Please opinion on this leather jacket fit

VansonRider · May 8, 2024

MrProper said:
The jacket is too long for being tight around the bum. As a result, it sits up at the lower back and compresses upwards. And no, I don't think this will get better over time.

Yeah, this is it exactly.

I think it looks like a good fit, because mobility looks good, and the wrinkles don’t look like they’re pulling tight horizontally.

Then Monitor has a good point that it looks a size small, because a size up would let the jacket drop over your butt, and you’d lose the bunching.

But I think Mr.Proper nailed it. It’s long in the torso. Which you mentioned in your initial post!

I ride sport bikes, so some of my jackets do this when standing, but then everything falls into place on a bike, so that’s my frame of reference. I’d want a snug waist and for there to be enough material that it won’t rise up when I lean forward.

Also, I’m a cyclist, at I’m 5’10” with an 88.25cm “cycling inseam” that basically means I have slightly longer legs and a slightly shorter torso than the average man my height. So I’m probably subconsciously used to jackets fitting like this…

DPR · May 8, 2024

VansonRider said:
Yeah, this is it exactly.

I think it looks like a good fit, because mobility looks good, and the wrinkles don’t look like they’re pulling tight horizontally.

Then Monitor has a good point that it looks a size small, because a size up would let the jacket drop over your butt, and you’d lose the bunching.

But I think Mr.Proper nailed it. It’s long in the torso. Which you mentioned in your initial post!

I ride sport bikes, so some of my jackets do this when standing, but then everything falls into place on a bike, so that’s my frame of reference. I’d want a snug waist and for there to be enough material that it won’t rise up when I lean forward.

Also, I’m a cyclist, at I’m 5’10” with an 88.25cm “cycling inseam” that basically means I have slightly longer legs and a slightly shorter torso than the average man my height. So I’m probably subconsciously used to jackets fitting like this…

Thank you all for your opinions. Yeah, my idea was the same, that probably was too long hence it makes that shape on the back. However, would this effect be the same if the jacket were unzipped? Because if unzipped it should give you an idea of how the jacket would be if it were wider on the waist right? (at least that's what I'm thinking). Check these pictures with the jacket unzipped. I stood straight in 4 different times and the jacket look different each time haha. Wouldn't the jacket drape better since the it is unzipped and not "tight" anymore even though it's long? Thanks guys for your time and feedback!

Bennarion · May 8, 2024

It looks great from the back now. Maybe the jacket will stretch over time at the waist when you get into a car or chair.Then it will be a perfect fit.

Try to play with this jacket and time will tell.

VansonRider · May 8, 2024

DPR said:
Thank you all for your opinions. Yeah, my idea was the same, that probably was too long hence it makes that shape on the back. However, would this effect be the same if the jacket were unzipped? Because if unzipped it should give you an idea of how the jacket would be if it were wider on the waist right? (at least that's what I'm thinking). Check these pictures with the jacket unzipped. I stood straight in 4 different times and the jacket look different each time haha. Wouldn't the jacket drape better since the it is unzipped and not "tight" anymore even though it's long? Thanks guys for your time and feedback!

THAT is what I was talking about with one piece backs! I copied these pictures right from the Schott website.

DPR · May 8, 2024

Bennarion said:
It looks great from the back now. Maybe the jacket will stretch over time at the waist when you get into a car or chair.Then it will be a perfect fit.

Try to play with this jacket and time will tell.

Yes, I will definitely keep it and see how it goes, but I just wanted to ask you guys your opinion and if it was a good fit. I have another leather jacket that now it is tight for me. That one forms horizontal lines on the back when I zip it and I can feel that it is stretching a lot. But this one is not tight at all (even though it looks like in the pics). I zip it with no issues, and I even feel there is so much space in the back that makes that shape. Maybe it needs more breaking-in?

DPR · May 8, 2024

VansonRider said:
THAT is what I was talking about with one piece backs! I copied these pictures right from the Schott website.

I wonder if the guy on the pic has the jacket zipped or unzipped.

Aloysius · May 8, 2024

VansonRider said:
THAT is what I was talking about with one piece backs! I copied these pictures right from the Schott website.

These don’t look comparable at all.

DPR said:
Yes, I will definitely keep it and see how it goes, but I just wanted to ask you guys your opinion and if it was a good fit. I have another leather jacket that now it is tight for me. That one forms horizontal lines on the back when I zip it and I can feel that it is stretching a lot. But this one is not tight at all (even though it looks like in the pics). I zip it with no issues, and I even feel there is so much space in the back that makes that shape. Maybe it needs more breaking-in?

It’s not a matter of break in.

Bear in mind that people on this site, though that’s shifting a bit, often like their jackets practically popping at the seams. So keep that in mind when people are quick to say something is a good fit.

IMO it’s often because we don’t want to face the fact that we all have closets full of jackets that are too small to be a good fit.

Bennarion · May 8, 2024

DPR said:
Yes, I will definitely keep it and see how it goes, but I just wanted to ask you guys your opinion and if it was a good fit. I have another leather jacket that now it is tight for me. That one forms horizontal lines on the back when I zip it and I can feel that it is stretching a lot. But this one is not tight at all (even though it looks like in the pics). I zip it with no issues, and I even feel there is so much space in the back that makes that shape. Maybe it needs more breaking-in?

Any thing jeans, leather jacket takes time and then the thing will take the shape of the owner. Therefore, it is difficult to judge when you put on a new thing. With a leather jacket, it's a different story. It can get better and better every day when you wear it. Pay attention to her and she will thank you. If you feel comfortable in a jacket, do not pay attention to your back.

Canuck Panda · May 8, 2024

643 is 642 plus one inch length. And 642 is 641 with a dress collar. So 643 size 42 is 26" length while the other 6 series riding jackets are now 25" (I had the new fit 618 and was this length, but another old one I still have is only 24" length). Anyways, thanks to this thread it shined the light on the 643 model, I'd be looking for one in green... Maybe the Japanese retailers will order the 643 with the side cinches raised up to where the half belt is, I think that will fit better when new as 26" is really half belt length and not cossack length and the cinch placement will change the fit look dramatically. Really good deals on these in Japan on the used market... And then there is the 681, looks like huge taper on that one, if any one got one please post some pics.

Aloysius · May 8, 2024

Again, why not buy the US market model which has a better leather and pattern?

The 689 is right there lol. This fetishizing of JDM models needs to stop. I thought they had something special to them too until I tried them all on.

The only one that actually has some kind of 'edge' is the Shinki model of the 613 (it helps that that one mostly switches to the US pattern); the rest are just the same thing with worse patterns.

Manolito · May 9, 2024

I also think this jacket is too small for you zipped.

If I were you, I would sell it and try to find the same one in 40 .

I know it's a pain, but that's the way it is...

I agree with the person above who says that around this forum, a "good" fit is often a very tight fit to my eyes...

Just my experience about the japanese market : i own two Schott 327 size 38 : one brown bought on vinted that was supposedly bought from a Schott store in the USA, and one rust I bought through ebay Japan ; and they are both the same exact measurements, and both very wearable...

As a european, i buy sometimes Schott second hand from ebay Japan because they have a lot of choice, good presentations, and sometimes very fair prices (especially the suede ones).

Monitor · May 9, 2024

Since there's been a lot of (quite honestly needless) theorizing on how if this than that, let me rephrase my previous statement - The jacket doesn't look good on you.

To clarify, zipped-up, it is so tight on you that the way your chest is pushing the front of the jacket out, makes you look like you've got a large stomach which, while clearly not the case, is further exaggerated by the stupidly narrow shoulders. @Aloysius is right on the money here on this matter. Just doesn't make any sense for us westerners buying these jackets.

Length is also the issue as it is at the same time too short & too long, an issue that is further accentuated by the overall tightness of the jacket, making it unable to naturally drape over your body. Zipped up, it's literally glued too high & unzipped it's no better as the tightness of the armholes is pulling the sides up.

In short, it's making you look short, fat and like you're wearing a jacket that is too small.

My advice? Schott 689 is an incredibly beautiful leather jacket but it has to be worn like a leather jacket, meaning with room enough to spare to fit layers while having you feel comfortable in it. This model definitely isn't supposed to be glued to your skin in any pattern, let alone one intended for the Japanese market.

You can trust the maker on this one as they've fitted it very nicely on their model.

bigmanbigtruck · May 9, 2024

I think most people have chimed in about the jacket size - so won't add anything there myself.

Looking at some of the pics, you look to have some spinal curvature:

Especially with tighter fitting jackets, it doesn't help as your posture kinda pushes your midsection outwards giving the apperance of a gut.
And given your back is curving in, that probably leads to the weird folds as it's got nothing to really settle on in that area.

DPR · May 9, 2024

Monitor said:
Since there's been a lot of (quite honestly needless) theorizing on how if this than that, let me rephrase my previous statement - The jacket doesn't look good on you.

To clarify, zipped-up, it is so tight on you that the way your chest is pushing the front of the jacket out, makes you look like you've got a large stomach which, while clearly not the case, is further exaggerated by the stupidly narrow shoulders. @Aloysius is right on the money here on this matter. Just doesn't make any sense for us westerners buying these jackets.

Length is also the issue as it is at the same time too short & too long, an issue that is further accentuated by the overall tightness of the jacket, making it unable to naturally drape over your body. Zipped up, it's literally glued too high & unzipped it's no better as the tightness of the armholes is pulling the sides up.

In short, it's making you look short, fat and like you're wearing a jacket that is too small.

My advice? Schott 689 is an incredibly beautiful leather jacket but it has to be worn like a leather jacket, meaning with room enough to spare to fit layers while having you feel comfortable in it. This model definitely isn't supposed to be glued to your skin in any pattern, let alone one intended for the Japanese market.

You can trust the maker on this one as they've fitted it very nicely on their model.

Thank you Monitor and everyone in the forum. That was the intention of my post, to have some feedback from you guys that definitely know better than me on this subject.

You guys are right about the jacket being small on me. Even though I can move comfortably with the jacket zipped up and even with an extra layer under, I see your point on the shoulders and back. The shoulder seams sit exactly where my shoulder ends, but maybe for leather jackets (or this specific type) they should sit slightly below. What is your opinion on how shoulders should fit?

Regarding the back, it is definitely my chest and beer belly haha. I don't have a big belly but it definitely increased since I am not exercising at all after my surgery. Chest increased a little bit too I guess, so I see what you mean. I should have probably bought a size 40 like @Manolito said. 10 months ago I was 38 chest, 158lbs, 30 waist. Now I'm between 39-40 chest, 165lbs and 31 waist.

I will not sell the jacket, I would probably keep it for my son if he ever wants one. He is taller than me and slimmer, and the jacket didn't cost that much to be honest. Or maybe I lose a lot of weight once I recover

I will look for a Schott 689 on eBay. It looks very nice and that is the style I want for now on a leather jacket. Does anyone know the length on this model by any chance? I think that is my issue being 5'7 approx. (173.5cm), 32-sleeve.

If you have other brands (western or Japanese model - it doesn't matter) that you can recommend I would really appreciate it!

Thank you again guys.

DPR · May 9, 2024

bigmanbigtruck said:
I think most people have chimed in about the jacket size - so won't add anything there myself.

Looking at some of the pics, you look to have some spinal curvature:
View attachment 612748

Especially with tighter fitting jackets, it doesn't help as your posture kinda pushes your midsection outwards giving the apperance of a gut.
And given your back is curving in, that probably leads to the weird folds as it's got nothing to really settle on in that area.

Maybe you are right! I have not even thought about it, although for the pics I really tried to stand very straight to get more accurate opinions on the fit. Maybe I exaggerated too much on the posture? haha. Thanks.

Monitor · May 9, 2024

DPR said:
Thank you Monitor and everyone in the forum. That was the intention of my post, to have some feedback from you guys that definitely know better than me on this subject.

You guys are right about the jacket being small on me. Even though I can move comfortably with the jacket zipped up and even with an extra layer under, I see your point on the shoulders and back. The shoulder seams sit exactly where my shoulder ends, but maybe for leather jackets (or this specific type) they should sit slightly below. What is your opinion on how shoulders should fit?

Regarding the back, it is definitely my chest and beer belly haha. I don't have a big belly but it definitely increased since I am not exercising at all after my surgery. Chest increased a little bit too I guess, so I see what you mean. I should have probably bought a size 40 like @Manolito said. 10 months ago I was 38 chest, 158lbs, 30 waist. Now I'm between 39-40 chest, 165lbs and 31 waist.

I will not sell the jacket, I would probably keep it for my son if he ever wants one. He is taller than me and slimmer, and the jacket didn't cost that much to be honest. Or maybe I lose a lot of weight once I recover

I will look for a Schott 689 on eBay. It looks very nice and that is the style I want for now on a leather jacket. Does anyone know the length on this model by any chance? I think that is my issue being 5'7 approx. (173.5cm), 32-sleeve.

If you have other brands (western or Japanese model - it doesn't matter) that you can recommend I would really appreciate it!

Thank you again guys.

I just also want to add that I apologize if my post came off too harsh but I believe that if you went as far as to do enough research online to find this place and ask here, you should be rewarded with an answer (or opinion, in this case) that is as honest and helpful as one can give.

I've had tons of ill fitting jackets and still remember & appreciate every post telling me the truth.

Sometimes all the measurements & numbers may seem right but the jacket still looks & feels off and that also is a possibility you absolutely need to be aware off. Fit is king. Measurements are helpful indicator but no more.

As for the shoulders - Considering it's a non-existent measurement, there are just too many factors that account for the correctly fitting shoulders on a leather jacket. One thing is certain; Your jacket shouldn't be making your own shoulders look smaller than they are. Black leather will exaggerate your features, one way or the other.

DPR · May 9, 2024

Monitor said:
I just also want to add that I apologize if my post came off too harsh but I believe that if you went as far as to do enough research online to find this place and ask here, you should be rewarded with an answer (or opinion, in this case) that is as honest and helpful as one can give.

I've had tons of ill fitting jackets and still remember & appreciate every post telling me the truth.

Sometimes all the measurements & numbers may seem right but the jacket still looks & feels off and that also is a possibility you absolutely need to be aware off. Fit is king. Measurements are helpful indicator but no more.

As for the shoulders - Considering it's a non-existent measurement, there are just too many factors that account for the correctly fitting shoulders on a leather jacket. One thing is certain; Your jacket shouldn't be making your own shoulders look smaller than they are. Black leather will exaggerate your features, one way or the other.

No need to apologize at all Monitor. I appreciate everyone's opinions and feedback and I truly respect every single one. That's the whole reason of the post, I came for honest opinions/recommendations and that's what I'm getting, right or wrong. I actually thank you guys for taking your time to comment at all!

I do a lot of research online, and I'm always checking forums, youtube videos and reviews online. But when I'm at a point where I have doubts about something that cannot be answered by reading online that is when I go to a forum haha, and for me, the fedora lounge is the best so far.

As for the shoulders, yes, that's why I think you guys are right about the jacket being small, because it makes my shoulders look smaller thank they are. I will start looking for jackets size 40.

Thanks again and I still look forward to reading more comments/recommendations about other brands that may fit me be better and are worth taking a look at them.

bigmanbigtruck · May 9, 2024

DPR said:
Maybe you are right! I have not even thought about it, although for the pics I really tried to stand very straight to get more accurate opinions on the fit. Maybe I exaggerated too much on the posture? haha. Thanks.

You'd be surprised how many people think they stand straight till they see some pictures lol

Aloysius · May 9, 2024

DPR said:
As for the shoulders, yes, that's why I think you guys are right about the jacket being small, because it makes my shoulders look smaller thank they are. I will start looking for jackets size 40.

There's more to it than this. You can generally go by the size tag when you are buying from a British/American maker like Schott, Lewis, Aero, Vanson, etc because chest size in inches is a universally understood thing in Anglo culture and tailoring.

However, the Japanese don't use inches, so to them the numbers like "40", are just a term for sizes. (They probably see it like the shoe sizing system used in Europe, as opposed to the Japanese one which is just cm measures.) Thus, "40" doesn't mean "fits a person with a 40" chest; it means "medium on a Japanese person"; that's why you'll see Japanese market jackets even from western makers where the chest measures smaller than the size tag!

Measurements can be useful but they take work to be useful. For example when it comes to Schott, sometimes you can extrapolate which size is actually what.

Like I mentioned, I found some Schott Japan 38 jackets for a guy with a 34" chest, and they were tight on him.

DPR · May 9, 2024

Aloysius said:
There's more to it than this. You can generally go by the size tag when you are buying from a British/American maker like Schott, Lewis, Aero, Vanson, etc because chest size in inches is a universally understood thing in Anglo culture and tailoring.

However, the Japanese don't use inches, so to them the numbers like "40", are just a term for sizes. (They probably see it like the shoe sizing system used in Europe, as opposed to the Japanese one which is just cm measures.) Thus, "40" doesn't mean "fits a person with a 40" chest; it means "medium on a Japanese person"; that's why you'll see Japanese market jackets even from western makers where the chest measures smaller than the size tag!

Measurements can be useful but they take work to be useful. For example when it comes to Schott, sometimes you can extrapolate which size is actually what.

Like I mentioned, I found some Schott Japan 38 jackets for a guy with a 34" chest, and they were tight on him.

Thank you for your comments. I have the feeling that looking for the right leather jacket will be as additive as looking for the right watch lol. You can never have only one!

Please opinion on this leather jacket fit

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