Is Shoulder Padding Out of Date?

Shoulder padding has been a longtime standard within tailoring, offering jackets structure and support across the shoulders and sleeves.

However, style trends change over time and as part of our Video Style Series, Leah and fashion consultant Chris Modoo explore if heavy shoulder padding is now out of date.

We also explore more the same question within our latest journal post below.

WATCH NOW: IS SHOULDER PADDING OUT OF DATE?


IS HEAVY SHOULDER PADDING OUT OF DATE?

Tailored jackets and blazers have various types of shoulder padding and ultimately it may come down to personal taste and the jackets core design. Within the video, the first jacket discussed quite a heavily padded shoulder, which can create quite a strong shoulder line, but is it out of date?


The heavy padded shoulder on a jacket is not very popular at the moment but still has its place within menswear tailoring. The advantage of these stronger shoulder lines is the creating of a lovely shoulder line. Heavy shoulder padding can also accommodate wider lapels and it accentuates a slim waist.

If you like the idea of a really heavy and structured shoulder pad, we would recommend going to a tailor to achieve it, as it can be difficult to find off the peg.

THE PERFECT SHOULDER PADDING FOR A TAILORED JACKET

The next jacket featured within the video is our Grey and Burgundy Glen Check Jacket, which has light shoulder padding to make the shoulder line clean and precise, without any additional bulk. Some people may consider this to be less formal, but it still perfectly suitable for formal occasions such as weddings or dinner parties.

This style of jacket shoulder padding is contemporary but it can also be worn more casually. Within the video the jacket is styled with a tie, but this jacket can be worn with jeans and a jumper if you wanted a dressed-down look.


WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF AN UNSTRUCTURED SHOULDER PAD?

The main difference between a tailored jacket and an unstructured blazer is the part removal of lining and shoulder pads. Additionally, unstructured blazers have a natural sleeve head, which creates a timeless and casual sports jacket. The final jacket featured in our video has no shoulder padding at all, with a very natural shoulder line. This makes it more of a casual style jacket that works very well in the warmer months and for any events that is predominantly outside.

Unstructured jackets have minimal tailoring in the chest and are very softly structured. Therefore, the natural unstructured shoulder complements this style very well.


We hope you enjoyed this article and video today. If you have any questions please email us at info@rampleyandco.com and we’ll be happy to help! Also, please subscribe to our YouTube channel for future videos on men’s styling and product features.

 


Further Reading:

WHY BUY A RAMPLEY & CO TAILORED JACKET?

Fit is incredibly important to us and so our tailored jackets are designed to look good across all body shapes, ensuring you always look and feel your best. We offer two fits, slim and regular, as well as allowing you to choose the perfect length to suit your torso and arms. We recommend you take a look at our comprehensive size guide which gives a full overview of the sizing should you wish to check against another jacket here: Jacket Size Guide.

As well as being constructed from fabric supplied by the world renowned Scabal of Savile Row, what makes our jackets truly exceptional is the ability to select your choice of lining (included in the total price). Your lining is not about being extravagant, but ensuring you have something personal to you. We have a large selection of jacket linings, but also offer a bespoke service should you want a truly one-of-a-kind jacket.

Once you have purchased your jacket, one of our team will follow up with you to double check the details and answer any further questions. Your satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed, so you can be sure that you will be delivered a jacket that exceeds your expectations. 


WHAT MAKES OUR TAILORED JACKETS AND BLAZERS SO SPECIAL?

1. As part of our commitment to sustainable fashion, we choose to work with only the finest fabrics to make our jackets. Our fabrics are supplied by the world renowned Scabal, whose heritage English mill located in Huddersfield, England has existed since the 16th century.
2. All our jackets are made to order by master tailors with years of experience. The attention to detail, and delicate finishing touches result in a truly special jacket that will see you through life.
3. We fit your chosen lining from our collection of stunning silk linings, including works from masters such as Canaletto, Giordano, Turner and Rubens. Our silk printing process ensures incredible levels of detail and colour. We can also print bespoke linings for a truly one-of-a-kind jacket.
4. We offer our jackets in both a regular and slim cut. This along with lightly padded shoulders give the jacket a modern, clean cut. Our jackets feature classic styling that can be dressed up or down. Medium sized notch lapels, kissing buttons, flap pockets and double vents.