How to Measure for a Custom Leather Jacket or Outfit
A Practical Measurement Guide for Custom Leather Clothing
A made-to-measure leather garment should reflect the body, the intended fit, and the way the item will be worn. Accurate measurements help reduce avoidable fitting problems, especially for men’s genuine leather jackets, women’s leather coats, and custom leather clothing. Use a flexible measuring tape, stand naturally, and ask another person to help when possible.
Start with preparation and fit preference
Wear light, close-fitting clothing similar to what you expect to wear under the finished item. Keep the tape level and comfortably close to the body without pulling it tight. Tell the maker whether you prefer a close fit, a regular fit, or enough room for layering. Measurements should normally be taken from the body unless the seller specifically requests measurements from an existing garment.
Measure the chest or bust
Wrap the tape around the fullest part of the chest or bust while keeping it level across the back. Stand upright and breathe naturally. For jackets, this measurement helps determine room across the front and upper back. Do not add your own extra allowance unless the maker asks you to; communicate your desired fit separately so the pattern can be adjusted correctly.
Measure shoulders, sleeves, and neck
Measure shoulder width across the back from one shoulder point to the other. For sleeve length, measure from the shoulder point along a naturally relaxed arm to the preferred cuff position. Measure the neck circumference if the design has a fitted collar, high neck, or closely fastening neckline. Mention whether you want extra room around the collar.
Record waist, hips, and garment length
Take the waist measurement at the position relevant to the design, and measure the hips around their fullest point. For longer jackets, coats, dresses, pants, or full-body garments, confirm the desired finished length as well. Depending on the pattern, the maker may also request sleeve opening, upper arm, inseam, outseam, thigh, knee, or ankle measurements.
Share height and important fit details
Provide your full height and describe any fit issue you frequently experience, such as long arms, broad shoulders, a shorter torso, or a preference for extra movement. If you are adapting an existing design, send clear reference photographs and explain requested changes to color, collar, fastenings, lining, or hardware.
Check every number before production
Label each measurement, use one unit consistently, and confirm whether the figures are in inches or centimeters. Recheck measurements that seem unusual before the garment enters production. For design or sizing questions, visit Leather Taboo’s custom design page or use the contact page to discuss the measurements required for your chosen style.