Choosing the right leather jacket size matters more than it does with most clothes, because leather does not stretch the way cotton does. A jacket that is too tight will pull across the shoulders, and one that is too loose will lose its shape. This guide shows you how to measure your chest, how a jacket should fit and what to do when you sit between two sizes.
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Find Your Leather Jacket Size From Your Chest
Your chest measurement is the most useful number for finding your leather jacket size. Stand straight with your arms relaxed, wrap a soft tape around the fullest part of your chest, under your arms and across your shoulder blades, and keep it level and snug without squeezing. Then match the number with a chart. Our leather jacket size guide runs from XS at 34 to 36 inches up to 3XL at 46 to 48 inches, and the fit finder on the home page does the matching for you.
It helps to measure over the thickest layer you plan to wear under the jacket, such as a sweater or hoodie. If you only measure over a thin tee, a jacket in your size may feel tight once winter clothes go underneath. For more background on how sizes work in general, see this overview of clothing sizes.
Check the Four Fit Points
Once you have a size in mind, use four checkpoints to judge the fit.
- Shoulders. The seams should sit on the edge of your shoulder bone. If they sit further in, the jacket is too small, and if they hang over your arm, it is too big.
- Sleeves. They should end at your wrist bone with your arms relaxed. When you reach forward, the cuffs may ride up a little, which is normal.
- Body length. A bomber or biker jacket usually ends around the belt line, while a coat covers the hips and thighs.
- Zip test. You should be able to zip the jacket over a sweater without strain across the chest or stomach.
Between Two Sizes? How to Pick a Leather Jacket Size
If your chest sits between two sizes, think about how you will wear the jacket. Go larger if you want to layer knitwear underneath all winter. Go smaller if you want a close, sharp look and will mostly wear a tee or a shirt. Remember that leather relaxes a little with wear, especially at the elbows and shoulders, so a snug fit on day one usually settles into a comfortable one. If you are unsure, send us your measurements and we will suggest a size.
Shearling Jackets Need Extra Room
A shearling jacket has a wool lining that takes up space inside, so the same chest measurement can feel closer than it does in a plain leather jacket. If you plan to wear heavy knitwear, many people choose the next size up. Our range of shearling jackets includes men’s and women’s cuts, and each one is made to order.
Fit Differs by Style
The same size can feel different from one style to the next. A biker leather jacket is cut close through the body and often feels tighter than a bomber, which is designed to sit looser with a ribbed hem. Long coats need extra room across the shoulders and chest so the length hangs well. Oversized and street style cuts are made to be roomy, so you can stay with your usual size for a relaxed look or go down one size for a neater shape. You can browse these cuts in our street style leather jackets.
Do Leather Jackets Stretch?
Only a little. Leather gives slightly at the elbows and shoulders as you wear it, but it does not stretch the way knitwear does, so you cannot count on a tight jacket loosening a full size. Lambskin is softer and relaxes faster, while cowhide is stiffer and takes longer to break in. The safest approach is to choose a leather jacket size that feels comfortable but close on day one, not one that feels tight and hopeful.
Common Sizing Mistakes
The most frequent mistake is measuring over a thin tee and then wearing a thick sweater underneath. The second is ignoring sleeve length, which changes how the whole jacket looks even when the chest is right. The third is forgetting the wool lining in a shearling piece. Finally, many people choose by the size on a different brand’s label, but sizes vary between makers, so it is safer to use your own measurements and our chart.
When to Ask for a Custom Size
Standard sizes do not suit everyone, and the right leather jacket size is sometimes one that is not on the chart. If your arms are long, your torso is short or your chest and shoulders do not match the chart, a custom size is the better choice. Because every jacket we sell is made to order, you can send your chest, shoulder and sleeve measurements, plus any change you want to the body length, through the enquiry form or on WhatsApp. We reply by email, usually with options and a price.
Quick Checklist Before You Order
- Measure your chest over the layer you plan to wear.
- Match it with the size chart and note the nearest leather jacket size.
- Decide whether you want a close fit or room for layers.
- Add room for the wool lining if you are choosing shearling.
- Ask for a custom fit if your measurements do not match one size.
Ready to choose? Browse the full shop, read our leather jacket FAQ or send an enquiry, and we will help you pick the right size. We ship worldwide.
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