Leather Jacket Guides

A genuine leather jacket should fit closely without feeling tight, and unlike a knit sweater it won't forgive much if the size is wrong. Learning how to measure for a leather jacket takes about ten minutes, a soft tape measure and, ideally, a friend to help.

Below you'll find each measurement step by step, the mistakes that throw numbers off, and how to use your results to choose a standard size or order a jacket made to measure.

The measurements you need for a leather jacket

Six body measurements cover almost every jacket and coat: chest, shoulders, sleeve length, waist, hips and jacket length. A seventh, your bicep, is optional but useful if you have broad or muscular arms. The diagram and table below give a quick reference, and each one is explained in detail further down.

Before you start: tips for accurate numbers

• Use a soft tape measure. A cloth or vinyl sewing tape follows the body. A metal tape from the toolbox won't.
• Wear a thin top. Measure over a T-shirt or fitted top, never over a sweater or another jacket.
• Stand naturally. Keep your posture relaxed, arms loose at your sides and weight on both feet. Don't breathe in, puff out your chest or stand unusually straight.
• Ask someone to help. Shoulders, sleeves and jacket length run across your back, and they're far more accurate when another person holds the tape.
• Keep the tape snug, not tight. It should sit flat against you without pressing in. You should be able to slide one finger underneath.
• Measure twice. Take each measurement two times. If the numbers differ, measure a third time and use the one that repeats.
• Stick to one unit. Record everything in inches or everything in centimeters, and write it down as you go.

How to measure for a leather jacket, step by step

1. Chest

Raise your arms slightly so your helper can pass the tape around you, then lower them to your sides. Place the tape around the fullest part of your chest, under the armpits and across the shoulder blades at the back. Check in a mirror that it stays level all the way around, then breathe normally and read the measurement.

2. Shoulders

Find the outer edge of each shoulder, the point where the shoulder bone ends and the arm begins. That's where a jacket's shoulder seam should sit. Measure straight across the upper back from one point to the other, letting the tape follow the natural curve of your back. This is the measurement most people get wrong alone, so it's worth asking for help.

3. Sleeve length

Start at the same shoulder point and run the tape down the outside of your arm, over the elbow, to the wrist bone. Keep your arm slightly bent, as it would be when you walk or reach for a door handle, so the sleeve won't ride up in everyday wear. If you ride a motorcycle, measure with your arms extended as if holding the handlebars, since that position pulls sleeves back.

4. Waist

Measure around your natural waist, the narrowest part of your torso, usually just above the belly button. Keep the tape level and your stomach relaxed. If you carry more weight around the middle, measure at the fullest point instead so the jacket closes comfortably.

5. Hips

Stand with your feet together and measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat. This matters most for longer jackets and coats that reach the hips or beyond. For cropped styles it's less critical, but it still helps the jacket hang cleanly.

6. Jacket length

Tilt your head forward slightly and find the prominent bone at the base of your neck. Measure from there straight down your spine to where you want the jacket to end. Most biker, cafe racer and bomber jackets finish around the waistband of your trousers, while car coats and longer coats reach the upper or mid thigh. If you own a jacket whose length you like, measure it the same way as a reference.

7. Bicep (optional)

With your arm relaxed at your side, measure around the fullest part of your upper arm. It's worth including if you lift weights or often find sleeves tight, because standard sleeves are cut for average proportions.

Common measuring mistakes to avoid

• Measuring over a sweater, hoodie or thick shirt.
• Pulling the tape so tight it digs in, or letting it droop at the back.
• Measuring sleeves from the center of the neck instead of from the shoulder point.
• Measuring sleeves with the arm locked straight or raised.
• Rounding numbers down to fit a smaller size.
• Mixing inches and centimeters in the same set of numbers.

Standard sizes vs made to measure

With your numbers in hand, open our size guide. It has separate men's and women's charts in inches and centimeters. Find the size whose chest matches yours most closely, then check the shoulders and sleeve length. The men's chart also lists jacket measurements, so you can compare against a jacket you already own and like.

A standard size works well when your measurements fall neatly into one row of the chart. Made to measure is worth choosing if you're between sizes, have broad shoulders with a slimmer waist, have long or short arms for your build, or simply want a close, tailored fit. Leather relaxes a little with wear but won't stretch far, so it's better to start with the right cut. Our guide to whether leather jackets stretch explains what to expect.

Fitted styles such as cafe racers, racers and double-breasted jackets benefit most from exact measurements:

Men's Black Lambskin Double-Breasted Leather Jacket Women's Distressed Brown Lambskin Cafe Racer Jacket Men's Distressed Brown Leather Racer Jacket

How made to measure works

1. Choose your jacket and select "Customise Size (made to measure)" in the size options on the product page.
2. Place your order as normal.
3. Email info@whiteburaq.com with your order number and your measurements: chest, shoulders, sleeve length, waist, hips and jacket length. Add your bicep if you measured it, plus any notes on how you like a jacket to fit.
4. Your jacket is made by hand to your measurements and ships within 3–7 business days. Express delivery then takes 3–5 business days in the US and 5–8 business days elsewhere.

Because made-to-measure jackets are cut for one person, they can't be returned, so take a moment to double-check your numbers before you send them. Our made-to-measure page has more detail, and what happens after you order explains each stage up to delivery. When your jacket arrives, run through our leather jacket fit checklist.

FAQ

Should I measure over my clothes?

Measure over a thin T-shirt only. If you want room for thick sweaters or hoodies, mention it in your made-to-measure email rather than measuring over them. Our guide to whether leather jackets are warm has tips on layering.

Can I measure myself without help?

You can take your chest, waist, hips and bicep alone in front of a mirror. Shoulders, sleeve length and jacket length are much more accurate with a helper, because they run across your back.

What if I'm between two sizes?

Choose based on your shoulders and chest, since those are the hardest areas to adjust. If neither size feels right, made to measure removes the guesswork.

Should I size up for a leather jacket?

Usually not. Pick the size that matches your measurements. Leather molds to your body with wear, and a jacket that starts too big tends to look boxy.

Can I return a made-to-measure jacket?

No. Made-to-measure jackets are made to order for you and can't be returned, which is why measuring carefully, and twice, is worth the extra few minutes.

Once you know how to measure for a leather jacket, ordering online becomes simple. Keep your numbers somewhere handy, compare them with the size guide, and browse our men's leather jackets or women's leather jackets to find the style you'd like made for you.