How to Measure for a Custom Leather Jacket: Complete Size Guide 2026
Getting the perfect fit on a leather jacket is the single most important factor in how good it looks and how much you'll wear it. A leather jacket that fits perfectly is transformative. One that doesn't — even by a small margin — never looks quite right, no matter how good the leather is.
This guide walks you through every measurement you need to order a made-to-measure leather jacket from Kamercio — with step-by-step instructions, tips for getting each measurement right, and guidance on what to do if you're between sizes. Every men's leather jacket and women's leather jacket at Kamercio is cut to your exact measurements.
What You'll Need
A soft measuring tape (the kind used for sewing — not a rigid builder's tape), a friend to help take the measurements, and a well-fitting shirt or light layer to measure over. Don't measure over a thick jumper or jacket — you want your measurements to reflect your body, not your existing outerwear.
The 6 Key Measurements for a Leather Jacket
1. Chest
The most important measurement. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest — typically just under the armpits and across the shoulder blades at the back. Keep the tape parallel to the floor and snug but not tight — you should be able to breathe normally. Take the measurement in inches.
Tip: Take this measurement twice to confirm accuracy. Even a 1-inch difference in chest measurement can affect the fit significantly in a leather jacket.
2. Waist
Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest point of your torso, typically about an inch above your belly button. Keep the tape snug but comfortable. This measurement determines how the jacket fits through the body and whether it has a defined waist or a more relaxed silhouette.
Tip: For biker and moto jackets, the waist measurement is particularly important as these styles are designed to be fitted through the body.
3. Hips (for longer styles)
For longer jackets, coats, and blazers, measure around the fullest part of your hips — typically 7–8 inches below your natural waist. This ensures the jacket fits correctly through the lower body and doesn't pull or restrict movement.
4. Shoulder Width
This is the most critical measurement for jacket fit — and the hardest to alter after the fact. Measure from the edge of one shoulder to the edge of the other, across the back. The shoulder seam of your jacket should sit exactly at the edge of your shoulder — not hanging over it, not pulling inward.
Tip: Have your helper place the tape at the point where your shoulder meets your arm on each side. This is the natural shoulder point.
5. Sleeve Length
Measure from the top of your shoulder (the same point used for shoulder width) down to your wrist bone. Keep your arm slightly bent at the elbow — this gives a more accurate measurement for how the sleeve will sit when you're wearing the jacket naturally.
Tip: The sleeve of a leather jacket should hit at the wrist bone, with approximately half an inch of shirt cuff showing when worn with a dress shirt.
6. Jacket Length
Measure from the top of your shoulder down to where you want the jacket to end. For a classic biker or moto jacket, this is typically at the hip — around 24–26 inches for most men, 22–24 inches for most women. For longer styles like coats and blazers, this measurement will be longer.
Tip: Stand naturally and decide where you want the jacket to end before measuring. The hem of the jacket should sit at a flattering point — not mid-thigh (which can shorten the legs) and not too short (which can make the torso look long).
Measurement Chart — Where Each Measurement Is Taken
| Measurement | Where to Measure | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | Fullest part of chest, under arms | Snug but breathable |
| Waist | Narrowest point, above belly button | Natural waist, not trouser waist |
| Hips | Fullest part, 7–8" below waist | For longer styles only |
| Shoulder width | Edge to edge across back | Most critical measurement |
| Sleeve length | Shoulder point to wrist bone | Arm slightly bent |
| Jacket length | Shoulder to desired hem | Decide hem point before measuring |
Common Measurement Mistakes to Avoid
Measuring over thick clothing — Always measure over a light layer. Measuring over a thick jumper will add 1–2 inches to your measurements and result in a jacket that is too large.
Pulling the tape too tight — The tape should be snug but not compressing. You should be able to slide two fingers under the tape comfortably.
Measuring alone — It's very difficult to take accurate measurements on yourself, particularly for shoulder width and jacket length. Always use a helper if possible.
Rounding up "just in case" — Don't add extra inches to your measurements thinking it will give you more room. Our artisans build the appropriate ease into the pattern — your measurements should reflect your actual body.
Measuring once — Take each measurement twice and use the average. Small errors in measurement can have a significant impact on fit.
How Kamercio Uses Your Measurements
Once you provide your measurements at checkout, our artisans in India create a pattern specific to your body. The pattern accounts for the natural ease required for comfortable movement — so your measurements should reflect your actual body, not a larger size.
Every jacket is cut by hand from your pattern, stitched by our master craftsmen, and quality-checked before dispatch. The entire process takes 4–5 days from order confirmation. Your jacket is then shipped worldwide with full tracking.
If you have any questions about your measurements before ordering, contact us and our team will guide you through the process.
What If I'm Between Sizes?
Because every Kamercio jacket is made to your exact measurements, there are no "sizes" to fall between. Your measurements are your size. If your chest is 39 inches, your jacket is cut to 39 inches (plus the appropriate ease). There is no rounding up to the nearest size — your jacket is made for your body, not for an average.
Measuring for Specific Styles
Biker & Moto Jackets
These styles are designed to be fitted through the body. Chest and waist measurements are particularly important. The jacket should fit close to the body without restricting movement — you should be able to raise your arms comfortably and move freely.
Blazers
Blazers require more ease through the chest and shoulders to allow for layering underneath. If you plan to wear a jacket or thick knit under your leather blazer, add 1–2 inches to your chest measurement.
Coats
Leather coats are the most length-sensitive style. The jacket length measurement is critical — decide exactly where you want the coat to end before measuring, and be precise.
Shirts & Shirt Jackets
Leather shirts are typically worn closer to the body than jackets. Chest and sleeve measurements are the most important for this style.
Ready to Order?
Once you have your measurements, browse the full Kamercio collection and order with confidence:
- Men's Leather Jackets — biker, moto, café racer & bomber
- Women's Leather Jackets — biker, moto, café racer & bomber
- Men's Leather Coats — long, trench, duster & belted
- Women's Leather Coats — long, trench, duster & belted
- Men's Leather Blazers — single-breasted, double-breasted & slim-fit
- Women's Leather Blazers — single-breasted, double-breasted & slim-fit
Every jacket is handcrafted from 100% full-grain lambskin, made to your exact measurements, and shipped worldwide with full tracking in 4–5 days.