Buying jacket online. Sizing etc.

[Andrew Putnam]

Hi,
My first post here. I have always really liked jackets but have only in the past few years become more aware of what is around.
I bought a Messerschmitt and a 50's Halfbelt from a shop in Germany online about 18 months ago. But of course without trying things on it's always a little hit and miss and I haven't been entirely happy with the fit of the jackets. I feel like the Halfbelt is a little too big for example, marked at a 110-115 chest. It's wearable and usable etc. and is actually a really nice jacket but I am very curious to try other jackets.
Since then I became aware of Aero and several times I've been on the verge of purchasing something from them or of theirs from classifieds in here or on eBay or somewhere but have not, partially because there's so many options, but moreso probably because I'm not really sure of sizing.
I wrote to Aero a few days ago supplying my measurements and asking for recommendations on sizes but haven't heard back as of yet. So I was wondering if I could get some advice?
First up my chest is about 45 1/2" does that mean I should be looking at 46" size jackets? Sorry I am not good with this probably a silly question.
If that is the case Aero say you can go down a size on some of their jackets that have a loose fit- so maybe 44" in these would therefore work?
I've also been using the measurements on the jackets I have to try and help me gauge what size to purchase, but these measurements don't always correspond to the size of the jacket, ie: a 42 and a 48 of different styles might appear to both be a good fit on paper. Should I go by measurements or size?
I understand there will probably be a bit of trial and error, and purchasing possibly sending back for exchange or selling on. I guess ultimately at some point I just have to accept the risk and just buy something!

 

[Seb Lucas]

Hello neighbour. Best easy way to do this is measure a similar jacket that fits you the way you want. That gives you your measurements.

Do not go by size as sizes are not standard and one size 42 is a 46 in another pattern or maker.

For instance - I am 187cm - I wear a 42 to 46 depending on the maker or style. Usually 42 in a suit. I measure 23 inches across under the arms - this is called pit to pit. If you can get the p to p sorted that is most of your battle. Lie the jacket flat on a table and measure across.

Then you just need to work out the back length (26.5 for me) and the sleeve length (26 inches).

Where the problems are found is in what your fit preferences are - do you like jackets trim or lose or short or long? This is generally an inch or an inch and a half's difference in either direction.

Note - Roughly in terms of chest size you generally add 4 inches to get your pit to pit. So if you are 45 inches measured, you need to be 49 inches halved which is 24.5 pit to pit. Test this on a denim jacket or similar that is not too tight and see.

 

[Andrew Putnam]

Thanks heaps for this Seb... exactly what I needed!!!

 

[Peter Bowden]

In the past I have used a thick over-sized shirt as a mock up which can be easily pinned up to get the shape and length you want.I still find sleeve length confusing as some measurements are given as a straight line from shoulder edge to cuff and some as a measurement of the sleeves outer curve but the vendor would confirm this.

 

[Andrew Putnam]

In the past I have used a thick over-sized shirt as a mock up which can be easily pinned up to get the shape and length you want.I still find sleeve length confusing as some measurements are given as a straight line from shoulder edge to cuff and some as a measurement of the sleeves outer curve but the vendor would confirm this.

Do you know where Aero take the sleeve measurement from? And the back is where the collar starts along that seam at the bottom to the bottom of the jacket of course?

 

[ElCamillou]

Do you know where Aero take the sleeve measurement from? And the back is where the collar starts along that seam at the bottom to the bottom of the jacket of course?

Hi,
If it can help, Holly (from Aero) sent me this pic.
The best option is to send them another message about sizing, yours has probably been lost in the internet mist...

 

[Andrew Putnam]

Hi,
If it can help, Holly (from Aero) sent me this pic.
The best option is to send them another message about sizing, yours has probably been lost in the internet mist...

Thanks so much! Really the helpfulness has exceeded all my expectations. Tremendously helpful. Thankyou. I'll go and remeasure the sleeves on the jackets I was using as a gauge now!

 

[ProteinNerd]

I'm pretty sure there is a Melbourne stockist of Aero jackets that can order one for you if they don't stock it. Why not track them down and try some on?

Here you go

https://pickingsandparry.com/pages/contact-us

 

[Seb Lucas]

This kind of info is really helpful - when I bought my first leather jacket in 1983, I only knew medium or large. It literally took me about a dozen jackets over years before I finally twigged to having measurements I could buy for. It was an earlier, simpler time.

 

[Peter Bowden]

Do you know where Aero take the sleeve measurement from? And the back is where the collar starts along that seam at the bottom to the bottom of the jacket of course?

I measure sleeve length as per the 'Aero' correct method and take the back measurement from the collar seam to the hem as you describe.

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

When I buy online, I've found pit-to-pit measurement to be the key. Other measurements can also be important, but that pit distance is the one that seems to tell me most about fit. It's failed me once or twice, but those were anomalies in the total sum of experiences.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Pit to pit is definitely the one you need to figure out first. Other measurements can matter though. If the jacket fits slim, you'll need to know your waist measurement for example . As others have said, make sure to measure yourself as well as jackets that fit you well. It's daunting at first, but once you get used to it, ordering online becomes fairly stress free. All my leather jackets have been bought online and the majority of my clothing in general has been as well.

 

[Andrew Putnam]

What about shoulders? I think I am measuring them correctly It's coming out at 21". It seems most of the Aero jackets with the right Pit to Pit are at least an inch under 21". I guess that is something I can direct towards Holly at Aero.
There's a few I'm looking at. I like enough pockets and I like Halfbelt style so looking at 50's Halfbelt and 50's Halfbelt Deluxe, also looking at Wayfarer, and maybe Bootlegger.
The Wayfarer looks good and it's four pockets would be useful, I kind of like the wrist belts but would the wrist belts get in the way?
There's one on their at the moment which is size 44, PP=24" and Sh= 18.75". I measure PP=24.5" and Sh=21" so I'm thinking I'd be better off waiting til something better fitting comes along, or I could order one I suppose.

 

[Peter Bowden]

I'm pretty sure there is a Melbourne stockist of Aero jackets that can order one for you if they don't stock it. Why not track them down and try some on?

Here you go

https://pickingsandparry.com/pages/contact-us

Nice site-Interesting seeing jackets being modeled rather than static so to speak.

 

[Seb Lucas]

What about shoulders? I think I am measuring them correctly It's coming out at 21". It seems most of the Aero jackets with the right Pit to Pit are at least an inch under 21". I guess that is something I can direct towards Holly at Aero.
There's a few I'm looking at. I like enough pockets and I like Halfbelt style so looking at 50's Halfbelt and 50's Halfbelt Deluxe, also looking at Wayfarer, and maybe Bootlegger.
The Wayfarer looks good and it's four pockets would be useful, I kind of like the wrist belts but would the wrist belts get in the way?
There's one on their at the moment which is size 44, PP=24" and Sh= 18.75". I measure PP=24.5" and Sh=21" so I'm thinking I'd be better off waiting til something better fitting comes along, or I could order one I suppose.

I found wrist belts get in the way.

Its a rare big guy who needs shoulders wider than 20 inches.

 

[Edward]

This kind of info is really helpful - when I bought my first leather jacket in 1983, I only knew medium or large. It literally took me about a dozen jackets over years before I finally twigged to having measurements I could buy for. It was an earlier, simpler time.

"Back in those days, everything was simpler and more confused."

I found wrist belts get in the way.

Quite.

 

[Peacoat]

Here is a prior discussion we had on this topic:

https://www.thefedoralounge.com/thr...rements-to-jacket-measurements-for-fit.93784/

 

[Ernest P Shackleton]

It was an earlier, simpler time.

Vanity sizing has really screwed up buying clothing and footwear. There's no such thing as even a semblance of industry standards anymore. If you buy sneakers from five different companies, you could very well see five different sizes in your closet. Or in the case of things like shirts, psychological marketing is real. "I only wear a large." "Yeah, you didn't lose weight. That shirt was an XXL in 1985. They're trying to make you feel good about buying their product."

 

[Monitor]

Vanity sizing has really screwed up buying clothing and footwear. There's no such thing as even a semblance of industry standards anymore. If you buy sneakers from five different companies, you could very well see five different sizes in your closet. Or in the case of things like shirts, psychological marketing is real. "I only wear a large." "Yeah, you didn't lose weight. That shirt was an XXL in 1985. They're trying to make you feel good about buying their product."

Yep. I quite literally cannot buy shoes online. I don't even know anymore what shoe size I am anymore. I've got boots in three sizes at home, each fit me the same.

 

[ProteinNerd]

Yeah I can understand (somewhat) vanity sizing in jeans, shirts etc...but shoes?? I mean there is a standardised tool for measuring feet right? How can the same "size" fit differently?