What You'll Need Before You Start
Before taking any measurements, make sure you have the following:
- A flexible tailor's measuring tape — the soft, fabric kind used by tailors. Do not use a rigid metal tape measure.
- A friend to help — while some measurements can be taken alone, having someone assist you will give you more accurate results.
- A fitted t-shirt or thin shirt — measure over light clothing, not over a thick sweater or hoodie.
- A notepad and pen — write down each measurement as you go so you don't forget.
Take each measurement twice to make sure it's accurate. If the two readings differ, take a third and use the average.
The 5 Key Measurements for Jacket Sizing
1. Chest Measurement
The chest measurement is the most important measurement for jacket sizing. It determines the primary size of your jacket and affects how the jacket sits across your torso.
How to measure: Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits and across your shoulder blades. Keep the tape parallel to the ground and make sure it's snug but not tight — you should be able to slide two fingers underneath it. Stand up straight and breathe normally. Do not puff your chest out or suck it in.
Pro tip: For leather jackets, add 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) to your chest measurement to allow for comfortable movement and layering underneath.
2. Shoulder Measurement
The shoulder measurement is critical for leather jackets because the shoulder seam placement defines the entire silhouette of the jacket. A jacket with shoulders that are too wide or too narrow will never look right, no matter how well it fits elsewhere.
How to measure: Measure from the edge of one shoulder (the bony point where your shoulder ends) straight across your back to the edge of the other shoulder. Keep the tape flat across your upper back. This is best done with a friend's help.
Pro tip: The shoulder seam of your jacket should sit exactly at the edge of your shoulder — not hanging off it, and not pulling inward. This is the most important fit point on any jacket.
3. Sleeve Length
Sleeve length determines how far the jacket sleeve extends down your arm. Getting this right ensures your jacket looks polished and proportionate.
How to measure: Start at the top of your shoulder (the same bony point used for the shoulder measurement). Run the tape down the outside of your arm, over a slightly bent elbow, and down to your wrist bone. The slight bend in the elbow mimics the natural position of your arm when wearing a jacket.
Pro tip: For leather jackets, the sleeve should end right at your wrist bone. If you plan to wear thick gloves (for motorcycle riding, for example), you may want to add half an inch to allow the sleeve to clear the glove cuff.
4. Torso Length (Back Length)
The torso or back length measurement determines how long the jacket will be on your body. This affects both the look and the functionality of the jacket.
How to measure: Start at the base of your neck (the prominent bone at the top of your spine, known as the C7 vertebra). Run the tape straight down your back to where you want the jacket to end — typically at or just below your hip bone for a standard jacket length.
Pro tip: Biker and moto jackets tend to be shorter (ending at the hip), while bomber jackets and coats are longer. Check the product description for the specific back length of the jacket you're considering.
5. Waist Measurement
While jackets are primarily sized by chest measurement, the waist measurement is important for fitted or belted jacket styles where the jacket is designed to cinch at the waist.
How to measure: Wrap the tape around the narrowest part of your torso, typically about an inch above your belly button. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and stand naturally without sucking in your stomach.
Pro tip: If your chest and waist measurements fall into different size categories, always size up to the larger size and have the jacket tailored if needed. It's much easier to take in a jacket than to let it out.
Jacket Size Chart
Use the measurements you've taken to find your size in the chart below. All measurements are in inches.
| Size | Chest (in) | Shoulder (in) | Sleeve (in) | Back Length (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 34–36 | 16–17 | 23–24 | 25–26 |
| S | 36–38 | 17–18 | 24–25 | 26–27 |
| M | 38–40 | 18–19 | 25–26 | 27–28 |
| L | 40–42 | 19–20 | 26–27 | 28–29 |
| XL | 42–44 | 20–21 | 27–28 | 29–30 |
| 2XL | 44–46 | 21–22 | 28–29 | 30–31 |
| 3XL | 46–48 | 22–23 | 29–30 | 31–32 |
| 4XL | 48–50 | 23–24 | 30–31 | 32–33 |
| 5XL | 50–52 | 24–25 | 31–32 | 33–34 |
How Should a Leather Jacket Fit?
Knowing your measurements is only half the battle. Understanding how a leather jacket should fit is equally important. Here's what to look for:
- Shoulders: The shoulder seam should sit exactly at the edge of your shoulder. This is non-negotiable — if the shoulders don't fit, the jacket won't look right regardless of other adjustments.
- Chest: When zipped or buttoned, the jacket should lie flat across your chest without pulling or gaping. You should be able to fit a fist between the jacket and your chest when it's open.
- Sleeves: The sleeves should end at your wrist bone. When your arms are at your sides, the cuffs should just cover your wrist.
- Length: The jacket should cover your waistband and end at or just below your hip bone for a standard fit. It should not ride up when you raise your arms.
- Movement: You should be able to raise your arms above your head, cross them in front of you, and reach forward without the jacket pulling uncomfortably across the back or shoulders.
- Lining: The lining should lie smooth against your body without bunching or pulling.
Special Considerations for Leather Jackets
The Break-In Factor
Real leather — especially cowhide — has a break-in period. A new leather jacket may feel slightly stiff and snug when you first try it on. Over weeks and months of wear, the leather will soften and mold to the exact shape of your body. This means a jacket that feels slightly firm when new will eventually feel like it was custom-made for you.
With this in mind, avoid sizing up just because a new jacket feels a little stiff. If the shoulders fit correctly and you can zip it comfortably, it's the right size — the leather will do the rest.
Layering Underneath
Think about what you'll typically wear under your leather jacket. If you plan to wear it over a thin t-shirt, your standard size will work perfectly. If you frequently layer over thick knitwear or hoodies, consider sizing up by one size to accommodate the extra bulk.
Custom Sizing
If your measurements fall between sizes or you have a non-standard body shape, custom sizing is the best option. At Glory Store US, we offer custom sizing on all our leather jackets — simply provide your exact measurements and we'll craft a jacket that fits you perfectly.
Tips for Measuring Yourself Accurately
- Always measure over the clothes you'd typically wear under a jacket — a thin t-shirt or shirt.
- Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides during all measurements.
- Keep the measuring tape parallel to the ground for chest and waist measurements.
- Don't pull the tape too tight — it should be snug but comfortable.
- Measure twice and record both readings. If they differ, take a third measurement.
- If you're between sizes, always size up rather than down for leather jackets.
Shop the Perfect Fit at Glory Store US
At Glory Store US, we offer a full size range from XS to 5XL across our entire collection of men's leather jackets and women's leather jackets. Every jacket is crafted from 100% genuine leather with free worldwide shipping on every order.
Still not sure about your size? Our team is always available to help you find the perfect fit. And remember — if your measurements are unique, we offer custom sizing so you never have to compromise on fit.
Final Thoughts
Taking the time to measure yourself properly before buying a leather jacket is one of the best investments you can make. A perfectly fitted leather jacket doesn't just look better — it feels better, moves better, and lasts longer because it's not being stressed at the seams. Follow this guide, take your measurements carefully, and you'll find the perfect jacket every time. Explore our full collection at glorystore.us and find your perfect fit today.