Buying a jacket can be difficult with so many various styles, materials, lengths, and other options to pick from. The only thing about buying a jacket that shouldn’t be difficult is deciding on size.
However, you may be perplexed if you put on a jacket in your size and it feels too tight, or if you study an online retailer’s sizing chart and are unsure which size to choose. But do you know what the most important factor is in creating a great-looking casual jacket? It’s all about the fit, as the saying goes.
Here are five great tips to help you look for the right jacket:
1. Shoulders- One area that cannot be changed or corrected afterward is the shoulders. Don’t buy anything with a shoulder that doesn’t fit. Make sure the jacket’s seam sits right at the edge of your shoulder bone to check if it’s the proper fit. Choose a larger size if the seam is above the point, and a smaller size if it is below the point.
2. Torso- The second is to concentrate on while selecting a jacket. Baggy jackets should be avoided. A superb jacket will elongate your shoulders and narrow down your waist. If your jacket is too small, go up a size. Your jacket’s size is determined by how you want to wear it. Sometimes you just want to throw it on over a tee or layer it over another jacket; in any case, you’ll need a different size.
3. Sleeves- Get your sleeves tailored or go up a size if your sleeves are past your knuckles. Because they are shorter, sleeves that sit above the wrist bone are the same. The ideal sleeve length is between the wrist bone and the first thumb joint. You can select to have your sleeves at the wrist bone for a better look when your arms are on the sides, or near the thumb joints for a better look when your arms are extended.
4. Sleeve width- Make your arms straight to the side, and if your sleeves appear to be too wide or baggy, choose a smaller jacket size. Upsize your jacket if your sleeves are too snug and you can’t move about freely. The ideal fit is when the sleeves are snug around the arm while still allowing for movement.
5. Jacket length- The length of your jacket should be determined by the sort of jacket you are purchasing. The length of denim jackets, bomber jackets, racer jackets, and Harrington jackets should be just below the beltline. If it’s too long and hangs above your waist, you should absolutely size down. Other jacket types, such as the fatigue and safari jackets, are longer in length, therefore the ideal fit is between the center and bottom of your fly. The correct length for a leather blazer or sports jacket will conceal your buttocks. Keep the length of raincoats and trench coats at mid-thigh.
Sources: Real Men Real Style, WikiHow