Plus Size Leather Jacket Fit Guide: How It Should Fit Your Curves
Fit guide 6 min read
Leather does not stretch the way a knit does, so fit is decided before you zip it. Here is how a plus size bomber should sit at each point of the body, and how to measure so the first jacket you order is the one you keep.
Why scaled-up sizes fail
A straight-size pattern grows in every direction at the same rate. Bodies do not. Going from a size 8 to a 20 adds far more at the bust, waist, and upper arm than at the shoulder or neck. A scaled-up jacket ends up with a shoulder seam hanging off the shoulder, a sleeve that is too long, and a front that still gapes. Our 1X to 3X sizes are drafted from their own block with a longer front, a wider back, and a sleeve cut for a fuller arm.
Where it should sit
Shoulders
The seam lands on the bone at the top of your arm. Half an inch past is fine on an oversized style; an inch past on a fitted style means the size is too big everywhere else.
Bust
Zipped, you should be able to take a full breath and slide a flat hand inside. If the zip bows outward, size up. Leather softens but it will not gain two inches.
Back
Cross your arms in front of you. Tight across the shoulder blades means the back yoke is too narrow, which no amount of wear will fix.
Arms
Bend your elbow to ninety degrees. The sleeve should not pull at the upper arm or ride up past the wrist bone. Sleeve length on our plus sizes is 25.5 to 26.5 inches.
Hem
The ribbed hem sits at the top of the hip, where your waist is widest, and rests there without riding up. A hem that lands at the fullest part of the hip will flip up when you sit.
How to measure
- Bust: around the fullest part, tape level, wearing the bra you will wear with the jacket.
- Waist: around the natural waist, where you bend sideways.
- Hip: around the fullest part, feet together.
- Upper arm: around the fullest part of your arm, relaxed.
- Compare to the size guide. If you are between sizes at the bust, go up; if between at the hip only, stay.
Oversized or fitted?
The Oversized 90s Bomber is cut with a dropped shoulder and extra room through the body, so it suits a relaxed silhouette with a slim trouser or a long dress. The Classic Black and Rebel Moto are closer to the body and define the waist. Neither is more flattering; they are two different outfits.
If you would rather not measure alone, book a free fit consultation. Fifteen minutes on a video call and we will confirm your size before you order.