How to Measure Yourself for a Leather Jacket
A leather jacket lives or dies on fit.
Too tight and it pulls across the back. Too loose and it hangs like a borrowed coat. Get it right and it looks made for you.
All you need is a soft tape measure, a mirror and two minutes. Measure in inches, over a thin T-shirt, standing relaxed.
The five measurements
1. Chest
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades. Keep it level and snug, not tight. Breathe normally.
2. Waist
Measure around your natural waist, usually just above the belly button. Don't hold your stomach in. Measure what's really there.
3. Shoulder width
Measure across your back from the outer edge of one shoulder to the other. This is easier with a second pair of hands. Shoulders are the one area a tailor can't really fix, so take your time here.
4. Sleeve length
Start at the top of the shoulder and run the tape down the outside of a slightly bent arm to the wrist bone. A leather sleeve should finish at the wrist, not the knuckles.
5. Preferred jacket length
Measure from the base of the neck, at the back, down to where you want the jacket to finish. A biker usually sits at the waist or belt line. A coat goes much longer. Decide what you want before you order.
How much room to allow
Our jackets are a comfort fit.
That means the jacket's chest and waist sit roughly 2 to 3 inches larger than your body measurements. That gives you room to move, room for a shirt or light knit underneath, and a clean line that doesn't strain at the zip.
If you plan to wear thicker layers in winter, keep that in mind when you choose.
Common mistakes
- Measuring over a jumper. It adds inches you don't need. Use a thin T-shirt.
- Pulling the tape tight. Snug, not squeezed.
- Guessing the shoulders. Get help. It's the measurement that matters most.
- Buying a size up "to be safe". Leather softens and relaxes with wear. Start with the right fit.
Still not sure?
Send us your five measurements and we'll check them before your jacket ships. It's the easiest way to get it right first time.
