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How do you choose the right size for a leather jacket?

Picking the correct size in a leather jacket is always problematic. How should I go about finding the right fit? Does a Leather Jackets Need to Be Snug or Loose? Any help on how to correctly measure or spot bad things in the shoulder fit, sleeve length etc. would be really nice! Advice and personal stories welcome

Reply 1

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by emmasmith12

Hi @emmasmith12

Depending on the jacket style/shape, different styles may fit you differently. I find a straighter, more boxy shape looks a bit too square on me - it's just how it fits my body shape. So it can be a bit of trial and error to see what you like best.

But, some key fit issues/things to check fit correctly include...

Sleeve length - check the cuff reaches just over your wrist and doesn't move too far up your arm when you lift your arms forward. Some sleeves may come further down to cover your wrist and hands, which can work for a more oversized fit too - this is more personal preference of style.

Movement across your back - if a jacket is too small, it will usually feel tight across your back when you move your arms. I can't stand it if clothing restricts my movement! So I'd suggest having a good stretch when trying on just to see how the fit works.

Oversized - I love oversized clothing, and have been a long time believer that clothing can never be "too oversized". But from experience, I've come to find that clothes can look a bit too frumpy or baggy if they're too oversized. If you like a baggier fit, I'd suggest looking for more room in the sleeves and a better fitting bodice, as you might feel a bit swallowed up by a jacket that's too big.

Fastenings - This is mostly a second hand/thrifting scenario so I don't know if this is a common experience, but if I find a jacket I really love and when I try it on I can't zip up, I will most likely buy it anyway. This is most likely because I feel I can justify buying it as its a jacket - and it'll probably be worn open anyway. But again from experience, having a jacket that fastens from top to bottom and feels comfortable when fastened, is definitely the way to go.

I hope this helps! And good luck with the jacket search! 🧥 🙂
Emily
Student Rep at BCU