Introduction: Why Getting the Right Leather Jacket Size Matters
There's nothing worse than falling in love with a leather jacket online, placing your order, and then receiving something that doesn't fit. Too tight across the shoulders, too loose in the waist, sleeves that are too long these are the frustrations that turn an exciting purchase into a disappointing one.
The good news? Getting the perfect fit doesn't require a tailor or a trip to a store. With a measuring tape, a friend, and this comprehensive guide from Avanzar Leather, you can measure yourself accurately at home and order with complete confidence.
In this guide, we'll walk you through every measurement you need, explain what to look for in a well-fitting leather jacket, and help you navigate our size charts so your next leather jacket fits like it was made just for you because at Avanzar Leather, it practically is.
Why Leather Jacket Sizing Is Different from Regular Clothing
Leather jackets don't behave like cotton or polyester garments. There are several key reasons why sizing a leather jacket requires more care:
Leather doesn't stretch significantly. Unlike knitwear or stretch fabrics, genuine leather has very limited give. A jacket that's too tight won't loosen up over time it will remain uncomfortable and restrict your movement.
Leather does mold to your body. Over time, a well-fitted leather jacket will conform to your unique shape, becoming more comfortable and personalized with every wear. This is why getting the right size from the start is so important.
Layering affects fit. Unlike a summer shirt, leather jackets are often worn over knitwear, hoodies, or thick shirts. You need to account for what you'll be wearing underneath when taking your measurements.
Different styles fit differently. A biker jacket is designed to fit close to the body, while a B3 Bomber Jacket has a more relaxed, roomy silhouette. Understanding the intended fit of each style is essential before you measure.
What You'll Need Before You Start
Before taking any measurements, gather the following:
- A flexible fabric measuring tape (not a rigid metal one)
- A friend or family member to help (self-measuring is less accurate)
- A well-fitting shirt or light layer (wear what you'd typically wear under a jacket)
- A pen and paper to record your measurements
- Access to our size chart (available on each product page at avanzarleather.com)
Important: Always measure in inches or centimeters depending on which unit your size chart uses. At Avanzar Leather, our size charts include both.
The 6 Key Measurements for a Perfect Leather Jacket Fit
1. Chest Measurement
The chest measurement is the most critical dimension for jacket sizing. Stand naturally with your arms relaxed at your sides. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest typically just under your armpits and across your shoulder blades at the back. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Record this measurement.
Pro Tip: If you're between sizes, size up. A slightly looser chest is far more comfortable than one that restricts your breathing or movement.
2. Shoulder Width
Shoulder fit is arguably the hardest thing to alter in a leather jacket, so getting this right is crucial. Measure from the edge of one shoulder (where your shoulder meets your arm) straight across your back to the other shoulder edge. The seam of a well-fitting jacket should sit exactly at the edge of your shoulder not drooping down your arm or pulling toward your neck.
3. Sleeve Length
Bend your arm slightly at the elbow. Measure from the top of your shoulder (the same point used for shoulder width) down to your wrist bone. This gives you your sleeve length. For leather jackets, the sleeve should end at your wrist not covering your hand, and not exposing too much of your forearm.
4. Waist Measurement
Measure around your natural waist the narrowest part of your torso, typically about an inch above your belly button. This measurement is particularly important for fitted styles like biker jackets and aviator jackets that are designed to follow the body's contours.
5. Back Length
Measure from the top of your spine (the prominent bone at the base of your neck) straight down to where you want the jacket to end. For most leather jackets, this is at the hip but duster coats and trench coats will have significantly longer back lengths. Check the product description for the intended length of each style.
6. Hip Measurement (for Women's Styles)
For women's leather jackets, pants, and skirts, the hip measurement is essential. Measure around the fullest part of your hips, typically 7-9 inches below your natural waist. This is especially important when sizing Women's Leather Pants, Leather Jumpsuits, and Leather Corsets.
How to Read the Avanzar Leather Size Chart
Once you have your measurements, comparing them to our size chart is straightforward. Here's how to interpret the data:
Find your chest measurement first. This is the primary sizing dimension for jackets. Locate your chest measurement in the chart and identify the corresponding size (S, M, L, XL, etc.).
Cross-reference with shoulder width. If your chest measurement falls in one size but your shoulder width falls in another, prioritize the shoulder width. Shoulders cannot be easily altered.
Check the back length. If you're particularly tall or short, verify that the back length of the jacket matches your preference. Some styles are available in tall or short variations.
Consider your layering. If you plan to wear thick knitwear underneath, add 1-2 inches to your chest measurement before consulting the size chart.
Our size charts are available on every product page. If you're unsure, our customer support team is always happy to help you find the perfect size just reach out through our website.
Size Guide by Jacket Style
Biker Jackets Fitted Silhouette
Men's Leather Biker Jackets are designed to fit close to the body. They should feel snug but not restrictive you should be able to zip them up comfortably and move your arms freely. If you're between sizes, size up for comfort, especially if you plan to wear them over thick layers.
Bomber Jackets Relaxed Fit
Leather Bomber Jackets have a more relaxed, slightly boxy silhouette. They're designed to be worn with a little more room. If you're between sizes, you can size down for a more contemporary, fitted look or size up for a classic, relaxed bomber aesthetic.
B3 Bomber Jackets Roomy Fit
The B3 Bomber Jacket is designed with a generous fit to accommodate the thick shearling lining. These jackets run slightly large by design. We recommend sizing down one size from your usual jacket size for the most flattering fit.
Shearling & Aviator Jackets Standard Fit
Shearling Jackets and Aviator Jackets typically follow standard sizing. Take your chest and shoulder measurements and match them directly to the size chart. These styles are designed to accommodate light to medium layering underneath.
Women's Leather Jackets Fitted to Relaxed
Women's Leather Bomber Jackets vary in fit depending on the style. Always check the product description for fit notes. For women's styles, we recommend taking both your chest and hip measurements and using whichever requires the larger size as your guide.
Leather Trench Coats & Dusters Generous Fit
Men's Leather Trench Coats and Leather Duster Coats are designed with a generous, flowing fit. These styles are meant to be worn over multiple layers. Size according to your chest measurement and don't worry about a little extra room it's intentional and part of the aesthetic.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring over a thick jacket. Always measure in a light shirt or the layer you'd typically wear under a jacket. Measuring over bulky clothing will give you inaccurate results.
Pulling the tape too tight. Your measurements should be snug but comfortable — you should be able to slip two fingers under the tape. Too tight and you'll end up with a jacket that's too small.
Ignoring the shoulder measurement. Many people focus only on chest size and neglect shoulders. This is the most common cause of poor jacket fit.
Not accounting for layering. If you live in a cold climate and plan to wear your leather jacket over thick knitwear, add 1-2 inches to your chest measurement.
Assuming your size is the same across all brands. Sizing varies between brands and even between styles within the same brand. Always consult the specific size chart for each product.
What to Do If You're Between Sizes
Being between sizes is common, and the right choice depends on the style and your personal preference:
For fitted styles (biker jackets, moto jackets): size up for comfort and ease of movement. A slightly looser fit is far more wearable than one that restricts you.
For relaxed styles (bombers, shearling jackets): you can go either way. Size down for a more contemporary, fitted look; size up for a classic, relaxed silhouette.
For statement pieces (dusters, trench coats): size up. These styles are designed to be worn with room, and a slightly larger size will drape more elegantly.
When in doubt, contact our customer support team. We're happy to review your measurements and recommend the best size for your specific body type and the style you're interested in.
Custom Sizing at Avanzar Leather
At Avanzar Leather, we understand that not everyone fits neatly into standard size categories. That's why we offer custom sizing on many of our pieces. If you have specific measurements that fall outside our standard size range, or if you simply want a jacket that fits you perfectly in every dimension, our custom sizing option is the answer.
Custom sizing allows you to provide your exact measurements chest, shoulders, sleeves, waist, back length and we'll craft your jacket to those specifications. It's the closest thing to a bespoke leather jacket experience, and it ensures that your investment fits you perfectly from day one.
Contact us through our website to inquire about custom sizing options for any product in our collection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most important measurement for a leather jacket?
The chest measurement is the primary sizing dimension, but shoulder width is arguably the most critical for fit. Shoulders cannot be easily altered, so if you're between sizes based on chest but your shoulders fit better in a different size, always prioritize the shoulder fit.
Should I size up or down in leather jackets?
For fitted styles like biker jackets, size up if you're between sizes leather doesn't stretch significantly. For relaxed styles like bombers, you can go either way depending on your preferred fit. For B3 Bomber Jackets with thick shearling lining, we recommend sizing down one size from your usual jacket size.
Do leather jackets stretch over time?
Genuine leather has very limited stretch compared to fabric garments. While leather will mold and conform to your body shape over time, it won't significantly increase in size. A jacket that feels too tight when new will remain uncomfortable always size correctly from the start.
How do I measure myself for a leather jacket without help?
While having a friend help is ideal, you can self-measure with a flexible tape measure. For chest measurement, wrap the tape around your chest and hold the end in front. For shoulder width, measure from shoulder edge to shoulder edge across your back using a mirror to check alignment. For sleeve length, measure from shoulder to wrist with your arm slightly bent.
Does Avanzar Leather offer custom sizing?
Yes! Avanzar Leather offers custom sizing on many of our pieces. If your measurements fall outside our standard size range or you want a perfectly tailored fit, contact our customer support team with your exact measurements and we'll craft your jacket to your specifications.
What size should I order if I plan to wear thick layers underneath?
If you plan to wear thick knitwear or hoodies under your leather jacket, add 1-2 inches to your chest measurement before consulting the size chart. This ensures you have enough room for comfortable layering without the jacket feeling restrictive.
Are Avanzar Leather size charts in inches or centimeters?
Our size charts include both inches and centimeters for your convenience. You can find the size chart on each individual product page at avanzarleather.com. If you need additional help interpreting the chart, our customer support team is always available to assist.