How to Measure for a Leather Jacket
How to Measure for a Leather Jacket
The single best way to get a leather jacket that fits — especially when buying online — is to measure yourself properly and compare to the size guide. It takes five minutes, needs only a soft tape measure, and saves the hassle of a return. Here's exactly how to do it.
What you'll need
- A soft tape measure (the fabric kind used for sewing).
- A well-fitting shirt or top to measure over (not bare skin, not a thick jumper).
- Ideally, someone to help — it's much easier and more accurate than doing it alone.
If you don't have a soft tape, you can use a piece of string and then measure it against a ruler.
The four key measurements
These are the measurements that determine leather jacket fit:
1. Chest
The most important measurement. Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades, keeping it level. Don't pull it tight — it should sit snug but comfortable. This is the number most size guides are built around.
2. Shoulders
Measure across your back, from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other (where the shoulder seam would naturally sit). This matters because shoulders are the hardest area to alter on leather.
3. Sleeve length
Measure from the edge of your shoulder, down the outside of your arm, to your wrist bone, with your arm relaxed and slightly bent. This gives the sleeve length you want.
4. Jacket length (optional)
If length matters to you, measure from the base of your neck/shoulder down to where you'd like the jacket to end (waist, hip, etc.). Useful for choosing between cropped and regular styles — see Cropped vs Regular Leather Jacket.
Measuring tips
- Stand naturally — don't puff out your chest or hold your breath.
- Keep the tape level all the way around.
- Measure twice to be sure.
- Measure over a normal layer, like a shirt, not bare skin or bulky knitwear (unless you plan to layer heavily, in which case account for it).
Compare to the size guide
Once you've got your numbers, compare them to our size guide to find your size. If you fall between two sizes, it usually comes down to how you like a jacket to fit (and the style — bikers run fitted, aviators roomier). See How Should a Leather Jacket Fit? and Should You Size Up or Down?
Still unsure? For a guaranteed fit, a made-to-measure leather jacket is built to your exact measurements — or just contact us before ordering.
For the full buying process, see How to Buy a Leather Jacket. Then browse our men's and women's leather jackets.
FAQs
How do I measure myself for a leather jacket? Use a soft tape over a shirt to measure your chest (fullest part), shoulders (edge to edge), and sleeve length (shoulder to wrist). Compare the numbers to the size guide.
What's the most important measurement for a leather jacket? The chest, as most size guides are built around it. Shoulders are a close second, because they're the hardest area to alter on leather.
How do I measure my sleeve length? Measure from the edge of your shoulder, down the outside of your arm with it slightly bent, to your wrist bone.
What if I'm between two sizes? It depends on the style and how you like the fit — bikers run fitted, aviators roomier. Check the size guide, or consider made-to-measure for a guaranteed fit.