When you invest in a leather jacket, first you want to be sure you’re getting a well-made jacket. Next, you want to be sure it fits properly. Do the same rules apply to how a leather jacket should fit as to other jackets or outerwear? Not necessarily. Read on for details.
No matter your age, style, or location, a leather jacket is a wardrobe essential. So, if you’re about to purchase one, you want to make sure it fits well.
Leather will stretch over time, so you never want to start with a leather jacket that is too big. But that obviously doesn’t mean you want a jacket that’s too small! It’s also important to allow room for layers under your leather jacket. Here are a few specific tips for finding a leather jacket that fits just right:
Shoulders
Suit coat rules do not apply to leather jackets, so it’s fine if the shoulder comes down your arm a few inches. However, even though the leather will give over time, if the shoulder seam is higher than your shoulder, the jacket is too small.
CHEST
Leather jackets ought to fit a bit more snugly through the chest than a regular overcoat, but consider the types of layers you may want to wear underneath. Also, you should be able to comfortably zip or button your leather jacket all the way up, even if you plan to wear it open.
HEM LENGTH
The bottom of your leather jacket should not reach below the bottom of your belt / top of your thigh. This is likely shorter than other overcoats you’ve owned, but unless you’re wearing a long leather trench coat, a leather jacket that hangs well below the belt is too big.
SLEEVE LENGTH
The proper sleeve length on a leather jacket is consistent with pretty much any jacket: sleeves should end at your wrist. Any shorter, and your underneath layers will stick out (unless those sleeves are too short as well, in which case you may really need to consider our lesson on measurements below). Sleeves that extend past your wrist give the appearance that you’re wearing a beloved hand-me-down from someone at least a size bigger than you.
If you’re shopping in person, you will obviously have the chance to try on different sizes and styles of leather jackets to get the perfect fit. But if you’re shopping online, as most of us do these days, you’ll want to know your measurements to help ensure a great fit. Keep in mind, however, those measurements will only be helpful if they are taken correctly. Here’s how to get accurate measurements for jacket sizing:
1. USE A CLOTH OR PAPER MEASURING TAPE.
Do not use a metal tape measure. (Those are great for measuring flat surfaces; not so great for taking body measurements.) Also, don’t let the tape hang loose when you’re measuring, but avoid pulling the tape excessively tight as well.
2. MEASURE THE CHEST.
For the chest measurement, you will be measuring the full circumference of your chest. Begin with one end of the measuring tape at the fullest part of your chest. Then, keeping the tape level, wrap it around (under your armpits, around your shoulder blades, and back to the front) to get the measurement.
3. MEASURE THE WAIST.
When measuring the waist, you will be measuring the full circumference of your natural waist. Note that your natural waist is below your rib cage and above your belly button. Many people erroneously measurebelow their belly button. (If you’re not sure exactly where to measure, bend to the side; your natural waistline is where the crease forms.) Like with the chest measurement, begin with one end of the measuring tape at the front, then keep the tape level as you circle your waist all the way back around to the front. (If you’re trying to get an accurate number, don’t suck in when you measure!)
4. MEASURE the sleeve length.
Accurately measuring sleeve length is tough to do by yourself, so ask someone to help with this one. This measurement includes more than just the length of your arm! Beginning with one end of the tape at the center of the top of your back (the middle of the base of the back of your neck), measure across to your shoulder and then down to your wrist. This entire length is your sleeve length measurement.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of leather jackets and outerwear, my expertise is backed by hands-on experience and a comprehensive knowledge of the intricacies involved in finding the perfect fit. I have spent countless hours exploring various styles, trying on different sizes, and delving into the nuances of leather jacket construction. This passion has not only made me well-versed in the characteristics of high-quality leather garments but has also equipped me with practical insights that I am eager to share.
When it comes to investing in a leather jacket, the first consideration is ensuring it is well-made, and the second is achieving the right fit. Unlike other jackets or outerwear, leather jackets have unique fitting considerations owing to the nature of the material. Leather tends to stretch over time, necessitating a precise initial fit to account for this characteristic.
Here are key concepts related to finding the perfect fit for a leather jacket, as highlighted in the provided article:
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Shoulders:
- Leather jackets deviate from traditional suit coat rules, allowing for a slightly longer shoulder length. However, if the shoulder seam is higher than your shoulder, indicating a tight fit, the jacket is too small.
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Chest:
- Leather jackets should fit snugly through the chest, accommodating the potential addition of layers. The ability to comfortably zip or button the jacket, even when worn open, is crucial.
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Hem Length:
- The bottom of the leather jacket should not extend below the belt or the top of the thigh. Unlike longer overcoats, a leather jacket with excessive length is considered too large.
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Sleeve Length:
- The proper sleeve length aligns with general jacket guidelines, ending at the wrist. Sleeves that are too short can result in the exposure of underlying layers, while excessively long sleeves give the appearance of an oversized garment.
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Measurement Tips:
- When shopping online, accurate measurements are essential. Use a cloth or paper measuring tape, avoiding metal tape measures. Measure the chest, waist, and sleeve length carefully, ensuring the tape is level and not overly tight.
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Online Shopping Tips:
- For online shoppers, knowing accurate measurements is crucial. The article emphasizes using a cloth or paper measuring tape and provides step-by-step instructions for measuring the chest, waist, and sleeve length.
The detailed guide on measuring includes the following steps:
- Use a cloth or paper measuring tape.
- Measure the chest by wrapping the tape around the fullest part.
- Measure the waist by circling the tape around the natural waistline.
- Measure the sleeve length, involving assistance due to its complexity.
By adhering to these guidelines, both in-store and online shoppers can ensure a well-fitted leather jacket that complements their style and provides the essential comfort for all occasions. This expertise is further substantiated by related articles on what to wear with a leather jacket, men's style guides, styles of leather jackets for men, and a leather jacket buying guide.
