, I felt it was worth it for my blazer collection. I’m also hoping to find the navy in the same small fit after some more digging at other H&M stores.
**PS…don’t forget there is 15% off one item at H&M stores through 2/26 with this coupon (you can show it on your smart phone if you have one) and those $5 gift cards they were giving out a few weeks ago are good as of tomorrow (2/23). Not sure if they can be combined.**
Measurement Information, size 2 (laying flat):
Striped | Blue | |
Shoulder: | 13″ | 14″ |
Armpit to armpit: | 14″ | 14.5″ |
Waist: | 12.5″ | 13″ |
Sleeve: | 23″ | 23″ |
Length: | 23″ | 23″ |
*sizing varies – I did not see the pink version to compare
73% polyester/23% viscose/4% elastane
Dry clean only
Outfit Details – H&M double-breasted blazer, size 2 :: H&M long sleeve t-shirt, size 2 :: 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere skinnies, size 24 (post) :: Jimmy Choo shoes, size 35 :: Ann Taylor belt, size xs
I bought it on Monday but don’t think I can pull it off quite as nice as you. I only tried on one sz 2 and it fit nicely and so I didn’t bother trying on any other colors or additional size 2’s.
I have way too many stripes now so this will prob go back.
I love this blazer on you and hope you find one in Navy that fits properly. I love that this blazer also features buttons at the cuff!
Thank you! I was surprised that the sleeve buttons actually work!
I love your outfit. Navy/white blazer works really well with your red shoes! Love it. Hope good luck with your search for navy one.
Thanks! Navy, grey and red is one of my favorite color combinations. =)
Quick comment before work ; ) You look awesome in this Blazer Kelly! I already fell in love with Wendy’s striped blazer in her ‘NY/LV’ blog post. Like dots, stripes- for me- may brighten up your day!
I’ve been to H&M yesterday and saw the pink and the navy one but unfortunately no striped : ( Have to have one more look these days. But not being a ‘golden girl’ I’d definitely change the buttons. These H&M golden buttons sometimes look a little cheesy (sorry!). And changing buttons absolutely can change the whole look of a piece. There is a very nice blog post by Olivia Palermo about that fact:
http://www.oliviapalermo.com/fasten-ably-chic/
Have a look, I’m sure you won’t regret ; )
Love
Corinna
Thank you pimpIT! You’re right, stripes do make you happy. =)
Thank you for the button link! I’ll definitely consider it.
Beautiful outfit! Totally rockin’ the Gweneveres!
Thanks! I really really like them. Hoping for more colors in a similar fit soon.
Love the skinny grey jeans with the pop of red in the shoes – which are amazing!
Thank you! The red shoes were my first pair of fancy-pants designer ones. =)
That is a gorgeous blazer. I think the mismatched stripes would bug me, but I could leave with them being on the sleeve (rather than the shoulder/sleeve area).
Yeah, the mismatch at the shoulder/sleeve area can be a bit distracting to the eye. The inside seam at the sleeve isn’t so bad, especially if like me, you tend to push up your blazer sleeves anyways. It’s a case of digging around to find one that matches up the best for this blazer.
Yes, I have definitely noticed inconsistencies in the H&M blazers because I had tried them on too. Despite that, I’ve been loving their selection of blazers and colors lately (have you seen the pink and orange ones? They’re such a great pop of color! I just got myself the orange one!). In any case, I’m loving the nautical blazer on you. And the pairing with the red shoes is adorbs!
http://www.urbanmantra.blogspot.com
Good! I’m not the only one! Yes, their colors have seen fantastic lately! Congrats on your lovely orange one. What a great color for spring and summer. =)
Absolutely love that striped blazer. I’ve been wanting a black and white striped blazer since the Fall. Might have to jump on this one! I’ve making do with this red and white one:
http://natashafatah.blogspot.com/2012/01/ready-to-motor-featured-on-morning-cup.html
xoxo
http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com
Your red striped blazer is so cute! It’s kinda candy striper meets seersucker, in a very good way. =)
Ah the stripes not lining up would bother me! I really like that blazer but I’m not a big fan of the gold buttons – too bold for me! So strange about the size differences.
The gold buttons are one of my favorite parts…hehe. =)
definitely a bit jailbreaker, but …buttons help tie the nautical look together.
I’ve been trying to decide, is it jailbreaker if the stripes are horizontal or vertical? The other H&M striped blazer I tried on way back in the day had vertical stripes, which I’m thinking was more jailbreaker/carnival. I think horizontal stripes are more nautical. But that could just be me making excuses. =P
The blazer looks nice on you ! I like it in the pink also, but there are no H&M stores in my area
I know it doesn’t help too much right now, but H&M said on Twitter that online shopping should be here this fall. I’ll be happy when everyone can shop. =)
that will be great !
This blazer looks so nice on you and much better than the previous striped H&M blazer you tried on and reviewed….that was you right?
The navy reminds me of a blazer I tried on in stores last April (during the Conscious Collection craze) and I was regretting not buying it. I guess this calls for a trip to H&M!
Thanks Pauline. Yup, that other striped blazer pales in comparison to this one. Good luck looking for the navy one!
You should also try thrift stores/goodwills for blazers. I have 37 that I have acquired since last summer. I haven’t paid over $5 for any of them. As you can see, it became addictive. I finally stopped in November!
Holy moly! 37? That’s amazing! I’ve yet to find a good thrift store near me. They’re always so junky and full of bad 80’s clothing. =P
Great outfit! I like the navy one too! too bad that there’s no h&m around me :(
http://www.fashionablememories.com
Last I heard on Twitter, online shopping should be coming this fall. Then everyone can shop! =)
I don’t want to spoil it for you guys, but… I live in the Netherlands and do a lot of online shopping, also at H&M. Up to a few months size 2 items weren’t available at all. Then all of sudden a handful popped up, but they have been sold out ever since. This may be a Dutch issue though, because neither do I find many size 2 items in store.
Oh no Anne! So sad to hear. I hope it doesn’t happen here because I know so many petites who rely on H&M size 2 for petite friendly and affordable clothing who would be very disappointed. =(
Love the last pic! Those mismatched striped would bug me too!
On another note, have you thought about red pants? I feel you will totally rock the bold colored jeans look!
Thank you! Yes, I would love a pair red pants! I’ve tried a few on, but haven’t found a pair that’s fit right yet.
Omg I am loving that nautical look and the striped blazer! It fits you so well but H&M could be hit or miss in terms of sizing. I might need to go to my local H&M for the navy one!
Hi Kelly, I’m not sure if I’m loving the blazer but your pants look great on you!
Amazing outfit! Every piece is so flattering on you. The striped blazer is fun, but those skinny jeans + red shoes are amazing! Off to see about ordering some of those jeans . . .
I love knit blazers, but the only one I have picked up so far is the solid double breasted one from the Loft. These are really cute. Ep like that Striped one.
I just realized I missed this post, and I never ever miss an AN post! I love that you paired this with the red shoes. Like others have mentioned, it’s a huge improvement by H&M from that last beetlejuice blazer we tried on.