How to Measure Yourself

How to Measure Yourself for a Leather Jacket (Even If You’ve Never Done It Before)

Ordering a leather jacket online  especially a custom or biker-style jacket is exciting. But here’s the one thing that makes or breaks the experience: your measurements.

I’m not going to lie to you. If you guess your size or just grab a tape measure and wing it, you’re probably going to end up with a jacket that fits wrong. Too tight in the shoulders. Too loose in the waist. Sleeves that stop halfway to your thumbs.

But here’s the good news. Anyone — and I mean anyone — can get perfect measurements. You don’t need sewing skills. You don’t need experience. You just need to follow these simple steps exactly as they’re written.

Let’s do this once, and do it right.

What You’ll Need

Before you start, grab these four things:

1. A soft fabric measuring tape (the kind tailors use — not a metal hardware tape)
2. A mirror (helps you see what you’re doing)
3. A pen and paper (or your phone’s notes app)
4. A well-fitting t-shirt (not baggy, not super tight — just normal)

Important: Wear what you’ll normally wear under your jacket. For most riders, that’s a t-shirt or a thin hoodie. Don’t measure over a puffy sweatshirt or a thick coat unless you plan to wear that under your leather jacket every time.

The 5 Measurements You Absolutely Need

Write these down. Take your time. If something feels wrong, measure twice.

1. Chest (Most Important for Biker Jackets)

• Stand up straight with your arms slightly down at your sides.
• Wrap the tape around the widest part of your chest — usually right across your nipples or just under your armpits.
• Keep the tape level (not slanting up or down). Check in the mirror.
• Do not puff your chest out. Do not suck your stomach in. Just breathe normal.
• The tape should be snug — not tight, not loose. You should be able to slide one finger under it.

Write down: ______ inches

2. Waist

• Find your natural waist. For most people, that’s right around your belly button.
• Wrap the tape around at that level.
• Same rule: level, snug but not tight, normal breathing.

Write down: ______ inches

3. Sleeve Length (This One Trips People Up — Don’t Rush It)

This is how we make sure your sleeves don’t ride up when you’re reaching for handlebars.

• Stand up straight with your arm slightly bent (like you’re resting your hand on a bike’s grip).
• Start the tape at the center back of your neck (right at the base).
• Run the tape over your shoulder, down the outside of your arm, past your elbow, and stop at your wrist bone.
• Do not straighten your arm completely. Keep it relaxed with a slight bend.

Write down: ______ inches

4. Shoulder Width

• Stand facing a mirror.
• Find the bony point on top of your left shoulder (where a seam would sit).
• Measure straight across your back to the same bony point on your right shoulder.
• Do not curve the tape — keep it flat across your upper back.

Write down: ______ inches

5. Jacket Length (Back Length)

• Start the tape at the base of your neck (right where your spine meets your shoulders).
• Run it straight down your spine to where you want the jacket to end.
• For a classic biker jacket: right at your waistline or just below your belt.
• For a longer, more casual fit: about 1–2 inches lower.

When in doubt, go with the waist length for riding — it keeps the jacket from bunching up when you sit on the bike.

Write down: ______ inches

One Extra Measurement for Custom Jackets

If you’re ordering a custom jacket (which we highly recommend for serious riders), also measure your:

Bicep – With your arm relaxed at your side, measure around the thickest part of your upper arm.

This helps us make sure you have room to move without looking like you borrowed your dad’s jacket.

The Most Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

❌ Pulling the tape too tight → Your jacket will feel like a straitjacket.  
✅ Snug but comfortable.

❌ Measuring over thick clothes → Your jacket will be too big.  
✅ Wear a thin t-shirt.

❌ Guessing or using your t-shirt size → Different brands, different fits.  
✅ Always use actual inches.

❌ Holding your breath or flexing → You don’t ride like that.  
✅ Relax. Breathe normal.

Still Unsure? Here’s What to Do

I get it. Measuring yourself feels weird the first time. If you’re not confident:

- Ask a friend to help you. It takes five minutes.
- Or, take your best-fitting jacket (any jacket) and lay it flat. Measure chest, shoulders, sleeves, and length. Send us those numbers.
- Or, just take a photo of the tape measure on your body and email it to us. We’ll double-check your work.

We’d rather answer five questions from you now than ship you the wrong jacket later.

Your Turn

Grab that measuring tape. Take your time. Write down your numbers. Then come back and pick out the biker or custom leather jacket that fits you — not some mannequin in a factory.

Ride safe. Dress sharper.

Your Leather Jacket Pro