Online jacket shopping is a bit of an adventure. You encounter a stunning design, but the uncertainty about the size gives you second thoughts. Would it really look good you? The anxiety of that aspect results either in lack of action or the irritation of sending a wrong product back. The diagnostic is simple: measure your body first.
This guideline takes the guess out of the equation. Showing you two easy, efficient ways of measuring, we’ll help you choose the right jacket size. You’ll become proficient at both body measurements and jacket measurements. As a key advantage, you will get to apply those numbers anywhere in any brand or style.
Getting Started: Required Tools
First, we gather the necessary tools. A precise and quick process avails when these are ready.
- A soft, flexible measuring tape (often called tailor’s tape).
- Pro-Tip: No measuring tape? Use the non-stretchy string or a phone charging cable and then measure it against a ruler.
- A pen and a paper or a notes app to record measurements.
- A proper dress jacket from your wardrobe (to be utilized for Method 2).
- (Optional but will speed up the process) A friend who will help you get accurate measurements.
The Two Foolproof Ways of Finding Your Jacket Size
We will delve into two primary approaches for reaching the perfect size. So, start whichever one is more comfortable for you.
Method 1: Body Measurement. This is the ultimate route to know your size. It is very precise, especially in situations where you do not have any jackets of similar fit.
Method 2: Measuring a Well-Fitting Jacket. It is an excellent shortcut. A good jacket is a well-fitting jacket, so the plan is simple; just grab it and measure it.
Method 1: Instructions on How to Measure Your Body for Clothing
Body measurements make up the basic framework for learning how to measure jacket size. Stand natural and easy. A thin t-shirt will be ok to wear as it won’t add bulk to the measurement.
1. Chest/Bust Measurement
This is the Olympic-sized measurement in jackets. Stand naturally with your arms at your sides. Do not puff your chest or hold your breath.
Wrap the measuring tape around your trunk’s fullest area which is right at the armpits and across the shoulder blades.
The tape should feel snug but not tight. You should slide one finger comfortably between the tape and your body. The tape has to be parallel to the floor at all times; keep it level.
2. Shoulder Width
Shoulder width is a critical factor in deciding how well the jacket fits you. The perfect fit ensures that the jacket looks good and also helps you feel good.
Measure the distance between the bones you can find on both shoulders (the acromion bones) in a straight line across your upper back.
3. Sleeve Length
The wrong sleeve length is the most common fit problem. Relax your arm with a very light elbow bend similar to its natural position.
Begin with the tape measure at the shoulder point that you measured before. Run it down your arm’s outside, over the elbow, down your wrist bone.
4. Waist
Wrap the measuring tape around the natural waistline. This is the torso’s narrowest part, situated right above the belly button.
5. Jacket Length
The length of your jacket is determined by the jacket’s design. Stand straight and look ahead.
Measure from the area on your neck where it meets your spine straight down to the point where you want the jacket you are about to wear to end. This will depend on the specific jacket style, example, bomber jackets go for the waist, while the field jackets go for the hips. To learn more, read this fully illustrated guide on body measurements.
Method 2: How to Measure a Well-Fitted Jacket
Having a favorite jacket will make your online purchases much more reliable. This method is fast and works efficiently.
Pick such a jacket that you want to buy from your closet. E.g. Measure a denim jacket when shopping for another denim jacket. Put it on a flat surface (table or the floor). It should be wrinkle-free.
- Chest (Pit to Pit): To begin, button all buttons or zip up the jacket. Measure from one armpit seam straight across to the other armpit seam. You must double this number to get the jacket’s full chest circumference.
- Shoulders: Now measure straight across the back from one shoulder seam’s top to the other’s top.
- Sleeve Length: From now on we will continue measuring the shoulder seam down the sleeve’s outside to the lower hem.
- Jacket Length: Then the jacket will be flipped face down. Measure from the collar’s base seam to the back’s center straight down to the bottom hem.
Brand size guides often display these exact garment measurement points which makes it easy to compare numbers.
From Numbers to Fit: How to Use Your Measurements
Getting the digits is not enough. First, learn how to read size charts and afterward select the right fits. This is where troubles start for a lot of folks, but we will make it easier for you.
Comprehending the “Positive Ease”
The jacket’s measurements always outsize your body’s dimensions. This is an effect of the “plus ease”. It prevents the scares of the jackets being too tight, so it helps you breathe and move, additionally, you can put on a layer underneath. The jackets would be kind of skin-tight without it.
The amount of the ease factor these jackets have will ultimately decide the fit.
How to Interpret a Size Chart
When deciding on a size chart, there are two categories to think about.
- Body Measurement Charts: These divisions indicate the size that corresponds to your metrics. E.g.”Size M fits chest 38-40 inches.” To check the right size chest number, simply find where your chest measurement fits.
- Garment Measurement Charts: These show the finished product dimensions. For example: a 42-inch chest for a size M. Usually, the chest measurement is your body measurement plus the desired ease. If your chest is 39″ and regular fit (4″ ease) is desired, look for jackets with garment chest measurements around 43″.
Most of the finest tailored jacket sizing guides will mention these garment specifications in detail.
Your Fit’s Choice: Slim, Regular, or Relaxed
What amount of ease suits you? It all comes down to what style you want. The following table should help you compare your chest size with the respective brand’s chest measurement.
| Desired Fit | Typical Ease (Added to your chest measurement) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Slim Fit | 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) | New, fashionable looks; wearing over t-shirts or thin shirts. |
| Regular Fit | 3-5 inches (7.5-13 cm) | Timeless, versatile looks; Adds room for the sweater layering. |
| Relaxed/Oversized Fit | 5+ inches (13+ cm) | Loose, comfortable fashion styles; great for overheating due to clothing overload. |
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Measuring Jacket Size
As experts in the field, we often witness the same common mistakes that get people stuck again and again. If you want to be sure of getting it right the first time, avoid the following mistakes.
- Measuring Over Bulky Clothing: Always wear thin t-shirts or undergarments to take body measurements to get your true baseline.
- Pulling the Tape Too Tight: The measuring tape should be snug against your body without digging in or restricting movement.
- Sucking In or Puffing Out: Stand and breathe normally. You want measurements reflecting your natural posture, not an idealized version.
- Measuring the Wrong Sleeve Length: A typical mistake is measuring with straight arms. Forgetting to add slight elbow bends results in sleeves that are too short during movement.
- Disregarding the Jacket Style: Tailored blazers differ from industrial parkas significantly in the intended fit. Clothing style and intended use of the piece most definitely need to be considered.
Your Perfect Fit Checklist & Finding the Right Partner
Now you are ready to search for the perfect jackets. Use this simple checklist every time you shop online.
- Gather your tools.
- Decide on your method (Body or Garment).
- Take all key measurements carefully.
- Find the brand’s size chart on the product page.
- Compare your numbers, accounting for your desired fit (ease).
Pro Tip: When entering into new clothing lines, getting sizing correct from the beginning is crucial. The cooperation with an efficient clothing manufacturer is the way to obtain results as per your specifications from the model until the final production.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are the most frequent questions about how to measure jacket sizes.
What if my measurements are between two sizes?
This is what happens in most cases. First, see if the brand has any suggestions on the website. As a general principle, we would suggest going one size up for a looser fit, especially if you are planning on wearing layers below. Only if you wish to have very slim fits should you consider going down a size, and the jacket material should then be flexible and not whatsoever stiff.
Does the fabric such as leather, denim, and wool affect over the size I should have?
Definitely. Stiff fabrics like non-stretch denim or fresh leather are resistant to bending and require some positive ease to be on the safe side. When they have slight stretch, materials are more forgiving. When it comes to outerwear such as wool coats or shearling jackets, you might consider going up a size due to the heavy layers.
Are there different measurements for a suit versus a casual jacket?
The measurement process is the same, but the ideal fit and the amount of ease differ. Suit jackets are structured garments that should fit closely at shoulders and chest, typically with only 2-3 inches of ease. Casual jackets, like bombers or parkas, are designed for more relaxed fits and have more built-in ease.
Are US, UK, and EU jacket sizes the same?
No, they are very different, causing much confusion. For example, a US men’s size 40 generally equals a UK 40, but translates to an EU 50. Never assume they are the same. Always find the specific brand’s international size conversion chart to be sure.
What about measuring myself accurately without any help?
It is possible, but some are tough to do alone. Getting a chest first has to be level and accurate. It is easier with a friend to keep it that way. When you measure by yourself, the second way—using a jacket that fits you well—is always the most trustful and correct option.
