Fit Compromises in eBay jackets

[tblay]

I was curious if there are measurements you'll take a compromise in (as in the measurement isn't quite accurate, but you make it work) when you find a jacket you love on eBay. I was contemplating a jacket for which all the measurements are dead on, except the shoulders are 1.5" too wide. Can't decide if it's worth it... Do you have deal-breaking measurements for non-bespoke jackets?

 

[handymike]

For me it's usually back length.
Im flexible in Pit to pit, sleeve length, and shoulder width (within 1/2-1"). But shorter than 24.5- No way!

 

[tblay]

I can definitely see that. A jacket that's too short drives me nuts.

 

[ton312]

I agree. For me sleeve and body lengths are impossible to look past. Too short it's a goner. Too long , it'll hang around a bit longer, but will likely end up hitting the bricks as well.

 

[tblay]

Too bad I'm not a tailor that specializes in leather...

 

[nick123]

Just body and sleeve length here. I'd go 2 sizes bigger in the chest without worry if the jacket is cool enough. If the prices on collector's vintage jackets were low, I'd be more inclined to buy them to just look at regardless of size.

 

[Doctor Damage]

I was curious if there are measurements you'll take a compromise in (as in the measurement isn't quite accurate, but you make it work) when you find a jacket you love on eBay. I was contemplating a jacket for which all the measurements are dead on, except the shoulders are 1.5" too wide. Can't decide if it's worth it... Do you have deal-breaking measurements for non-bespoke jackets?

Once you own enough jackets, and gotten rid of enough jackets, you'll realize what measurements vary between them and by how much, and then you'll know what you 'can get away with' in terms of measurements. So the key is to buy, buy, buy... er, on second thought, maybe that's not very helpful advice.

 

[handymike]

And a lot of eBayers get the measurements wrong...

 

[Guppy]

And a lot of eBayers get the measurements wrong...

Measurements are a total crap shoot. I recommend seeing photos of the tape so you can see exactly how they measured. Someone should do a proper guide.

 

[handymike]

Like this:
http://www.vintageleatherjackets.org/threads/how-to-measure-a-jacket-correctly-tutorial.15193/

 

[willyto]

Most of the time Ebay sellers get the pit to pit wrong. They double the measurement and say that is the size which is not.

 

[Dugafola]

I took a chance on an A2. Should be here in a few days. Numbers look spot on but fit TBD.

 

[tblay]

I took a chance on an A2. Should be here in a few days. Numbers look spot on but fit TBD.

Hope it works out!

 

[ProteinNerd]

I've been pretty lucky with all but one of my used purchases. I always get the seller to double check the listed measurements and give them an explanation on how to measure them....but yes, its always a gamble.

 

[pak]

Ebay appears to be a very expensive method to try on and handle jackets. We see lots of jackets shown on threads only to end up in classifieds shortly there after.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Most measurements can vary by an inch or so without too many problems. In my case: Shoulders can be 18.5 to 20 inches. Sleeves 25.5 to 27. Pit to pit 22.5 to 24. Back length can be 26 to 28 inches. All depends on the pattern. Wider shoulders for instance can mean slightly shorter sleeves.

I have never bought an eBay jacket that didn't fit. But you do need to check with the seller that their measurements are right. If in doubt don't buy.

 

[AeroFan_07]

One key for measurement - get a Flat tape measure....or a cloth one. Here's link to the one I own: http://www.fastcap.com/estore/pc/ProCarpenter-Flatback-3p150.htm

I still wrestle with the Pit-to-Pit. I generally try to use the seam under the pit as my "mark" for this dimension, as straight across to the other seam.

It's a gamble as anything, but sometimes very worthwhile...

 

[bn1966]

A gamble usually but quite a lot of fun (& sometimes disappointment)

 

[Grayland]

Most of the time Ebay sellers get the pit to pit wrong. They double the measurement and say that is the size which is not.

Is there another way to do it?

 

[tblay]

Most measurements can vary by an inch or so without too many problems. In my case: Shoulders can be 18.5 to 20 inches. Sleeves 25.5 to 27. Pit to pit 22.5 to 24. Back length can be 26 to 28 inches. All depends on the pattern. Wider shoulders for instance can mean slightly shorter sleeves.

Good to know.