The Sleeve Dilemma: What to Do When They Are Too Long
The Knuckle-Dragger Syndrome
Nothing ruins a sharp silhouette faster than sleeves that reach your fingertips. It makes even the most expensive IndiFash jacket look like it was borrowed from an older, larger sibling. However, leather sleeves are unique because they actually shorten themselves through wear. Before you panic and head to a tailor, read this.
1. The Science of the 'Honeycomb' Shrink
When you wear a new leather jacket, the sleeves are straight and tubular. As you bend your arms during a normal day, the leather starts to "accordion" at the inner elbow. These are called "Honeycombs."
As these creases set into the hide, they pull the leather upward. Over 2-3 months of heavy wear, a sleeve will "shrink" in effective length by roughly 0.5 to 1 inch. If your sleeves are currently resting at your knuckles, they will likely end up at your wrist bone once broken in. Rule: Wait 30 days before tailoring.
2. The Functional Reach (Are you a Rider?)
If you are using your IndiFash jacket for its original purpose—motorcycling—long sleeves are a feature, not a bug. When you reach for the handlebars, your arms are extended forward. This motion pulls the sleeves up the arm. If they fit perfectly while standing still, they will leave your wrists exposed to the wind and road-rash while riding. Rule: Test your fit in a "Reaching Forward" position before deciding they are too long.
3. Stylistic Solutions
If you aren't a rider and the 30-day "shrink" didn't help enough, you have three options:
- The 'Cuff-Roll' (Lambskin Only): Soft lambskin can be pushed up the forearm for a casual look. Do not try this with heavy Cowhide—it won't stay.
- The Tailor's Hem: Have the sleeves shortened from the bottom. Note: If you have cuff zippers, this is a difficult job.
- The Shoulder Lift: The professional way to shorten sleeves with complex cuffs. The tailor removes the sleeve at the shoulder and lifts it. This preserves the cuff design but is expensive.
Sleeve Length Protocol
| Current Length | Action Required |
|---|---|
| At the wrist bone | Perfect Fit. No action. |
| At the knuckles | Wait 60 days for "Honeycombing." |
| Past the fingertips | Professional Tailoring Required. |
Conclusion
Sleeve length is a game of patience. At IndiFash, we cut our sleeves slightly longer than industry standard because we know our customers value the authentic "break-in" experience. Give your jacket time to bond with your movements, and the sleeves will usually find their home.
Get the right arm length. See our IndiFash Moto Collection.
