Buying a leather jacket online is one of those purchases where getting the size right matters more than almost anything else. Unlike a cotton shirt that stretches and forgives, leather holds its shape. The fit you order is the fit you keep.
This guide covers everything you need to know — how to take your measurements correctly, what those numbers mean for men and women, and how to make sure the jacket you order fits the way it should. If you are not yet sure which style to order, start with our buyer's guide on how to choose the right leather jacket.
Why Leather Jacket Sizing Is Different
Leather jackets size differently from regular clothing for two reasons. First, the material itself does not stretch or give the way fabric does. Second, most leather jackets are designed with a specific fit in mind — moto jackets are cut close to the body, bombers have a relaxed fit, and western cuts have a structured silhouette. Knowing which fit you are buying helps you interpret the size chart correctly.
The good news is that once you have your measurements, ordering the right size becomes straightforward — and if you are ordering a made-to-order jacket from Bring The Leather, your measurements go directly to the artisan who builds your piece.
The Four Measurements That Matter
For both men and women, these are the four measurements you need before ordering any leather jacket:
1. Chest
Wrap a measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it parallel to the floor and under your arms. Do not pull it tight — you want a natural, relaxed measurement. This is the most important measurement for jacket fit. For women, measure around the fullest part of the bust.
2. Shoulders
Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the other across the back. This measurement determines whether the jacket will sit correctly on your frame. If the shoulder seam falls off your shoulder or pulls inward, nothing else about the fit will look right.
3. Sleeve Length
With your arm slightly bent, measure from the top of your shoulder down to your wrist bone. Sleeve length is often the detail that separates a jacket that looks tailored from one that looks off the rack.
4. Body Length
Measure from the top of your shoulder down to where you want the jacket to end. Most moto and racer jackets hit at the waist or just below. Bombers and longer cuts will hit at the hip.
Men's Leather Jacket Size Chart
Use this as a general guide. Measurements are in inches.
| Size | Chest | Shoulders | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 36–38 | 17–17.5 | 33–34 |
| M | 38–40 | 17.5–18 | 34–35 |
| L | 40–42 | 18–18.5 | 35–36 |
| XL | 42–44 | 18.5–19 | 36–37 |
| XXL | 44–46 | 19–19.5 | 37–38 |
| XXXL | 46–48 | 19.5–20 | 38–39 |
Women's Leather Jacket Size Chart
Measurements are in inches.
| Size | Bust | Waist | Shoulders |
|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 32–33 | 24–25 | 14.5–15 |
| S | 34–35 | 26–27 | 15–15.5 |
| M | 36–37 | 28–29 | 15.5–16 |
| L | 38–39 | 30–31 | 16–16.5 |
| XL | 40–41 | 32–33 | 16.5–17 |
How a Leather Jacket Should Fit
Shoulders: The seam should sit exactly at the edge of your shoulder. This is non-negotiable. If the shoulders are wrong, the jacket cannot be altered to fix it.
Chest: When zipped or buttoned, the jacket should lie flat across the chest without pulling or puckering.
Sleeves: The sleeve should end at your wrist bone when your arms hang naturally at your sides.
How tight should it be? Leather jackets are meant to fit closer to the body than a casual coat. There should be minimal excess fabric — but you should never feel restricted.
Between Sizes — What to Do
If your measurements put you between two sizes, consider the jacket style. Moto and racer jackets are designed to fit close — go up a size for comfort. Bombers and relaxed cuts can go with the smaller size since they are cut with more room by design. If you have specific measurements that do not match standard sizing, contact us before ordering. Because every Bring The Leather jacket is made to order, custom sizing is available at no extra cost.
Sizing for Kids
Shopping for a younger one? Read our dedicated guide to kids leather jackets and sizing which covers age-based measurements and how to account for growth room.
Ordering a Made-to-Order Jacket
When you order from Bring The Leather, your jacket is made specifically for you in León, Guanajuato, Mexico. If you have your four measurements ready, contact us before placing your order and our artisans will build the jacket to your exact specifications.
No guessing. No hoping it fits. Just a jacket built around your body.
Shop Men's Leather Jackets | Shop Women's Leather Jackets | Contact Us for Custom Sizing
