How to Measure Yourself for a Leather Jacket
Getting a leather jacket to fit well starts before you buy — with accurate measurements. Because leather doesn't stretch to fix a bad fit, knowing your numbers is the single best way to order the right size, especially online or for a custom piece. Here's how to measure yourself for a leather jacket.
What You'll Need
A soft measuring tape (the fabric kind used for sewing), a mirror, and ideally a second person to help — some measurements are hard to take accurately on yourself. Wear a thin layer, like a t-shirt, so the tape sits close to your body.
The Four Key Measurements
| Measurement | How to take it |
|---|---|
| Chest | Around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms, tape level and snug |
| Shoulders | Across the back, from the edge of one shoulder to the other |
| Sleeve length | From the shoulder edge, down the outside of a slightly bent arm, to the wrist bone |
| Jacket length | From the base of the neck down the back to where you want the hem to sit |
How to Take Each One
Chest (the most important)
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of your chest and across your shoulder blades, keeping it level and snug but not tight. Breathe normally. This is the primary sizing measurement for most jackets.
Shoulders
Measure across your back from the bony point of one shoulder to the other. This is what determines whether a jacket sits right — and it's the hardest thing to alter later, so accuracy matters.
Sleeves
With your arm slightly bent, measure from the edge of your shoulder, along the outside of your arm, to your wrist bone. A slight bend accounts for real movement.
Length
Measure from the base of your neck down your back to where you'd like the hem — belt line for a standard jacket, longer for a coat.
Reading a Size Chart
Compare your measurements to the brand's size chart rather than assuming your usual size. Sizing varies between makers, and a “medium” from one isn't a medium from another. If you fall between sizes, size up if you plan to layer underneath, or size down for a closer fit — and note that leather relaxes slightly with wear but doesn't dramatically stretch.
Fit Tips Beyond the Numbers
- Prioritise the shoulders. If the shoulders fit and the body is slightly off, a tailor can adjust the body. The reverse isn't really possible.
- Allow for layering. If you'll wear jumpers underneath, factor that in.
- Check movement. A good jacket lets you raise your arms and zip up over a light layer without pulling.
For Custom Jackets
Accurate measurements matter even more for made-to-measure, since the jacket is built to your numbers. Follow the maker's specific guide exactly, have someone help, and note if you're between measurements. Our custom jacket guide covers the process in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I measure my chest for a jacket?
Wrap a soft tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the arms and across the shoulder blades, level and snug. Breathe normally. It's the primary sizing measurement.
What is the most important jacket measurement?
The shoulders, because they determine how the jacket sits and are the hardest area to alter later. Chest is the main sizing number.
Should I size up or down in a leather jacket?
Size up if you'll layer underneath; size down for a closer fit. Leather relaxes slightly with wear but doesn't stretch dramatically.
How do I measure sleeve length?
With your arm slightly bent, measure from the shoulder edge along the outside of your arm to your wrist bone.
Find Your Fit at Gacket
With your measurements in hand, choose with confidence. Explore our handcrafted leather jackets, or design a custom jacket to your exact numbers.
If your measurements sit above a standard size chart, our plus size women's leather jackets are cut on the same patterns in extended sizes.