Leather Jacket Guides

A leather jacket that fits well looks sharper and feels better, and it will be the one you reach for every day. Leather doesn't stretch like knitwear, so fit matters more than with most clothes. Use this checklist when you try on a jacket or choose your size.

The fit checklist

1. Shoulders: the shoulder seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder bone. If it hangs down your arm, the jacket is too big. If it sits up on your shoulder, it's too small. Shoulders are the hardest part to alter, so get this right first.
2. Chest: zip it up and hug yourself or reach forward. It should feel snug but not tight, with no pulling at the zip. You should have room for a T-shirt or a thin sweater.
3. Sleeves: with your arms at your sides, the cuffs should reach your wrist bone or just past it. When you reach forward, they shouldn't ride far up your forearm. Riders often like them a little longer.
4. Back: reach both arms forward. The leather shouldn't pull hard across your shoulder blades.
5. Armholes: higher armholes let you lift your arms without the whole jacket lifting with them. If the hem rises a lot when you raise your arms, the armholes are too low or the jacket is too small.
6. Length: this depends on the style (see below). A short jacket should still cover your belt when you stand.

How each style should fit

• Biker and cafe racer jackets are meant to be close-fitting and short, ending at or just below the belt line.
• Bomber and flight jackets are roomier through the body and sit at the waist, where the ribbed hem gathers them.
• Trucker and work jackets have a straight, relaxed cut and end around the hip.
• Coats should close comfortably over a sweater or a blazer, since that's how you'll usually wear them.

New to these styles? Read leather jacket styles explained.

Leather breaks in, but it doesn't grow a size

Real leather relaxes and shapes itself to your body with wear, especially at the elbows and shoulders. Lambskin feels soft from the first day. Cowhide, horsehide and buffalo start firmer and soften over a few weeks of regular wear. So a new jacket should feel snug, but it shouldn't feel tight. Leather won't stretch a whole size, so don't buy a jacket that's too small and hope it will loosen up.

Signs your size is off

• Too small: the zip strains or ripples, the back pulls when you reach forward, the sleeves ride up, or you can't cross your arms.
• Too big: the shoulder seams hang past your shoulders, there's loose leather bunching at the sides, or the sleeves cover your hands.

Choosing your size online

• Measure your body, not another jacket. Use a soft tape measure over a thin top. Our size guide shows how.
• Men's sizes are based on your chest measurement (36 to 52 inches). Women's sizes follow US dress size (0 to 26) and are cut with a shaped waist.
• Layering: if you'll often wear a thick sweater or hoodie underneath, go one size up.
• Between sizes: for fitted styles such as bikers and cafe racers, go by your chest or bust. For bombers and coats, the larger size usually works better.

When to choose made to measure

Standard sizes fit most people, but not everyone. Made to measure is worth it if you have broad shoulders with a slim waist, long or short arms, a longer torso, or measurements that fall across two sizes. Choose Customise Size (made to measure) on the product page, then email info@whiteburaq.com after you order with your order number and your chest, shoulders, sleeve length, waist, hips and jacket length. If anything looks unusual, we'll contact you before we start. Made-to-measure jackets ship within 3–7 business days, then express delivery takes 3–5 business days in the US and 5–8 business days to other countries. More about made to measure.

Need a second opinion?

Email info@whiteburaq.com or call +1 678-451-8878 with your measurements and the jacket you like, and we'll help you pick a size. Browse men's jackets or women's jackets.