Jacket sizing 36 v 38

[Nick the DSM]

I've read numerous vendors that when ordering a jacket to order a size up from what you normally wear. I wear a 36 motorcycle jacket, and it's still big on me, so I'm weary of ordering a 38. Is there a way of measuring the differences? I don't want to find out 38 is way too big when I receive it. I'm a small guy to begin with, so I'm skeptical if I need to order up a size when doing so.

Should I measure my chest for a more accurate number?

[1oldsarge]

Covered well by others...

[Tobus]

The reason they tell you to go up a size is because they're tired of Americans complaining that the jackets don't fit right, when in fact they do. Americans tend to wear their jackets more loosely, whilst Britons tend to wear them more fitted. When most Americans put on a jacket that actually fits them, they think it's too small and they complain. But we're talking about kilt jackets here, which should fit like they do in Scotland (i.e. fitted). So if you wear a size 36 jacket normally, then go ahead and order a 36 jacket. Don't size up. Just be advised that it's going to actually fit you, instead of looking like a potato sack as most Americans prefer.

My chest actually measures around 37" with a tape measure, and I can wear size 36 jackets just fine. They actually fit me better than a 38, because they're better fitted in the shoulders. A 38 will usually be too wide in the shoulders. So if you're anything like me, and prefer a jacket to actually flatter your figure instead of hide it, go with the size you know fits you.

[LitTrog]

I don't like to "***," but, once again, Tobus offers good advice. For less substantial guys like us, I think going with your normal jacket size will yield better results. Once you get used to it, I think you'll prefer the fit and look.

[Mikilt]

While I agree with Tobus and LiTrog, I find that off the rack jackets don't always fit well so I typically buy a size larger and then take it to my tailor for a custom fit.

[Mainer In Exile]

There are *at least* three different measurements that can come into play when considering an "off the rack" jacket. The first is chest measurement: for most, measuring around the widest portion of your chest in inches gives the correct jacket size number. For big guys, it can be more accurate to measure outside the arms: with arms at the side, have someone measure around that same widest portion of the chest, but take the tape around the arms as well: subtract seven from the measurement in inches for the jacket size.

And then there's the waist measurement: the difference between chest and waist measurements is the "drop". It comes into play when clothes designers have made decisions based on national preferences (as Tobus mentions) or other assumptions about the potential customer: age, body type, etc.

This tutorial from "Ask Andy" is useful not only for showing how to properly measure a well-fitting jacket you already own (for various reasons, its stated size may *not* be accurate), but it also touches on a number of those design factors"

http://www.askandyaboutclothes.com/c...asure-a-jacket

Allen

[auld argonian]

Thanks, Mainer...I'm bookmarking that Ask Andy page. I was never quite clear on just how those measurements were made so this makes it very clear.

Best

AA