A jacket that fits well not only looks good, but will feel good too. So if you’re looking for a men’s jacket, how can you ensure you get the correct fit?
In times past, men would head to a tailor when they needed new clothes, such as a jacket, and it would be made to measure. Whilst this is still an option in some circumstances, it’s best for special occasions rather than any jacket needs.
Although today you’ll find thousands of different jackets on offer throughout the main high street stores and smaller clothing shops, it’s not always so easy to get the perfect fit.
Most men’s jackets, especially where they’re part of suits or for formalwear, are sized in inches, representing your chest and collar size.
Some more casual jackets may be sized more generically, using sizes such as small, medium, large, extra large or xx-large.
Where such sizes are used, there should be some kind of guideline provided on the product labelling that indicates which chest sizes are represented by each size.
If you’re unsure, you can always ask a sales assistant in the shop or check the website of the brand concerned, as further details and sizing specifics should be provided.
It’s worth bearing in mind that with small, medium, large etc sizes, where you may be a medium in one brand, you could easily be a large in another.
This is because there’s a bit more flexibility for manufacturers as to which chest sizes are represented by each size label.
If you need a really good fitting jacket, then it may be better in the long run to aim for a jacket with set sizes, so it fits well everywhere.
The length of jackets can vary too, although it depends on the style of jacket involved and whether it’s casual or formal.
Taking Your Measurements
If you’re going to find a perfect fitting jacket, then it’s essential that you know what your key body measurements are.
You can either take these measurements yourself, with the help of a friend or partner or ask to be measured professionally in a specialist men’s department or clothing store.
If you’re buying a jacket for a special occasion, such as a wedding, then this latter option is the best bet for ensuring a perfect fit.
To measure your chest, put a tape measure under your arms and around the fullest part of your chest. Keeping the tape taut, take a note of the measurement.
To obtain the measurement of your collar, put the tape measure around the base of your neck, where the collar of a shirt falls.
To obtain your sleeve length, put your arms down by your sides and measure from the base of your neck, along your shoulder and down the arm. Take the measurement at the length you prefer.
As a useful rough guide, many standard jacket sleeve lengths are regarded as being about an inch past the wrist bone.
If you want to find your perfect jacket length, get someone else to take the measurement from the centre back of your neck to your hemline.
If you don’t have anyone else to help out, then you could measure the length of an existing jacket.
As a rough guide, most standard length jackets are designed to fall at the point just below the curve of your buttocks.
Once you know what all your essential measurements are, and you’ve made a note of them, you can start hunting for that perfect jacket, armed with the knowledge that you’re in the best position to find it!
See Also
