Clothing items like jackets should always be well-fitted and flattering to the body. Poorly fitted jackets can make you look shabby and ruin even the best of outfits. You can measure a jacket by placing it on a flat surface, such as a table, and using a measuring tape of some sort. You can also measure certain parts of your body to figure out which jacket size will fit you the best.
Making these measurements is easy, and well worth your time. Written below is a simple guide on how to take measurements for a jacket properly.
Steps To Measure A Jacket 🧥
From Collar to Shoulder – Place the jacket on a flat surface, and flatten it out to remove wrinkles. Take your measuring tape and place it in the middle of your collar, and extend it to the tip of the shoulder.
From Shoulder to Sleeve – Then, place the measuring tape on the shoulder tip and drag it to the end of the sleeve. This measurement is extremely important, because otherwise, you may end up with a jacket that has sleeves that are too small, or too long.
From Shoulder to Shoulder – Once you have your jacket on a flat surface, place the measuring tape on the tip of one shoulder and drag it to the tip of the other shoulder.
Width Of Upper Arm – To make sure that the jacket fits your biceps well, without looking too strained, measure the upper arm width by placing the measuring tape on one side of the sleeve and measuring to the other.
Chest Width Measuring the chest width is important if you want the jacket to fit across your body well. Place the jacket on a flat surface, and measure from one armhole or one armpit area to the other.
Forearm Width – Put the tip of the measuring tape on the middle of the forearm and measure from the end of the sleeve to the other.
Waist Width – With your jacket on a flat surface like a table, measure the waist of your jacket, from one end to the other. The waist of the jacket is usually a bit lower than the halfway down mark of the piece of clothing.
Front Length – Finally, take the measuring tape and place it on the collar of the jacket. Then, drag it straight down to the bottom of the jacket. This is also known as the torso length measurement.
Steps To Measure Yourself For A Jacket
For the perfectly fitted jacket, correctly and accurately measuring yourself is important as well. Here’s how you can do so.
- Measure The Chest/Bust – Take a measuring tape and place it around the chest or bust carefully, measuring the widest area of the chest. This might be difficult to do yourself, so take the help of a friend for an accurate measurement. If you want a more casual-fit jacket, add in an inch or two of the measurement.
- Measure The Shoulder Width Stand in a relaxed, natural posture and measure the width of your shoulders from end to end, across the full width of your shoulders. Make sure that you arch it across your shoulder, and not straight across your back.
- Measure The Sleeve Area – Put your hand on your hip, such that your arm is bent at the elbow. By placing the tip of the measuring tape on your shoulder, drag the end to your wrist. The measurement that you get is how long your jacket sleeve should be.
- Measure Your Hips – Placing the tape measure on one end of your hip, encircle it around your hips and measure the circumference of the widest part of your hips.
- Measure Your Body Length – Stand in a straight, natural posture, and from the top of your shoulder, measure till the area you want your jacket to end. Although the length you want depends on your preference and style, a proper jacket should end around mid-thigh.
Also check: How to Measure for a Suit? [8 Easy Steps]
Tips For Making Measurements
- Ensure that all the measurements are made with the jackets placed on a smooth surface, like a table or floor, and all wrinkles are smoothened out.
- Do not hold the tape measure too tightly or loose while measuring. It should wrap around your body well.
- Make sure that all the measurements are as accurate as possible.
- Consult an international sizing chart as each country or region has its own sizing rules. Brands differ in sizing as well. So it is important to match your measurements with their sizing guide.
- Always refer to the sizing guide mentioned by a brand/store.
Regular, Short, and Long Jacket Sizes – Sleeve and Jacket Length
Men’s jackets can be short, long, or regular size to accommodate the differing heights.
- Long jackets are 1 3/16 inches longer in sleeve and body length compared to regular jackets.
- Short jackets are 1 3/16″ shorter in sleeve and body length compared to regular jackets
- Short jackets are 2 1/3″ shorter in sleeve and body length compared to long jackets.
Here’s how you can decide if you want a short jacket, a long jacket, or a regular jacket.
- If your height is under 5’9″, a Short jacket size would be perfect for you.
- For men with heights between 5’9″ and 6’2″, go for a regular-length jacket.
- If you’re over 6’2″, choose the long jacket size to properly fit your torso length.
To reduce the return rate after a successful sale, we also recommend that you can create a size chart with unit conversion to make your customers pick the unit they are most comfortable thinking in to make a purchase decision.
Or use Kiwi Sizing AI Size Recommender as a size chart tool. It will recommend the most suitable size of products for customers to reduce the return rate, help you decrease the cost of the return, and to create a positive cycle for your e-commerce business.
