To buy leather jacket that doesn't do up

[Jacketornot]

I think leather jackets look awesome. But I am a size 16 with big boobs and anytime I try one I look like a big shouldered, boxy blob. I think they look best on petite, small boobed women - but regularly see people my size or bigger wearing them looking super cool and always wonder if I'm just being over critical of myself or just haven't found the right jacket yet.

Anyway. Just tried one on. It's a 14 as there was no bigger on the rack and I think it looks ok. Fits well on my back and shoulders and is fitted such that you keep some shape. But there is no way in hell I could do it up. I've read this is ok with leather jackets - that doing them up doesn't always look great anyway. But surely I'll just look like I've stuffed myself in something too small?

NC as I have pictures I'm too scared to post but don't want anyone to recognise me with my regular name if I do get the courage!!

DP recently said I should have confidence in myself and wear what I want rather than "motherly" clothes that I think hide me. I think he felt bad that he used the term motherly but he's right. Since gaining weight I've tried to hide. I'm losing now (a stone down but 2.5 stone from my heaviest ever) and wonder if now is the time to go for it. I'm just sick of thinking something looks good til I get home and change my mind.

Is it unreasonable to not be able to do up a leather jacket?

i think it looks great on you, i really like your outfit to and seeing this has made me want a pair of boots like yours !

Looks great! I have always steered clear worrying about the big boobs but you’ve convinced me to add one to my list.

Where are your boots from?

They are Dr Martens 'Serena' boots. I love them and they have done me two winters of constant wear so far.

Now trying to decide between these or these as my second pair!

I've just had a birthday and overwhelmingly got money and vouchers which everyone specified was for new clothes and/or shoes... friends and family obviously feel I need a wardrobe update haha

I like the chelsea boot.

Buy it!!! You look great!!!

You look great in it. And fab legs!

id go for the chelsea boots but thats because they would suit my wardrobe more

Love your new jacket op - just wanted to say if you do want a different style that does do up try Pepperberry. [part of Bravissimo]

I have a leather jacket, tried on every size in the shop almost, size 16 did up round the waist, needed the 22 to do up over the boobs comfortably (I refer you to my user name)... Bought the 18 so I can do it up if i desperately need to, but usually do up to just under boobs so the lapels lie flat and like a pp use an ENORMOUS woolly scarf to plug the gap if very cold. Always get complimented on it when I wear it (and no one can believe it only cost £40!) Love your look too, if wearing casual I go for the jacket (mines cream), flowery mid thigh dress, thick tights and mid calf boots.

Thenightsky - i have the same issue with one of the lapels on my jacket. I've left weighty things on it to try and crease it into place but it still won't sit right. Frustrating...

When I used to wear them, I never did them up. They looked great undone. Done up I would look like a roadie for Status Quo

In fact I don’t think any of us wore them done up.

Never ever seen a girl wear that style done up.

Go for it!

If I met you somewhere in that outfit, OP, I'd immediately think you were cool, stylish, organised and confident, and I'd be jealous of your lovely legs. 'Motherly', my arse!

I never do my jackets up because my pear shaped arse and hips are a whole size bigger than the top of me.

Defo a Yes based on that pic OP

Ah glad you bought it. It looks fab on you.

Anyone else spent the afternoon looking at dresses, leather jackets & boots?

You look great! This thread has reminded why I love mumsnet

I love my leather jackets, and like everyone else, never do them up and usually wear a big scarf. They sit much better that way. I am slim and fairly flat-chested but they just don't look or feel good done up.

I actually could do with a few leather -jacket-worthy dresses! Any suggestions?

OP you look fab, I am petite with big boobs, went for gorgeous leather jacket on the small side as they stretch. I can do it up but it does smoosh the girls rather! Glad you bought it. You have great legs too, I am !

That looks lovely. I have a very similar one and rarely fasten it. I wear a scarf if it's cold. I am quite petite with big books too so know where you are coming from.

Boobs even....

Ah thank you Apileofballyhoo - not adjectives I'd use to describe myself so your comment means a lot.

I love mumsnet! Was a bit scared and instead I've had this massive boost. Means more than I would have expected. I also have a new favourite outfit

Cheers everyone!

You look beautiful.
FWIW, I’m small with a small chest and I look ridiculous with my leather jacket done up. The only time I think they look ok done up is on a motorcycle!

Just to say, OP, I have this from the Forever 21 plus range and it's stretchy enough that it will do up and has a gorgeous shape with the flared bit at the bottom - nips you right in at the waist and is figure hugging in the best way plus warm and waterproof .