There was only one item on my must-try list when I planned my trip to Pepperberry: the denim jacket. I’ve wanted one forever (especially since trying Olga’s clearance jacket in September), and it would have been perfect to have for my entire trip. In the countdown to my departure, I wondered, “Is it really necessary to buy a denim jacket made specifically for a big bust?” Yes, it is. I made last-minute trips to the Gap and several other stores, but none of the jackets would button over my boobs without smashing them, and I couldn’t bring myself to size up to an XL just to accommodate my chest.
As you can see, neither the Pepperberry jacket on the left, nor the DD Atelier jacket on the right, smashed my big bust when buttoned.
The Pepperberry Denim Jacket
I have never owned a denim jacket before, and when I put the Pepperberry jacket on, I didn’t want to take it off. A jean jacket immediately changes the tone of the rest of the outfit–making it more casual or edgier, depending on how you accessorize it. In my case, because I look better in blues, it also brightens my face when I’m wearing black or white as a base.
I assumed I would need a 12 Curvy in order to have enough room for sweaters, but the 12 Curvy felt a little too spacious under the armhole. Sadly, the 10 Curvy was already completely sold out at that point, so I couldn’t compare.
I also wondered if the 10 Curvy would have been more streamlined down my back.
However, I knew that neither of these issues would matter to me in the long run because I love the overall effect of a jacket that fits. When it’s unbuttoned, you can tell it’s a choice instead of a necessity!
And of course I have to roll up the cuffs.
The fabric has just the weight I would expect from a jean jacket, but the interior was entirely unexpected. Take a look at these completely finished seams! They make rolling the cuffs a pleasure.
The DD Atelier Denim Jacket
As much as I adored the Pepperberry jacket, our budget only allowed me to keep two pieces from my shopping trip, and I knew that DD Atelier had just shipped a review sample of their new denim jacket in size 80D to me. It felt risky returning the Pepperberry jacket without having tried the DD Atelier, but the risk turned out to be worth it.
As you can see, DD Atelier has stayed true to its fitted aesthetic with this jacket. There’s definitely no boxiness here.
The many snaps contribute to the close fit. Even with such a close fit, however, it feels spacious. I had been nervous about ordering a jacket in my regular DD Atelier dress size, but it turned out to just right. The 1% stretch probably helps.
The seam finishing is exactly what I would expect to find in a denim jacket, but the floral facing was a fun surprise. The fabric feels slightly lighter than the Pepperberry fabric, but it’s still solid.
I like that both brands include the traditional features of a jean jacket. However, neither included pockets at the hips. I’d happily trade the chest pockets for hip pockets!
This is how I would have worn the jacket if I’d had it with me in Paris. (I roll up the cuffs just once.)
I also tried it with the DD Atelier Scotland dress, which I’ve wanted to do since a reader made the suggestion in April.
My seamstress said it wouldn’t be too hard to shorten, which I’m considering. I’d keep the band at the bottom but raise it. What do you think?
DD Atelier Collarless Denim Jacket
This is what DD Atelier’s collarless option in 80D looks like on me.
Isn’t it wonderful to have these amazing options available to us? It would also be wonderful if jackets like these could be permanently in stock for busty women, but given how quickly the Pepperberry size 10 Curvy and size 14 Curvy have sold out, I wouldn’t want to risk it.
I like the DD Atelier one on you! It looks very fresh and I think the blue is good with your colouring, like you said. I think you’re right about shortening it, too, as it seems to sit a bit low for you when seen with the dress. It looks the right length when you’re wearing the pants, though, so I don’t know if you’d be able to get it looking good with both options?