Jacket sizing 36 v 38

[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".