You can work out which leather jacket size you need by first measuring your chest circumference, shoulder width and arm length, and then comparing them with the manufacturer’s size chart. The right size means the jacket fits comfortably without feeling tight, but also without leaving too much room. Below you’ll find everything you need to determine the perfect size.
How do you measure yourself for a leather jacket?
You measure yourself for a leather jacket by taking three body measurements: your chest circumference, your shoulder width and your arm length. Use a flexible measuring tape and always measure in your underwear or a thin shirt, so the measurements are as accurate as possible. These are the three measurements that matter most for the fit of a leather jacket.
Here’s how to take each measurement correctly:
- Chest circumference: Measure around the widest part of your chest, keeping the tape horizontal and lightly snug. This is the most important measurement when choosing a leather jacket.
- Shoulder width: Measure from one shoulder point to the other, across your back. Shoulders that are too narrow restrict your freedom of movement; shoulders that are too wide make the jacket sag and look sloppy.
- Arm length: Measure from the shoulder point along the outside of your arm to your wrist, with your arm slightly bent.
Once you have these three measurements, you can compare them with the brand’s size chart. Keep in mind that leather is less stretchy than fabric, so if you’re in doubt, it’s wise to allow a little more room, especially if you’ll be wearing the jacket over a sweater or cardigan.
What do sizes S, M, L and XL mean for leather jackets?
For leather jackets, sizes S, M, L and XL refer to a chest circumference that increases by roughly four centimetres per size. These international size labels are a handy starting point, but they can differ slightly by brand or cut. Always consult the brand’s specific size chart before making a choice.
As a general guideline, the following chest measurements apply to men’s jackets:
- S: approx. 88-92 cm chest circumference
- M: approx. 92-96 cm chest circumference
- L: approx. 96-100 cm chest circumference
- XL: approx. 100-104 cm chest circumference
- XXL: approx. 104-108 cm chest circumference
Some leather jackets, such as a classic black leather jacket or a biker jacket, are naturally cut more snugly. Other styles, such as a bomber jacket or a loose-fitting brown leather jacket, offer a little more room to move. When interpreting the size chart, always take the type of jacket and its intended fit into account.
How should a leather jacket actually fit?
A leather jacket fits well when the shoulder seam falls exactly on your shoulder point, the sleeves reach your wrist bone and the jacket closes comfortably without any tension on the material. There can be a little room for movement, but the jacket shouldn’t bulge or hang off the shoulders.
When trying one on, pay attention to the following points:
- Shoulders: The seam sits exactly on the shoulder point, not past it or short of it. This is the hardest thing to correct and therefore the most decisive fit measurement.
- Chest and back: The jacket closes without tension. You should be able to lift your arms and bend forward comfortably.
- Sleeves: The sleeve length ends at your wrist bone. Sleeves that are too short look untidy; sleeves that are too long spoil the line of the jacket.
- Length: A classic leather jacket ends at hip level. A biker jacket sits slightly shorter; a coat or long leather jacket falls over the thigh.
Keep in mind that leather gives very little. Over time, a leather jacket molds to your body, but a jacket that is already too tight when you buy it won’t loosen up on its own. So if you’re in doubt, choose the slightly larger size, especially if you plan to wear the jacket over a thicker garment.
What if you’re between two sizes for a leather jacket?
If you’re between two sizes for a leather jacket, in most cases you should choose the larger size. Leather has hardly any stretch, so a jacket that is too tight is both uncomfortable and wears out faster at the stress points. The larger size gives you more freedom of movement and wearing comfort.
There are a few situations, however, in which you’re better off choosing the smaller size:
- You only want to wear the jacket over a thin shirt or T-shirt.
- The style is deliberately cut roomy, such as a bomber jacket or a gilet.
- Your shoulders are narrow relative to your chest circumference, which makes the larger size too wide across the shoulders.
If in doubt, always use shoulder width as your guide. A sleeve or body can sometimes be altered, but a shoulder seam that is too wide or too narrow is almost impossible to correct without drastically remaking the jacket.
Which fit suits which type of leather jacket?
Which fit suits a leather jacket depends on the style and the occasion you’ll be wearing it for. A biker jacket calls for a tight, body-hugging fit, while a bomber jacket or a mid-season jacket offers a bit more room for a relaxed look.
Here is an overview by jacket type:
- Black or brown leather jacket (classic style): Choose a slim fit that follows the shoulders and tapers slightly toward the waist. This gives a polished, timeless look.
- Biker jacket: Traditionally cut close to the body, with a short torso and an asymmetric zip. Choose your usual size, or go up a size if you’ll be wearing it over a sweater.
- Bomber jacket: Roomier in cut, with an elasticated hem and cuffs. A regular fit works best here for a sporty, relaxed look.
- Suede or micro-suede jacket: Suede and suede-look jackets made of polyester are often softer in material and therefore fall slightly differently from smooth leather. Check the size chart carefully, because the fabric gives a little more.
- Gilet: Choose your normal size. Gilets are sleeveless, so shoulder width matters less. Here, chest circumference counts the most.
- Mid-season or sporty jacket: Choose a slightly roomier fit if you want to wear the jacket year-round over varying layers of clothing.
As a general rule: the tighter the style, the more precisely you need to take your measurements. Roomier styles give you a bit more leeway, but even there the shoulder seam must always fall at the right point.
How Donders 1860 helps you find the right leather jacket size
For us, it’s all about the perfect combination of size, style and material. Whether you choose a classic black leather jacket, a brown biker jacket, a suede-look jacket or a bomber jacket, we’ll help you make the right choice. Here’s what we offer:
- Detailed size charts for each style, so you know exactly which size matches your body measurements.
- A wide range in black leather, brown leather, micro-suede, suede-look and textile, with styles from biker jackets to gilets and mid-season jackets.
- Style advice and buying guides that help you choose the right style and fit for your build and taste.
- Personal advice through our customer service, so you never go home with the wrong size.
Want to find the right leather jacket size without guessing? Take a look at our full men’s collection and discover which style and size suit you. Or visit the Donders 1860 website for more information about our range and style advice.