How should a leather jacket fit?
How should a leather jacket fit? If you’re here, you’re probably wondering the same thing.
Let’s face it; we’ve all had our fair share of fashion disasters when it comes to sizing. And despite a leather jacket being the ultimate symbol of cool, getting the sizing right can be a challenge.
So, whether you’re a seasoned leather jacket enthusiast or a newbie to the game, this article will guide you through the process of finding the perfect fit for your leather jacket.
Our leather jacket fit calculator will also help you find the ideal size for your needs.
How should a leather jacket fit?
Your leather jacket should fit snugly but not be too tight. It should allow for comfortable movement and have sleeves that reach just past the wrist. The jacket’s length should fall at the waist or just below it, and the shoulders should align with your natural shoulder line. When zipped up, there should be no bunching or pulling around the zipper or in the chest area.
Overall, a well-fitting leather jacket should feel comfortable and look stylish.
How to measure for a leather jacket (Step by step)
To measure for a leather jacket, you’ll need a flexible measuring tape and someone to help you.
Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Take chest measurements
To take your chest measurements, stand up straight with your arms at your sides and have your helper wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest.
If you are a woman, measure around the fullest part of their bust but if you are a man, measure around the fullest part of their chest.
When measuring, make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the ground and snug but not too tight. It should be positioned just under your armpits and across your shoulder blades.
Step 2: Measure your shoulder length
For the shoulder length, stand up straight with your arms at your sides and have your helper measure the distance between the tip of your left shoulder and the tip of your right shoulder.
The measuring tape should be positioned at the back of your shoulders, just below the base of your neck and it should not be too tight or too loose.
Note that this step is very important so you should ensure the width of your shoulders is measured accurately regardless of your gender. This is because a well-fitting jacket should have the shoulder seams sit comfortably on the natural shoulder line and allow for comfortable arm movement.
Step 3: Take the length of your arms
With your hands at the sides, let your helper measure the length of your arm from the top of your shoulder down to your wrist.
Place the measuring tape at the base of your neck or the point where your shoulder meets your neck and run it down the outside of your arm, over the elbow, and down to the wrist bone.
Step 4: Measure your biceps
When selecting a leather jacket, it’s important to choose a size that fits well in the biceps and deltoids to ensure comfortable arm movement.
To measure the biceps, take the circumference of your biceps at the widest point with the measuring tape close to your skin but not too tight.
Step 5: Take waist and stomach measurements
It’s important to measure both your waist and stomach when selecting a leather jacket to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
The waist measurement is usually taken at the narrowest part of your torso, and the stomach measurement is taken at the fullest part of your stomach, usually a few inches below your belly button.
The waist measurement will give you an idea of how the jacket will fit in your midsection, while the stomach measurement will give you an idea of how it will fit in the lower abdomen area.
However, depending on your body shape, one measurement may be more important than the other.
For example, if you tend to carry weight in your stomach, the stomach measurement may be more important to ensure a comfortable fit.
Ultimately, it’s best to take both measurements and use them to determine your size according to the sizing chart of the brand you’re interested in.
Step 6: Measure the circumference of your hips
Measuring the hips is important when tailoring a leather jacket because it helps you to determine the size that will fit you properly.
When you wear a jacket that fits well in the hips, it will not only be more comfortable to wear, but it will also provide a flattering silhouette.
To take the measurements, you should place the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips, which is usually around your hip bones.
The tape should not be too tight or too loose. Make sure it is snug but not constricting.
Step 7: Measure the length of your jacket
The desired length of your jacket may vary depending on the style of the jacket and your personal preference.
For example, a bomber jacket may be shorter than a motorcycle jacket, so it’s important to take this into account when selecting the length of the jacket.
So to get the right measurements, decide on the desired length of the jacket. Typically, jackets are waist-length, hip-length, or thigh-length.
Let your helper start measuring from the base of your neck (where the neck meets the shoulders) to the desired length of the jacket. For a normal-size leather jacket, measure straight down along the body to the bottom of the wrist joint or the thumb joint.
Leather jacket size chart
Keep in mind that different brands may have slightly different sizing, so it’s always a good idea to check the specific size chart for the leather jacket you’re interested in before making a purchase.
Typically sizes for men’s and women’s leather jackets differ due to differences in body shape and proportion.
Men’s jackets tend to have broader shoulders and a boxier shape, while women’s jackets are more fitted and have a narrower waist.
Thus, the size chart for men’s and women’s leather jackets will usually have different measurements for the chest, waist, and hips.
Below are general size charts for men and women that can guide you to pick the right jacket size.
| Men’s Sizes | Chest | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32-34″ | 26-28″ | 32-34″ |
| S | 35-37″ | 29-31″ | 35-37″ |
| M | 38-40″ | 32-34″ | 38-40″ |
| L | 41-43″ | 35-37″ | 41-43″ |
| XL | 44-46″ | 38-40″ | 44-46″ |
| XXL | 47-49″ | 41-43″ | 47-49″ |
| XXXL | 50-52″ | 44-46″ | 50-52″ |
| Women’s Sizes | Chest | Waist | Hips |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 30-32″ | 23-25″ | 32-34″ |
| S | 33-35″ | 26-28″ | 35-37″ |
| M | 36-38″ | 29-31″ | 38-40″ |
| L | 39-41″ | 32-34″ | 41-43″ |
| XL | 42-44″ | 35-37″ | 44-46″ |
| XXL | 45-47″ | 38-40″ | 47-49″ |
| XXXL | 48-50″ | 41-43″ | 50-52″ |
How should a leather motorcycle jacket fit?
First of all, it’s important to note that a leather motorcycle jacket should fit snugly but not be too tight. You want to be able to move your arms and shoulders comfortably, but you also don’t want any excess material flapping around in the wind while you’re riding.
So consider the following when buying a leather motorcycle jacket:
- The sleeves should extend to just above your wrists when standing with your arms at your sides, and still cover your wrists and a portion of the back of your hands when in a riding position.
- The jacket should be long enough to cover your lower back and waistband when seated on your bike.
- Pay attention to the fit around your chest and shoulders, and make sure you can comfortably zip the jacket up without feeling constricted.
- When trying on a jacket, wear the type of clothing you would typically wear while riding for a more accurate fit.
How Should a leather jacket fit a Man?
When it comes to how a leather jacket should fit a man, here are the key points to keep in mind:
- The jacket should fit snugly but not be too tight.
- The sleeves should extend to just above your wrists when standing with your arms at your sides. When you raise your arms, the sleeves should still cover your wrists and part of your forearms.
- The length of the jacket is important too. It should be long enough to cover your waistband and the top of your pants when standing.
- Make sure the shoulders of the jacket fit properly. They should be snug and not too loose, but also not too tight that it restricts your movement.
FAQ about how leather jackets should fit
Are leather jackets supposed to be tight?
Leather jackets should fit snugly but not be too tight. You want to be able to move your arms and shoulders comfortably. It should also fit well around the chest without feeling constricting.
Should women’s leather jackets be tight fitting?
Women’s leather jackets should fit comfortably and allow for a full range of motion, but they don’t need to be tight-fitting. The level of snugness can depend on the individual’s preference and jacket style.
Is it better to size up or down in a leather jacket?
It’s typically better to size up in a leather jacket as they can be stiff and may require some breaking in to mold to your body. In addition, a slightly larger size in a leather jacket can accommodate layers underneath for warmth or style.
How should a leather jacket fit at the waist?
The waist of a leather jacket should fit snugly, with a smooth and streamlined look that complements your body shape. The key is to avoid excess fabric bunching or riding up, while also not flaring out too much.
How should shoulders fit on a leather jacket?
The shoulders of a leather jacket should fit well without feeling too tight or too loose. The seam where the shoulder meets the sleeve should sit right at the edge of your shoulder without extending past it or bunching up. Also, the jacket should not have any excess fabric or bunching around the shoulders as this can create an unflattering look and limit movement.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying a leather jacket, achieving the perfect fit is crucial.
A well-fitted leather jacket should feel comfortable and not restrict your movement while also enhancing your body shape. Also, a well-fitted leather jacket will feel warm, especially during cold weather.
It’s important to measure yourself accurately to determine the correct size and pay attention to the fit around the shoulders, chest, waist, arms, and hips. You can also consider shrinking your leather jacket in case you feel it’s too big for you.
Keep in mind that different brands may have slightly different size charts, so always refer to the manufacturer’s size chart before making a purchase.
With the right fit, a leather jacket can be a stylish and versatile addition to your wardrobe, providing warmth, protection, and a touch of edginess to any outfit.
