Body vs. jacket measurements

[JDelage]

All - how do I translate my own body measurements into the right jacket size? My chest is 41" around, and my shoulders are 47". My shirt measurements are generally around 22"-23" P2P and 19" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam. How do I use this information to choose the right jacket size?

Thanks!

 

[El Marro]

Generally you want a jacket that has a p2p about 4" greater than your chest measurement. This varies due to the cut and style of the jacket, as well as what kind of lining it has. In your case, I think you will find that a 40 or 42 is probably your best bet in most jackets, depending on the style and manufacturer.
There is bound to be some trial and error when you begin buying jackets online without trying them on first. This is part of the process, though, and soon you will have a good grasp of what numbers work best for you.
Welcome to the lounge!

 

[K-Pants]

All - how do I translate my own body measurements into the right jacket size? My chest is 41" around, and my shoulders are 47". My shirt measurements are generally around 22"-23" P2P and 19" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam. How do I use this information to choose the right jacket size?

Thanks!

Shoulders are 47"?? I am not familiar with that type of measurement.

Anyway...

Here's what I did: I contacted a company I was intending to buy a custom leather jacket from and asked what measurements they needed to make me a form fitting jacket. Then I took those measurements while wearing a sweater/pullover that was as thick as I thought I might wear under the jacket in colder weather.

Here's some basic measurements, though some tailors/apparel makers might ask for more. (When you measure, have a tailor do it so you know it's done correctly):

-chest size, measure around the thickest part of your chest, under your arms.
-Shoulder width, shoulder edge to shoulder edge along where the jacket will sit across your shoulders.
-Waist circumference (belt area)
-belly circumference (around your torso where your belly button is).
-sleeve length (from edge of your shoulder down along your arm to about 0.75 inch above your knuckles where the fingers joins the hand).
-Back length, measure from bottom of the back of your neck bone down to your belt.

Any loungers have any other ideas, or can correct any errors I may have made?

 

[JDelage]

Thanks. The 47" is all around the chest and shoulders (so like a chest measurement but going over the shoulders).

 

[ProteinNerd]

The easiest thing to do is simply measure another jacket that you already own (doesn't have to be leather) that fits you well.

 

[Seb Lucas]

The easiest thing to do is simply measure another jacket that you already own (doesn't have to be leather) that fits you well.

This is the best way. A denim or Harrington jacket may be a better stand in for leather as the pattern is similar. You really never need to measure yourself.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Once you have the measurements you simply ask the maker for their measurements and you match up to yours for the best fit.

You can allow some flexibility. Eg I can wear sleeves from 25.5 to 26.5 inches long. Shoulders from 19 to 20.5 inches work ok too. Back length 26 to 27.5 inches depending on style. I am a size 40,42,44 and ocassionally a 46 depending on the maker and/ or pattern.

 

[JDelage]

OK, thanks everyone. I was wondering that a denim jacket would be too thin to be a good proxy for leather.

Quick follow up: Is it better to be a couple cm tight on the chest, or a couple cm wide in the shoulders? (I suspect never go tight on the chest, right?)

 

[handymike]

Goodwear has a good way to measure:
http://www.goodwearleather.com/pages/sizing.html
but, nothing beats using a jacket to compare.

 

[Fanch]

Below is a link on the VLJ Forum describing exactly how to measure a leather jacket. I am pretty certain this tutorial was done by Andy Falzon who had a pronounced tendency to be acerbic but nevertheless appears to know his stuff.

http://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/how-to-measure-a-jacket-correctly-tutorial.15194/

 

[JDelage]

Those are ways to measure a jacket, but my question was really about how to translate those numbers into something meaningful for a given individual. If someone has a leather jacket that fit perfectly already, it's trivial to compare the measurements, and according to some of the comments above, measuring another type of jacket (e.g., denim) can also work.

 

[ButteMT61]

Don't get what you're asking^^^?

 

[Blackadder]

Those are ways to measure a jacket, but my question was really about how to translate those numbers into something meaningful for a given individual. If someone has a leather jacket that fit perfectly already, it's trivial to compare the measurements, and according to some of the comments above, measuring another type of jacket (e.g., denim) can also work.

If we are talking about MTM suits, you have to measure your "shoulder" in the conventional way.
http://propercloth.com/reference/how-to-measure-your-body-shoulder-width/
Your shoulder figure combining with round the chest measurement will also give some indication as to your body type i.e. flat or round shape and that helps when tailoring a jacket.
If we are talking about off-the rack jacket, then the usual way is buy your chest size meaning if you are 41, then your logical choice is size 42 because there is usually no odd number save for possibly some dress shirts which have a different scale anyway. Jackets are usually made with inches to spare e.g. a size 42 slim cut suits will usually have a 44in measurements around the chest. Problem is that differs from manufacturer to manufacturer and also depends on the style and cut. Take the above example a size 42 slim cut jacket which has 2 inches of spare room would mean it is tighter even than your shirt. If you find that uncomfortable, then you may have to size up.
The reason why ppl suggests measuring your favourite jacket in stead of your body is because the jacket's measurement also factors in your preference in the "cut" i.e. how much room to spare in stead of leaving it to the manufacturers.

 

[JDelage]

I think I'm pretty clear now, thanks to everyone!

 

[Carlos840]

One thing to keep in mind is that tag size is meaningless!

Like you i am a 41" chest, 48" shoulders, and 33" waist. I have jackets ranging from size 40 to 44 and Pit to pit ranging from 22 to 24. They all fit well.
Different patterns will also change how different measurements feel/wear.

 

[Fanch]

Knowing your measurements and a favorite jacket's measurements should put you in the ballpark for a decent fit, but keep in mind that a jacket a bit too large is more likely to be acceptable than one that is too small, tight and restrictive. The best paradigm though is a "fit" jacket sent to you, such as from Thurston Bros / Insurrection in Seatle, so the pattern can then be tweaked and fine-tuned for an optimal fit.

 

[Fanch]

One thing to keep in mind is that tag size is meaningless!

Good point @Carlos840 and worth repeating. The size 44 (long) Aero Bronco A-2 I used to own is roughly one size smaller than the size 40 (long) Gibson & Barnes Mark 43 A-2 that I still have. The Aero Bronco A-2 is the picture on the left, the G&B A-2 on the right. Go figure.

 

[JDelage]

... Thurston Bros / Insurrection in Seatle ...

Hmm... I'm in Seattle.

 

[AeroFan_07]

I'd contact Cary - just see the Insurrection/Thurston thread on here and start there.

Or you could look up Langlitz in Portland....

 

[Fanch]

Hmm... I'm in Seattle.

Nothing you could do would make more sense than contacting Thurston Bros to see what they have that suits you and then proceed from there.