Fit Check on Eastman Californian

[TheKai]

Hey,
first of all, this is my second leather jacket overall. I bought my first leather jacket on ebay which is a Schott P213 a week ago and it fits very nicely. This is now my second one (also bought on ebay). But this time, although the measurements do not differ from the Schott jacket, I kind of feel VERY restricted in this jacket. I think the sizing of this jacket is too small for me, unfortunately. I just want to know from you guys what you think about the fitting. When I stretch my arms out in front of me (see pictures), the sleeves pull back. Please let me know you honest opinion! Thanks.

 

[Marc mndt]

Fit looks absolutely perfect to me. Sleeve length also spot on. Why do you need stretch your arms like that? Do you ride a chopper?

 

[MrProper]

For my taste, the jacket fits very well.

 

[l0fielectronic]

It looks a good 'fitted' fit for this style.

 

[Tom71]

Fit looks perfect. So does the overall look. What a great jacket!

The sleeves are not overly long to begin with, so lifting the arms pulls them back. Not to be avoided but hardly an issue (unless you ride a bike with ape-hangers, that is).
If you don´t feel right in the jacket, that´s all that matters, but I suggest that maybe it just takes getting used to this kind of jacket. Why don´t you give it some weeks so the two of you get used to each other.

 

[Jin431]

Hey,
first of all, this is my second leather jacket overall. I bought my first leather jacket on ebay which is a Schott P213 a week ago and it fits very nicely. This is now my second one (also bought on ebay). But this time, although the measurements do not differ from the Schott jacket, I kind of feel VERY restricted in this jacket. I think the sizing of this jacket is too small for me, unfortunately. I just want to know from you guys what you think about the fitting. When I stretch my arms out in front of me (see pictures), the sleeves pull back. Please let me know you honest opinion! Thanks.

Fit is perfect man, great find! That looks good on you.

maybe the feeling of being restricted is because of different weight/kinds of leather used? Thinking the Eastman is horse hide and the Schott is maybe a different animal skin (lamb? Don't know nothing about schotts)

I get that same feeling too when I wear my goatskin jacket after wearing my horsehide jacket and to a lesser degree the steerhide that I have.

 

[Boyo]

Agree with the guys above... this jacket fits you well, in the end its your decision, but I don't think you'll do any better than this.

 

[TheKai]

Thanks for all your responses! Very kind! Yes, after wearing it for some minutes, I really feel better in it. Guess its about getting used to the heavy and strong leather. It is a beautful jacket and I will definetely wear it. Thanks again!

 

[Jin431]

^^ yep, you'll be fine. You'll probably want to have a real heavy jacket soon enough lol

 

[Tom71]

Your welcome!

I Keep looking at the Pictures. The Californian is that one jacket I really don´t Need but keep wanting for some years now. Yours Looks exceptionally good with awesome grain.

 

[nick123]

Perfect fit. Many jackets have sleeves that ride up when moving your arms. You'll notice this most while driving. Part of the design. They tried to alleviate some if this with the elastic "bi-swing" or "pleated" backs to limited success. I tend to prefer my jackets larger and even I'm against sizing up here. Great fit.

If you feel any "sawing" in the armpits which makes the jacket noticeably uncomfortable, then it's possible you may need to go up a size. But I doubt that to be the case.

 

[jonesy86]

That fits pretty darn well. Keeper!

 

[deswaaf]

Looks like a perfect fit to me, awesome jacket too. Love the collar on this model

 

[Seb Lucas]

I think you can get away with that size (based on the photos) but if it feels tight it may be too small. Sleeves ride up like that because some jacket patterns were not all that well considered and makers hadn't worked out how to build a jacket that doesn't distort its shape when arms are lifted. Some jackets will do a batwing thing and the entire body lifts up when you raise your arms.

 

[Carlos840]

Great fit, that Bi-swing just isn't that functional. I also think the biceps of that particular pattern are tight and restrictive when reaching forward, which makes the sleeve ride when reaching forward worst.
It looks good to me.
I think that lightweight leather and lining makes it a great summer jacket.

 

[Imuricecreamman]

Looks great to me and that leather is some of the best starting points I've seen on a Californian. That will look aaaamazing within a year.

 

[B-Man22]

That's a keeper. You nailed the fit.
If you ride a bike and you wanted longer arms, I could understand that, but for every day use
ya done good!

 

[rocketeer]

Hey,
first of all, this is my second leather jacket overall. I bought my first leather jacket on ebay which is a Schott P213 a week ago and it fits very nicely. This is now my second one (also bought on ebay). But this time, although the measurements do not differ from the Schott jacket, I kind of feel VERY restricted in this jacket. I think the sizing of this jacket is too small for me, unfortunately. I just want to know from you guys what you think about the fitting. When I stretch my arms out in front of me (see pictures), the sleeves pull back. Please let me know you honest opinion! Thanks.

Great Zombie Strangle Hold on pic 161. Why do this? It shows nothing about sleeve length except the jacket sleeves look to short for when strangling zombies. Or as someone else pointed out, unless you plan on riding a Chopper, then they will look to long when you get off?

 

[TheKai]

Great Zombie Strangle Hold on pic 161. Why do this? It shows nothing about sleeve length except the jacket sleeves look to short for when strangling zombies. Or as someone else pointed out, unless you plan on riding a Chopper, then they will look to long when you get off?

No, in this position, I somehow felt that there is great tension in the back and so the sleeves travel upwards. I also extend my arms when driving a car, but of course not in this exaggerated manner. I just wanted to make sure that this is not caused because the jacket is too small. 2 days ago, when I was driving my car, I felt that the jacket was sawing into my armpits when I reached the steering wheel with both hands. However, and this is strange, the leather around my armpits has soften a bit, so today I could reach the steering wheel with both hands and the jacket wasnt so tight anymore. I dunno man, I have no experience with leather jackets at all, but I start to really like/love this jacket and it gets (somehow) more comfortable each day.

 

[rocketeer]

When buying a coat or jacket I always try to imitate how I would wear the item, by this I mean if I would drive a car, try it in a sitting position reading a magazine as that maybe as near as you can get to the real thing. Same with bike jackets, try to sit in a lean forward position if you ride a sports bike or similar to how the handlebars are arranged.
Asking others opinions can be a problem as some may like slightly longer arms others short. Really it's up to you because the jacket may feel wrong in so many ways but look ok to others. I usually use the quote "If it looks right it is right" just make sure you feel comfortable and it looks good on you.
Great that you are getting used to it JT.