The Bespoke Protocol: How to Measure for a Leather Jacket
Precision Over Guesswork
In the digital age, the "Fitting Room" is your bedroom. But without a professional guide, buying 0.4mm-thick premium leather can be a gamble. At IndiFash, we have a 98% "First-Time-Fit" success rate because we don't use generic sizes. We use Millimeters. This is the exact protocol used by our master tailors in the atelier. Follow these steps, and you will never have to return a jacket again.
The Tools of the Trade
You need a Soft Tailor's Tape. Do not use a metal contractor's tape (it won't follow your curves). If you don't have one, use a piece of string and then measure the string against a ruler. Look into a mirror while measuring to ensure the tape stays level.
Step 1: The Chest (The Volume Metric)
Wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest, directly under your armpits.
- The Secret: Take a deep breath and then exhale halfway. This is your "Static Chest" measurement. Keep the tape firm but not "digging in."
- IndiFash Pro Tip: If you are a 42-inch chest, look for a jacket with a 44-inch measurement on our charts. That 2 inches of "Ease" is what allows you to move.
Step 2: Shoulder-to-Shoulder (The Anchor Metric)
This is best done with a partner. Measure from the bony "tip" of one shoulder across the base of the neck to the other.
- The Secret: Do not measure straight across. Measure along the natural curve of your upper back. This is the measurement that defines how the jacket "hangs."
Step 3: Sleeve Length (The Reach Metric)
Place your hand on your hip (arm bent). Start from the shoulder tip, go around the elbow, and end at your wrist bone.
- Why the bend? Leather sleeves "ride up" when you move. By measuring with a bent arm, you ensure the sleeves won't be too short when you're driving or using your phone.
Step 4: The Waist (The Silhouette Metric)
Measure 1 inch above your belly button.
- The Secret: This is often different from your "Pants Size." If your waist is larger than your chest, look for American-cut jackets. If your chest is significantly larger than your waist, you need a "V-Taper" or European-cut IndiFash jacket.
Step 5: Back Length (The Proportion Metric)
From the base of your neck (the bony vertebra) down to where you want the leather to end.
- Biker Standard: Ends at the top of the belt.
- Winter Standard: Ends at the bottom of the fly.
IndiFash Online Sizing Chart Example
| IndiFash Label | Chest (Body) | Shoulder (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 40 (Medium) | 38" - 40" | 46cm |
| 42 (Large) | 40" - 42" | 48cm |
| Note | If between sizes, always size DOWN for Lambskin. | |
Conclusion
Measuring is not a chore—it’s an insurance policy. By spending 5 minutes with a tape measure now, you ensure a lifetime of perfect fit. At IndiFash, we are committed to making you look like your jacket was made just for you.
Get accurate. Explore our Bespoke Fitting Service.
