Jacket Sizing

[Metatron]

I know you are a specialized forum with specialized posts most of the time. So pardon me for being a bit vague here.

But seeing as many of you have experience of buying jackets from the web, I would like to see what you have to say on the subject of sizing, based on experience.

What are some rules of thumb for getting a good fit when buying garments online?

[TheSnark]

I think the first rule is to ask about specific vendors. There are no "rules of thumb" for sizing that are universal to all vendors, so you just have to become familiar with the ones you do business with. The only usable answers you can get here will be to a question like "How do the sizes for jackets from <vendor X> compare to <vendorY>?"

Not much help, of course, but you really need to narrow the question to get much in the way of a useful response.

[Tomasso]

This should help. And welcome to the Fedora Lounge.

[Papa M]

This should help.

Excellent and detailed little feature. Thanks for the link Tomasso.

Of course we are all at the mercy of mostly random and inaccurate measurements.

My advice to anyone buying off the internet is to not be too disappointed if you receive something that doesn't quite fit right. Just sell it on. You might even make a profit!

Good luck.

[Edward]

Especially if buying on eBay, don't part with your money before being doubly certain whether the sizing the seller quotes is the measurement of the jacket, or a 'size'. For example, I take a 42R or 44R in a suit jacket, depending upon cut. That equates to between 45" and 47" as the actual measurement of the jacket. You'd be surprised how many sellers seem to think that a jacket actually measuring 42" around the chest equates to a size 42. There must be a lot of folks out there much smaller than they think they are - either that, or they don't care to be able to move in their clothes....

[Metatron]

Thanks for the replies, and thanks for welcoming me.

Edit:Thanks for the link Tomasso, i've encountered that before.

Ok some specifics:
The online store I'm dealing with has generic sizes. I am ok with this as i'm not going to spend a whole lot.

Apparently L=100-105cm chest circumference and XL=105-110cm. My chest is between 106-107. My height is 1.85, so arm length is a bit of a consideration.

Logic points me to XL, but I have a feeling that the L might just be a perfect, snug fit.

What do you think?

[captaincaveman1]

Ask for measurements of the garment itself and then compare to a jacket that fits you well?