Giving a Leather Jacket as a Gift: Size, Style and Timing
A leather jacket is one of those rare gifts that gets better with time. It's personal, it's useful every day, and with simple care it can last for decades. It's also the traditional gift for a third wedding anniversary, which in the US is the leather anniversary. The hard part is getting the size and style right without spoiling the surprise. Here's how.
Step 1: Work out their size (without asking)
Measure a jacket they already love
This is the most reliable trick. Borrow their favorite jacket (not a heavy winter coat) and lay it flat, zipped or buttoned.
- Chest: measure straight across from armpit to armpit and double it.
- Back length: measure from the base of the collar at the back down to the hem.
- Sleeve: measure from the top of the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff.
For men's jackets, compare these with the Jacket chest, Back length and Sleeve columns on our size guide. They're measurements of the jacket itself, so you're comparing like with like.
Check their labels
- For men: check the size on their favorite jackets and shirts, and whether they tend to wear them fitted or loose.
- For women: check the US dress size on their clothes. Our women's sizes follow US dress sizes, from XS (US 0–2) to 4XL (US 26).
Still not sure?
Ask a close friend or family member, or take the jacket measurements above and email them to info@whiteburaq.com with the style you like. We'll help you pick a size.
Step 2: Choose a style they'll actually wear
Look at what's already in their closet and choose something that fits how they dress.
- For the rider or the rock fan: a classic men's biker or women's biker jacket.
- For the minimalist: a clean cafe racer.
- For the one who's always cold: a shearling or B-3 bomber.
- For the everyday casual dresser: a bomber or flight jacket.
- For the professional: a leather blazer or a leather coat.
- For the bride-to-be: a custom bridal leather jacket.
If in doubt, black is the safest color. It goes with everything they own. Not sure about the styles? Read leather jacket styles explained.
Step 3: Order in good time
- Every order, in stock or made to order, ships within 3–7 business days.
- US delivery by express courier then takes 3–5 business days, so allow about 6–12 business days in total. Other countries take 5–8 business days after dispatch.
For birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, order at least three weeks ahead to leave room for courier delays at busy times. Delivery times are estimates. See what happens after you order.
Step 4: Make sure it can be returned if the size is wrong
Tell the recipient to try the jacket on indoors with the tags still attached. Unused items in their original packaging, with all tags, can be returned within 30 days of delivery. We don't do direct exchanges, so to change the size you return the original and place a new order. Read our refund policy for the details.
Gift ideas for the third (leather) anniversary
- Their first "forever" leather jacket in a classic style
- Matching jackets for the two of you, such as his-and-hers bikers
- A jacket in the color or style they wore when you met
- A personalized piece with names, a date or initials. Email us before ordering to check what's possible for that style.
Looking after the gift
Include a note with the basics: hang it on a padded hanger, wipe it with a dry cloth, keep it away from heat and condition it a few times a year. Our leather care guide has everything else.
Written by the White Buraq team. Our family workshop has made leather goods by hand since 1998.