Leather Jackets: Always buy a size smaller...

[Robert Glenn]

Well the same things happens to me past few times but I don't agree with your statement, although it can work well sometimes after seeing the style of the jacket but applying the same strategy will definitely hurt you.

 

[frostiblack]

Got in a stunner of a Gareth Pugh jacket, and did go a size smaller (34) than I typically do (36 is usually a tad too large for me):

http://www.lyst.com/clothing/gareth-pugh-black-leather-zippered-removable-sleeve-bib-jacket/

Alas, it's too small to zip! I'm bummed. Kind of cool when worn as a bolero I guess, but wasn't counting on it being as skin tight as it turned out to be. Sigh.

 

[nyarkies]



Got in a stunner of a Gareth Pugh jacket, and did go a size smaller (34) than I typically do (36 is usually a tad too large for me):

http://www.lyst.com/clothing/gareth-pugh-black-leather-zippered-removable-sleeve-bib-jacket/

Alas, it's too small to zip! I'm bummed. Kind of cool when worn as a bolero I guess, but wasn't counting on it being as skin tight as it turned out to be. Sigh.

See, this is why this advice doesn't always work. It's true that leather stretches as part of the break in process but not as much as you'd expect. Maybe an inch at the most for some leather types. You should know the brand and how they fit or do their sizing. Sometimes, the thickness of the leather factors in determining the right fit as well. I'm a 48EU/38R or medium and I never had to size down for any leather jacket I got so far. In fact, I had to size up in order to get that snug fit with 2 light layers of clothing underneath. Sizing varies from one maker to another. At worst, they vary from season to season coming from the same maker even.

As an example from one maker, I have to opt for what's equivalent to a large according to their sizing. While on another, I need a xxl size and that may fit a bit more tight than I would prefer.

 

[frostiblack]

Well, the jacket does actually do up, but it's very snug. The shoulders seem to fit well, and the sleeve length isn't bad; it's really only the stomach where it's tight.





I wonder if it's worth exploring my options here (stretching the leather - could a professional help?) or wearing it on a regular basis.

Any advice would be appreciated; I'm kind of at a loss here.

 

[nyarkies]

Too tight on the gut. It will stretch but it will still be too tight. Return it.

 

[frostiblack]

Too tight on the gut. It will stretch but it will still be too tight. Return it.

Thanks - although I was hoping to hear a different answer, I thought this would be the case Returned it today.