Free Shipping in Ireland

Handcrafted From 100% Full-Grain Leather

How to Take Measurements for a Custom Leather Jacket or Coat

A master tailor's step-by-step guide. Follow our interactive video and measuring instructions to guarantee a flawless bespoke fit.
MASTER TAILOR DEMONSTRATION

Interactive Measurement Video Tutorial

Follow our official measurement demonstration below. Click any key moment to jump the video directly to that specific body part, or review the illustrated steps and interactive worksheet below.

Official Measurement Guide by Leather Jackets USA Master Tailors

Video Key Moments

Click any chapter to jump video immediately:

The 5 Golden Rules of Measuring

Before you begin, observe these master tailoring standards to ensure a precision fit.

01

Use a Flexible Tape

Always use a soft cloth or vinyl tailor's measuring tape. Never use a rigid metal carpenter tape, which distorts curves.

02

Wear a Fitted Shirt

Measure over a lightweight t-shirt or dress shirt. Do not measure over a bulky sweater or jacket, as it adds false inches.

03

Snug, Never Tight

Keep the tape flat and snug against your body without pulling tightly. You should easily slide one finger beneath the tape.

04

Natural Posture

Stand upright with arms relaxed at your sides. Breathe normally—do not suck in your stomach or puff out your chest.

05

Get a Friend to Help

While self-measuring is possible, having an assistant measure your shoulder width and sleeves guarantees millimeter accuracy.

Where Measurements Align on the Jacket

Inspect how your body measurements translate into tailored leather garment dimensions.

Men Leather Jacket Front Measurement Points

Front Body Alignment

1
Chest / Bust Circumference: Fullest part across chest and under armpits.
2
Stomach & Natural Waist: Widest belly point to ensure effortless zip closure.
Men Leather Jacket Back Measurement Points

Back & Arm Alignment

3
Shoulder Width: From shoulder seam tip across yoke to opposite shoulder tip.
4
Sleeve Length (Outseam): From top shoulder seam over bent elbow to wrist bone.
5
Center Back Length: From base of collar down spine to finished hemline.

The 8 Key Measurements for Jackets & Coats

Follow each measurement step in sequence. Use the video timestamp button on each card to see the technique demonstrated live.

Shoulder measurement diagram
STEP 01

Shoulder Width (Back)

Locate the prominent bone at the outer edge of your left shoulder. Run the measuring tape across the natural curve of your upper back directly over to the outer bone on your right shoulder.

Tailor Tip: Keep the tape slightly arched over your upper neck base for a natural jacket yoke drape.
Chest measurement diagram
STEP 02

Chest / Bust Circumference

Wrap the tape under your armpits and around the fullest part of your chest or bust. Ensure the measuring tape is straight and completely level with the floor all the way around your back.

Tailor Tip: Keep arms down at your sides and breathe normally. Do not hold your breath or expand your chest artificially.
Stomach and waist measurement diagram
STEP 03

Stomach / Abdomen Circumference

Wrap the tape around the widest circumference of your stomach or belly (usually aligned with your belly button). This is crucial so your jacket zips up comfortably when seated.

Tailor Tip: If your stomach measurement is larger than your chest, our tailors will custom-taper the front panels to prevent waist tightness.
Hips and waist measurement diagram
STEP 04

Waist & Hips (Bottom Hem)

For waistcoats and waist-length biker jackets, measure around your natural waist. For longer jackets, trenches, or car coats, measure around the fullest point of your hips where the hem will rest.

Tailor Tip: Empty your pockets completely before measuring hips to ensure accurate circumference.
Sleeve length measurement diagram
STEP 05

Sleeve Length (Outseam)

Rest your hand gently on your hip with your elbow bent at about 45 degrees. Place the tape at the tip of your shoulder seam, run it down over the elbow point, and finish at your wrist bone (base of thumb).

Tailor Tip: Leather sleeves naturally shorten slightly when riding or bending arms. Measuring over a bent elbow guarantees perfect riding coverage.
Biceps measurement diagram
STEP 06

Bicep Circumference

Let your arm hang relaxed naturally at your side. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your upper arm (bicep and tricep muscles).

Tailor Tip: Do not flex your arm. Keep it relaxed to ensure the jacket armholes don't feel restrictive when you reach forward.
Jacket and coat length diagram
STEP 07

Garment Center Back Length

Place the top of the tape at the base of your neck (where a jacket collar joins the back). Measure straight down your spine to your desired hemline:

  • Biker / Cafe Racer: Finishes at mid-belt or upper hip (24–27 in).
  • Bomber / Aviator: Finishes just below waistband (25–28 in).
  • Car Coat / Blazer: Finishes mid-thigh (30–34 in).
  • Trench / Long Coat: Finishes at or below the knee (38–46 in).
Wrist measurement diagram
STEP 08
FINISHING TOUCH

Wrist / Cuff Circumference

Measure around your wrist bone. Add 0.5 inches (1.5 cm) if you wear a bulky wristwatch or prefer zippered riding cuffs with room for riding gloves underneath.

Tailor Tip: Mention your watch preference in your order notes so our artisans can shape the sleeve cuff accordingly.

Your Custom Measurements Worksheet

Fill in your measurements below. Choose inches or centimeters, then copy or email your specs directly to our master tailors.

Unit:
Order Custom Jacket →

Master Tailor Sizing FAQ

Clear answers to your most common measurement and custom fit questions.

We recommend measuring your actual body using the steps outlined in this guide. Our master tailors have decades of pattern-making experience and will automatically calculate the ideal garment ease based on your selected fit preference (Slim Fit, Regular, or Relaxed).

However, if you already own a leather jacket with the exact fit you love, you can lay it flat and zipped up on a hard surface and measure the garment directly. If you do this, please explicitly write "THESE ARE GARMENT MEASUREMENTS" in your order notes.

Genuine leather has no elastane stretch, so ease is essential for mobility, breathing, and layering. Based on your body chest measurement:

  • Slim Fit: Adds approximately 2.0 to 2.5 inches (5 to 6.5 cm) total chest ease for a sharp, tailored silhouette.
  • Regular Tailored: Adds 3.0 to 4.0 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) total chest ease for everyday versatility.
  • Relaxed / Winter: Adds 5.0 to 6.0 inches (12.5 to 15 cm) for shearling linings or wearing thick knitwear underneath.

Standard length rules vary by silhouette:

  • Biker, Moto & Bomber: 24 to 27 inches (61 to 69 cm)—designed to end right around your belt/upper hip so the jacket does not bunch up when sitting or riding.
  • Car Coats & Blazers: 30 to 34 inches (76 to 86 cm)—ends mid-thigh, offering classic tailored proportions.
  • Trench & Long Winter Coats: 38 to 48 inches (96 to 122 cm)—measured from neck base down to the knee or calf depending on your style.

That is precisely why we offer custom made-to-measure! Unlike off-the-rack brands that scale symmetrically, every bespoke jacket at Leather Jackets USA is cut individually from raw full-grain hides using a personalized pattern created just for you. Mention your specific posture or body characteristics in the worksheet notes, and our head tailor will adjust the armhole pitch, sleeve length, and yoke width accordingly.

BESPOKE CONCIERGE SERVICE

Need Tailoring Assistance or Have Questions?

Our master artisans are here to guide you. Send us your measurements or photos of your favorite jacket, and we will confirm all dimensions before cutting begins.

SECURE SHOPPING

Safe & Encrypted Payments

100% GENUINE LEATHER

Premium Quality Guaranteed

WORLDWIDE SHIPPING

Delivering to 200+ Countries

EASY RETURNS

30 Days Hassle-Free Returns

Free Shipping on all orders.
30 Days Money Back Guarantee.