How Should a Leather Jacket Fit – A Guide

 All our favorite fashion girls and boys have at least one or two leather jackets as a staple piece of their wardrobe – no matter what the weather outside is like, or what styles are in trend at the time.

The evergreen, ever-fashionable leather jacket is such a versatile garment that it can be worn with anything and everything and never seems to go out of style.

However, there is one thing about a leather jacket that, if you get wrong, can instantly drop your look from fab to drab. The one element that you must always get right with this versatile piece of clothing is how should a leather jacket fit. Mess this up, and you go from being a solid ten on the fashion scale to a maybe three.

In this guide, we'll explore how leather jackets should fit. From understanding the types of leather jacket fits, and sizing terms to the best ways of finding the right fit, you will learn to choose a jacket that complements your body shape and preferred style. Read on to know how a leather jacket should fit.

Key Highlights:

• The article discusses why a perfect fit of a leather jacket is important.
• Guidelines for a practical leather jacket fit for men and women to help you choose a comfortably fitted leather jacket.
• Guidelines for fashionable fit types of leather jackets for women and men.

A Leather Jacket is an Investment Piece, So Make Sure You Get The Right One

After spending a near fortune on your super chic leather jacket, an unflattering jacket that appears to have been borrowed from your brother is undoubtedly not your desired look! But choosing the right fit for your body can often be challenging when it comes to the leather jacket. The reason being that there are just so many opinions out there on the best wayhow should a leather jacket fit.

Why the Right Fit of a Leather Jacket Matters?

A jacket that fits nicely flatters your body type. While making you look polished, it also lets you move freely. The appropriate fit of the jacket:

• Doesn’t restrict your movement or bunches up uncomfortably.
• Accentuates your best features, creating a clean silhouette.
• Exudes confidence, as you feel good in what you are wearing. 
• Makes it versatile. You can wear your best fitting jackets with casual looks, as well as dressy outfits.
• The good fit makes it a go-to pick for different day to day looks. 

The Two Basic Types of Leather Jacket Fit – Sensible and Fashionable

When it comes to leather jackets, there are two opinions about their purpose. While some believe that it is okay to get a pricey jacket just for the fashion quotient, others say that a leather jacket that does not serve the primary purpose of protecting you from the elements is not worth it.

After the more practical approach, we will discuss the leather jackets that are more of a fashion statement than protective outerwear. They serve the purpose of keeping you fresh to death and helping you stand out of the crowd no matter where you are.

The Boxy, Practical Jacket for Women

When you want a jacket that keeps you warm in cold winter evenings, you must make sure that there is enough room to add more layers under the jacket and then zip it up. This will probably require the shoulder seam to fall just below your natural shoulder line.

For functional women's leather jackets, the arms should have the width that does not make you look trapped if you add a woolen sweater underneath the jacket. Your breasts must not be constricted but should be comfortable when you zip the jacket up entirely (which is something that you may be doing a lot, considering the purpose of this style of leather jacket). The length of the jacket should be that it comes to an end at just the point where your hips begin. The sleeves should best end at the point where your wrist bends.

Other functional fits catering to different body types are:

Plus size jackets: Catering to the plus size women, a plus size leather jacket is designed to flatter curvy bodies, ensuring their style meter reading isn’t harmed.

Petite Jackets: If you are a woman with a shorter torso or a very short height that you want to enhance, go for a petite leather jacket. It gives a proportional look. The petite style jacket’s length and sleeve portions are made keeping the smaller frames of petite women in mind. 

The Adventurous, Cropped Look for Women

For the more adventurous leather jackets, the rules tohow should a leather jacket fit vary slightly from their more practical counterparts. This is because you are rarely going to be wearing them zipped up all the way.

For a fashionable fit, your shoulder seam should be exactly where your shoulder is – neither above it nor below. The sleeve should once again reach the point where your wrist bends, but can also be just a smudge longer than that. Since you will most probably be wearing this cropped leather jacket in the spring with a tank top or a dress underneath, the cut of the overall jacket has to be slimmer. The jacket length can vary right from your waistline (for a cropped jacket such as the one in the above image) to just beyond your hips (for a slightly elongated look).

The Oversized Leather Jacket

Made popular by several fashion forward celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner, an oversized jacket offers a relaxed yet super trendy look. An oversized leather jacket is perfect for layering chunky knits and creates a more casual vibe.

The Sensible Leather Jacket Sizing for Men

For the practical fit of a good leather jacket, the shoulder seam must again either coincide with your natural shoulder line or lie just below it. You must be able to zip up the jacket right to the top and still be comfortable and move around quickly.

Though slightly longer leather jacket sleeves are currently in fashion, especially for a motorcycle jacket, you do not know when they will stop being the cool thing. Because your men's leather jackets are an investment piece that you are hoping to wear for years to come, it is safer to stick with the normal, and opt for sleeves that end at the bend in the wrist, like the stretchy ribbed knitted sleeves of a leather bomber jacket.

Big and Tall Leather Jacket: The big and tall leather jacket fit is for men with broader shoulders and longer arms. This particular style ensures men with a broader frame can achieve a proportionate look. 

The Fashion-Forward Man

Not all leather jackets are meant to be practical. 

The fashion fit for both men and women is more or less the same. With the shoulders at the shoulder seam, your jacket will neither be too big and swallow you whole or too small and look like you borrowed it from your much smaller friend.

The fit should be quite snug, rather than having a ton of room to allow layering – you are probably never going to layer it with thick, woolen sweaters. Hence, the jacket should be snug fit, like a second skin.

As far as the sleeve length is concerned, it must again end at the bend in the wrist bone (get a slightly longer sleeve length this season for an added oomph). The jacket itself should be just long enough to sit above or at your hip, even whilst sitting nicely.

What Size Leather Jacket Should I Get?

While browsing the motorcycle leather jackets or any other category from Leather Skin Shop, you might feel an impulse to choose a size randomly. However, you must never skip the proper way of choosing a jacket size for yourself.

Your best bet is to take your measurements, compare them to the leather jacket size guide, and only then place an order. Leather Skin Shop has a helpful leather jacket size chart, which includes size ranges (XS to 4XL) along with measurements like chest, shoulders, waist, and sleeve length. Use a measuring tape to take your own measurements and compare them to the size chart to find the best fit.

Custom Leather Jacket

Custom jackets are entirely bespoke, designed from scratch based on your specifications. Every detail, from the pattern to the fabric, is customized to your preferences. At Leather Skin Shop, our craftsmen create a one-of-a-kind personalized leather jacket that fits you perfectly.

FAQs

Are Leather Jackets Supposed To Be Tight?

No, leather jackets shouldn't be too tight. It must allow comfortable movement while maintaining a sleek, form-fitting look. A very tight jacket is uncomfortable, while a loose one has no style appeal.

How Much Will A Leather Jacket Stretch?

Leather does stretch slightly over time, especially in areas like the shoulders and elbows with regular wear. However, this stretching is usually minimal. It's best to buy a jacket that fits well from the start to avoid any discomfort later.

How To Measure For Leather Jackets?

To measure for a leather jacket, accurately measure your chest, shoulders, waist, sleeves, and back length. Ensure the measuring tape is snug but not tight. Record your measurements and compare them to the brand's size chart or tailor for the best fit. Don't forget to consider the fit according to the leather jacket styles.

In the End..

Finding the perfect fitting leather jacket takes a little effort but is well worth it. Neither go for too big a leather jacket, nor too small a leather jacket.

With the knowledge you've gained from this guide, you can easily find a leather jacket that flatters your figure, boosts your confidence, and becomes a cherished piece in your wardrobe for years to come.