Leather jacket fit ? - YouLookFab Forum

I am pretty sure this jacket is too big through bust, but am posting for wisdom on assessing the fit of leather jackets, which always perplex me.
I was not looking for this but there it was at a consignment store.

What drew me to it is a) color- is not mauvy-blush, haha ! but is a cool beige , I guess so it actually is more neutral because it doesn't have to match, and b) style is good for me, not a moto, which don't work that well, but a stand-collar, and slightly fitted waist, and very soft, so that it does not overwhelm me as a lot of leathers do, and feels lightweight enough to be an indoor jacket and possibly get more use. I have looked on-line somewhat, and seldom found this particular light neutral and style.

It is pricey even discounted because it is some kind of designer with a mucho high list price--I thought I would remember the brand, but I did not. C.... and C..... perhaps?So, I don't think it's for me even if it fit, unless it hangs around and gets discounted further.

But, I have a lot of trouble with how leather should fit, since if it's fairly fitted, it may not be comfortable, especially if armholes cut high and sleeves are tight--these can look good but don't feel good--and if it's less fitted it can look, on me, too slouchy.
But I think this one just may be cut for a bustier but small person and so it it curvy there while being cut small through the waist and hip.
I am wearing a thin top that doesn't really fit me, but I grabbed to try on with it because I was wearing a heavier sweater .

The side zip "pockets" are more decorative than useful because they're set high up. Can put something in them, but not hands! Also, sleeves are quite long, and with the zips and special piecing around the armholes, not easily altered; they look "okay" turned back, but probably better if didn't have to do that.

So, now that I've bashed it, any coments are welcome, from the true leather-jacket experts out there.

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10 years ago

DonnaF

Veteran

I'm no leather jacket expert by any means (I have just one!), but I've noticed that moderate ones sold at Nordstrom have stretchy fabric panels. In addition to reducing the amount of the more costly leather, they make the rest easier to fit, especially the arms. One of my fit challenges is my comparatively heavy arms, so a stretchy panel makes all the difference in comfort. Of course, I prefer the LOOK of 100% leather, but a beautiful but unworn (due to discomfort) jacket is of no use to me.

Aida

There's a lot of leeway in leather jacket fits; some people really like them on the fitted end and others like them roomier all the way through oversized. I personally like mine (almost always moto style for me) a bit looser, both because I often wear them over sweaters and because I'm not super comfortable in fitted cuts. This jacket looks on the more fluid end, long sleeves and a bit loose in the bust as you said. Without seeing it from the side it's hard to truly judge, but I also take the sleeve silhouette into strong consideration as well as how it fits around the shoulder; too loose and it starts looking shlumpy, too snug and you lose layering/movement ability. If you were asking for a K/R on this I would request some side and back photos

Anonymous

I have had (and still do) many, many leather jackets over the years. They are really a staple in my wardrobe. I personally prefer them quite fitted - even to the point where the arms and armhole is high and snug. That always loosens during wear anyways. I just don't find leather that's boxy or roomy feminine enough for me, and I prefer that cool-factor that comes from mixing a tough "fabric" with a more feminine cut. It also is a more professional look too, when the jacket is fitted and detailed. Now that said, there are fine lamb skin jackets that drape and flow, but that's a whole other animal, pun intended.

As Aida says, too loose, and it can look shlumpy and saggy. I like the colour of this one too, and it looks ok from the front, except for the sleeve length, which could use some tidying up.

shiny

I think a leather jacket, especially if you are paying mucho-price, should fit and feel like a second skin right off the bat. This is both a matter of cut (for your body type) and also of quality. Yes real leather stretches out, but if it's uncomfortable when you buy it, you're unlikely to wear it long enough to break it in. In that way, it's very much like shoes.

You don't give us enough pictures, as I'd really like to see this one zipped, and see the back and side. From these two pics alone, I think this leather jacket fits you quite well! I'm not seeing the bust problem. It seems to fit you well in the waist, armholes, and hit just right at the hip. I love the contrast zippers (how cool would this look with a black turtleneck underneath?), and the neckline totally works for you.

Yes the sleeves are a tad long. Is there a seam at the elbow, where the zippers end? If so, that's where they'd take it up, not at the sleeve hem. A very simple alteration.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Sleeves are a little long, but the rest looks good.

unfrumped

Thank you for input! This one is tempting due to color and luscious leather, but I would have to "visit" it again to review the fit, as I'm not sure it's "the one"--or what I can say is, my "little voice" says I want it to fit just a bit differently and I'm cranky that it ticks a lot of boxes but maybe not all. In addition, it may be for my imaginary lifestyle.
However, it is still fun and possibly useful to see the possibilities .

For me the key issues are, what does an item need to have for me to feel totally on board with it so that I will reach for it often and invent excuses to wear it, and not have any nagging insecurities. I have to get stricter about not buying things that nag me a bit.

abc

Can you get someone to take your pic with you standing directly in front with your arms to the sides? It looks like it may be doing what some jackets do to me when I can't fill out the bust. I kind of see it on your right side but with you holding the camera it's hard to see and a bit off-center.

Marina

Active Member

I believe there is no right/wrong fit, it's a matter of personal taste, style, body shape and so. I think this is a very nice jacket, very versatile in both color and style. I also liked a lot how it fits on you

There are a few things I usually consider important when I look for a leather jacket (I always have at least one on my closet).

First, it's about what kind of leather it is made. Not all leathers are quite the same. I like thicker/harder leather for more rustic and roomier jackets and they are also a little warmer and resistant, but I think they are less comfortable when it comes to quite fitted pieces. If you prefer your jackets really fitted a thinner and more flexible leather will usually be a better choice. How does this specific leather feels? (by your photos it looks like this one has a moderate thickness and a sort of softness/flexibility, but this is something quite difficult to judge without touching it)

Also, a good quality leather will last decades and still look really beautiful. This is an incredible versatile jacket, so if you don't mind using it for a long long time it may be worthy to expende a little more than usual on it. On the other hand if you don't like the idea of using the same piece for long or feel really unsure about how it feels/looks, than expending a lot of money may be a poor investment.

No expert, but except for the sleeve length, this could be a great little spring jacket. I like to wear mine open because a snug fit zipped up makes my small bust look even flatter. Scarves help.

Leather should fit like a nice set of leather gloves and make you feel like heaven. If not pass I would pass it up.

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