Buying & Sizing

Leather Jacket & Bag Sizing Guide: How to Get the Right Fit Every Time

Buying leather online means one thing you can't do that you'd do in a store: try it on. That's exactly why sizing is the single biggest source of hesitation — and returns — in leather goods. The good news getting it right isn't complicated once you know what actually matters for each type of product.

Here's the real, practical breakdown — no vague "check our size chart" advice, just exactly how to measure yourself and what the numbers actually mean.

Leather Jackets: Why Standard Clothing Sizes Don't Work

Here's the mistake almost everyone makes: buying a leather jacket in the same size as their favorite hoodie or cotton jacket. Don't.

Leather doesn't stretch and give the way fabric does, so a size that feels "roomy enough" in cotton will often feel tight and restrictive in leather.

How to actually measure yourself:

1. Chest — measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape level under your arms.
2. Shoulder width — measure from the edge of one shoulder to the other, across your back.
   
   
3.  Sleeve length — measure from your shoulder bone to your wrist bone with your arm slightly bent.
   
   
4.  Torso length — measure from the base of your neck to where you want the jacket to end.
5. The best trick: don't measure yourself in isolation — measure a jacket you already own and love the fit of, then compare those numbers to our size chart. That comparison is far more reliable than trying to interpret a tape measure against your bare body.

Should a leather jacket fit snug or loose?

Snug, but not restrictive. A well-fitted leather jacket should sit close through the shoulders and chest with minimal excess fabric — you should be able to move your arms freely, but there shouldn't be loose, baggy material bunching up. Remember: leather softens and molds to your body slightly with wear, but it will not stretch out significantly the way fabric does. Buy for the fit you want on day one, not the fit you're hoping it becomes.

Leather Vests: A Slightly Different Measurement Approach

Vest sizing follows similar logic to jackets, but with one key difference — you need to think about what you're wearing underneath. If you're planning to layer a vest over a hoodie or jacket for riding, size up slightly from what you'd choose for a vest worn alone.

Key measurements: chest width and overall vest length (how far down your torso you want it to sit). Shoulder width matters less here since vests are sleeveless, but a too-narrow shoulder seam will restrict arm movement, so don't skip it.

Duffel Bags: Sizing for Actual Use, Not Just Looks

Bag sizing is a completely different question — it's not about fitting your body, it's about fitting your trip and your airline. Here's what the numbers actually mean:

Small duffels (roughly 40-45cm length): weekend trips, gym use, 1-2 days of clothing.

Medium duffels (roughly 48-52cm length): most versatile size — fits 2-4 days of clothing and typically meets airline carry-on size limits.

Large duffels (55cm+): week-long trips or checked baggage — usually too large for airline carry-on allowances.

Before you buy: check your specific airline's carry-on dimension limits (these vary — some airlines are stricter than others) and compare against the exact dimensions listed on the product page, not just the size label.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Buying based on your usual clothing size instead of actual measurements Your "medium" in cotton and your "medium" in leather are not the same fit. Always measure, don't assume.

Assuming leather will stretch out over time It softens and molds slightly — it does not meaningfully stretch the way denim or knit fabric does. Buy the size you want now.

Ignoring what you'll wear underneath Especially for jackets and vests worn for riding —factor in layers before you size down.

Not checking exact bag dimensions against your actual need"Carry-on friendly" varies by airline. Always check the exact centimeters listed, not just the label.

What If You're Between Sizes, or Standard Sizing Just Doesn't Fit?

This is exactly what custom sizing exists for. If you don't fit neatly into a standard size chart — taller, broader, between sizes, or just want a guaranteed perfect fit — we build jackets, vests, and bags to your exact measurements, no compromise required.