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

[Tobus]

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

That was indeed a pretty well written explanation. When it comes to buying jackets off of eBay (of which I've bought at least 5), I've seen huge issues with measurements. Best thing to do is know exactly which measurements you want (duh). For example, he says that most makers will add 4" to the chest size to make a jacket with that nominal size. So a 38" jacket would actually measure 42" pit-to-pit. But that doesn't mean it will necessarily fit like you want. For me, that's way too loose. In my experience (and again considering that I prefer a more snug British style fit, not a potato sack), 3" is about right. So with my chest measuring 37", I look for jackets that measure 40" pit-to-pit. Sometimes these are labeled as 36", sometimes they're labeled as 38". Some uneducated sellers actually list it as a 40" jacket. So even if you know all the things he mentions on his page, it's still best to know what measurement actually feels/looks the best on your body.

Of course, this may or may not apply to buying a new jacket from a vendor!

If a vendor's maker is adding the typical 4", you may still end up with a jacket that doesn't fit. Especially if you're buying the next size up like they recommend. You could end up with a jacket that's 6" larger than your actual chest, when an 'ideal' fit may be 3".

[Nick the DSM]

That link was very helpful. I never knew about measuring most of that, only chest and sleeve. It's going to be very helpful in the long run. I don't like loose fitting jackets, so British fitting it is.

Used jackets I can find 36, but most are R or L, and I need S. All vendors start at 38, I'd probably have send an inquiry to see if they will.

[Blake Roth]

As if Tobus needs another validation.....
I happen to be around 5' 9", and have about a 36"-ish chest. I have a WPG drill jacket that is a 36" and it fits fine as long as I dont throw basketballs or lift shovels. All my other jackets are 38", so I can do minor laborious movements if I need to and not have to worry about bursting out the shoulders.
But beware, just like everyday, American-uniform, type clothing, depending on the vendor, some have different measures for small, med., and lrg.! Others, especially on Ebay, list it as one size and then specify some different measure down the description.
But, for the most part, go for what you know. If, however, you get a size too large you can always have it taken in a bit; if you buy too small, that's when it gets tricky.
Best of luck.