Ever bought a jacket online, relying solely on the size chart, only to find it fits more like a cropped bolero or a trench coat on arrival? We've all been there! Jacket sizing can be notoriously inconsistent across brands, making accurate measurements crucial for a satisfying purchase, whether you're shopping new or vintage. Understanding how to properly measure your jacket ensures you get the fit you desire, avoiding the hassle of returns and guaranteeing you look and feel your best. It also allows you to compare your favorite jacket to others you might be considering, helping you make informed decisions and build a wardrobe you truly love.
Precise jacket measurements are just as important for sellers as they are for buyers. Accurately listing dimensions increases buyer confidence, reduces return rates due to fit issues, and ultimately boosts your sales. Whether you're an individual selling items from your closet or a large-scale retailer, providing clear and reliable measurements is a key ingredient to a successful transaction. It ensures everyone involved is on the same page, preventing misunderstandings and promoting a smooth and positive experience.
What are the key points to measure and how do I do it right?
Where exactly on the shoulder should I start measuring the jacket length?
The jacket length measurement should begin at the highest point of your shoulder, where the shoulder seam meets the neckline. This is generally the point where a natural shoulder slope begins and where a shirt's shoulder seam would typically sit.
To be more precise, feel for the bony prominence at the top of your shoulder; this is the acromion process. The starting point for measurement is very close to this, but slightly towards the neck. Imagine a straight line connecting your neck to the end of your shoulder (where your arm begins). The highest point on that line, closest to your neck, is where you place the start of your measuring tape. Starting at this precise point ensures consistency and accuracy when comparing measurements across different jackets or when tailoring. Deviating from this point, even slightly, can result in inaccurate length readings, leading to fit issues. Remember to stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides when taking the measurement.How do I measure the length of a jacket with an asymmetrical hem?
To measure the length of a jacket with an asymmetrical hem, you'll need to measure from the highest point of the shoulder (where the shoulder seam meets the collar) straight down to the longest point of the hemline and then measure separately to the shortest point of the hemline. Record both measurements.
When a hemline is asymmetrical, one length measurement won't accurately represent the garment's overall length. Measuring from the high point of the shoulder ensures a consistent starting point across different jacket styles. Finding the longest and shortest hem points provides a range, giving you a better understanding of how the jacket will drape and fall. Use a flexible measuring tape for accuracy, and lay the jacket on a flat surface for easier measuring.
For online listings or providing measurements to others, it's helpful to specify "Longest Length" and "Shortest Length" along with the measurement unit (inches or centimeters). This clear distinction prevents confusion. It's also advisable to mention where you measured from (high point of shoulder) to maintain consistency across measurements taken by different people.
Should I measure jacket length with it buttoned or unbuttoned?
You should measure the length of a jacket while it is unbuttoned and lying flat. This ensures an accurate measurement without any distortion caused by the buttoned closure pulling the fabric.
To get the most accurate jacket length, lay the jacket on a flat surface like a table or the floor. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds to ensure the fabric is lying as it naturally would when worn. Measuring an unbuttoned jacket avoids the potential for the buttons to shift the fabric and skew the overall length. When taking the measurement, use a flexible measuring tape. Start at the highest point of the shoulder, right next to the collar seam, and extend the tape straight down the back of the jacket to the very bottom hem. Make sure the tape measure remains straight and doesn't curve or sag. This straight line measurement will give you the true length of the jacket.Does the jacket style (e.g., bomber, blazer) affect how I measure the length?
Yes, the jacket style significantly impacts how you measure its length. Different styles have different design features and intended fits, requiring adjustments to the standard measurement approach.
For standard jackets like blazers, suit jackets, or overcoats, the length is typically measured from the highest point of the shoulder (where the shoulder seam meets the collar) down to the bottom hem of the jacket at the front. However, for bomber jackets, which often have a gathered or elasticized hem, measuring to the *end* of the elastic would be misleading. Instead, measure to where the jacket body *would* end if the hem were not gathered, essentially measuring the length of the fabric panel itself before the elastic is attached. Similarly, for cropped jackets, the overall length will be shorter, and accurately reflecting this shorter length is crucial. Furthermore, consider the intended fit. Some styles, like longer-line blazers or trench coats, are designed to fall lower, requiring a more generous measurement. For asymmetrical jackets or those with a curved hem, measure from the highest point to the *longest* point of the hem for the most accurate representation. Always specify *how* you measured the jacket length in your description (e.g., "Length measured from high shoulder point to longest point of curved hem"). This ensures consistency and avoids confusion for anyone using your measurements.What's the best way to measure jacket length on my own body?
The most accurate way to measure jacket length on yourself is to stand straight with your arms relaxed at your sides, and have a friend or family member measure from the highest point of your shoulder (where the shoulder seam meets the collar) down to the hem of the jacket in the back, keeping the measuring tape straight.
Measuring jacket length solo can be tricky, but it's still possible. Stand in front of a mirror, ensuring you have good posture. Use a flexible measuring tape and try to visualize the highest point of your shoulder. Carefully extend the tape down your back, keeping it as straight as possible. It's helpful to wear a fitted shirt to better define your body's contours and minimize errors. Note the measurement in the mirror. Keep in mind that self-measurements are often less precise. For critical sizing decisions, enlisting help is always the preferred method. If you consistently self-measure, consider creating a reference point by marking the highest point of your shoulder with a small piece of tape. This can help improve accuracy and consistency over time.How do I measure the length of a puffy or quilted jacket accurately?
Measuring the length of a puffy or quilted jacket requires a slightly different approach than measuring a flat garment. To get an accurate measurement, lay the jacket on a flat surface, gently smooth out any major puffiness without compressing the fill, and measure from the highest point of the shoulder (where the shoulder seam meets the collar) straight down to the bottom hem of the jacket.
The key to accurate measurement lies in minimizing the impact of the jacket's volume. Gravity is your friend! Let the jacket settle naturally on the flat surface. Avoid stretching or pulling the fabric, as this will distort the measurement. For quilted jackets, follow the natural line of the quilting to ensure your measuring tape runs straight. If the jacket has a curved hem, measure to the lowest point of the curve.
Consider using a flexible measuring tape designed for fabric. A rigid metal tape measure can be difficult to manipulate over the uneven surface of a puffy jacket. If you are measuring for online shopping, and the provided garment measurements are unclear, contacting the seller for clarification is always a good idea. Small discrepancies are normal, but significant variations should be addressed before making a purchase. Asking for pictures of their measuring process can also resolve potential misunderstandings.
What's the difference between center back length and overall jacket length?
Center back length is measured from the center of the back neckline (where the collar meets the jacket) straight down to the hem, while overall jacket length is typically measured from the highest point of the shoulder (where the shoulder seam meets the collar or neckline) down to the hem. Therefore, overall jacket length will usually be longer than the center back length because it accounts for the slope of the shoulder and how it extends beyond the neckline.
To elaborate, the center back length provides a standardized measurement focusing solely on the vertical distance down the back. This is useful for comparing lengths across different styles, as it eliminates the variability introduced by different shoulder seam placements or collar heights. Conversely, the overall jacket length provides a better indication of how the jacket will actually fit and where the hem will fall on the body. The difference becomes particularly noticeable in jackets with structured shoulders, padded shoulders, or extended shoulder seams. The extra material and shaping at the shoulder will add to the overall jacket length but won't be reflected in the center back measurement. When shopping online or using a sizing chart, pay close attention to which length measurement is provided to ensure a proper fit. If only one measurement is given, consider the jacket's style and shoulder construction to estimate the difference between the two and how that impacts the fit for *your* body.And that's all there is to it! Measuring a jacket might seem simple, but getting those details right can make all the difference in finding the perfect fit. Thanks for reading, and we hope this guide helps you find your next favorite jacket. Come back soon for more helpful tips and tricks!