Aero Cafe Racer - Sizing Advice Needed

[mapleleaf2025]

Hi folks, hope everyone's having a great day.

This is my first post here, and I’m looking to get my very first leather jacket.

A friend recently showed me the RRL moto jacket and its style really caught my eye. After doing some research, I think the Aero Cafe Racer might be the best option for me. The main thing I can’t quite decide on is whether a size 38 or a size 40 would fit me better. I’m also waiting on leather samples to arrive (goatskin vs. CXSH vs. soft grainy steerhide).

Here are my measurements (taken with a sweatshirt and jeans on):

• Height: 5′10″
• Weight: 155 lbs
• Chest: 38″ (relaxed), 39″ (expanded)
• Shoulder: 18.25″
• Waist: 36.25″
• Stomach: 33.5″

To get a better sense of fit, I tried on a bunch of jackets in stores and measured them. It seems like I sit somewhere between the snug 18″ shoulder jackets (size S) and the more forgiving 19″ ones (size M).

Here’s what I learned from trying on similar jackets and measuring them (sleeves/back in cm, sorry about the Canadian mix of units here):

• Zara Bomber S: 18″ shoulders (snug/just right), 65 cm sleeves, 61 cm back – chest felt tight
• Zara Bomber M: 19″ shoulders (comfortable with ease), 65 cm sleeves, 63 cm back – chest more relaxed, layering possible
• John Varvatos M: 19″ shoulders (good fit), 65 cm sleeves (a bit long), 63 cm back – chest snug with a layer
• Banana Republic S: 18″ shoulders (snug), 65 cm sleeves (slightly long), 61.5 cm back (short)
• Banana Republic M: 19″ shoulders (too wide), 65 cm sleeves (long)

From this, it seems I’m between the snug 18″ shoulder jackets and the more forgiving 19″ ones. Sleeves around 63-64 cm and back length around 63 cm feel best.

I noticed some of Aero’s stock Cafe Racers list an 18″ shoulder width for both size 38 and 40, which seems a bit narrow compared to what fit me best in stores. Do they actually run snug, or is the pattern cut more generous? If anyone has experience with the Cafe Racer, I’d love your thoughts—specifically on how they differ in shoulder/overall fit compared to typical sizing.

For reference, here are the listings I looked at:
https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/stock/caf--racer--cxfqhh--black--38----s-6606/s-6606 https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/pre-owned/caf--racer--cxfqhh--black--38----va--2186/va--2186 https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/stock/caf--racer--pinnacle--black--40----s-6666/s-6666

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Guppy]

The jackets you took measurements from are not really comparable to Aero. They might superficially resemble each other, being center zip motorcycle jackets. But Aero uses classic patterns designed to fit differently from the modern fit the Zara and Banana Republic patterns use. It would be difficult to make a inference from one to the other. But generally if the measurements work for you, you can mention that to Aero or the stockist you're working with for your order, and they can give you guidance to get the right size and advise on how it will fit you.

 

[AerGuitar]

In my experience with Aero’s CR, the shoulders and upper sleeves are ample in a properly sized jacket. This is not the case with their board racer which has narrow shoulders, narrow sleeves, and high armholes.

 

[Bennarion]

Buy a jacket only with a fitting. The cut of the Aero jacket does not fit everyone.

 

[MrProper]

An Aero café racer is a regular/relaxed fit with a strong taper. If you have a 38" chest, then take the 38. A size smaller for a slim fit won't work. I have tried it on. One size bigger might work, but it looks really oversized. I had that too.

 

[Tom71]

Looking at your measurements, I’d be a bit concerned about hem measurements. The Aero CR is notoriously tapered.

Best to discuss measurements with Holly/Denny at Aero. They can sort you out.
My stomach feeling would be that a 40 may work better for you, but you really should take expert advice.

Much depends on you preferences re fit, i.e. If you prefer a bit of wriggle room.
I notice that you consider goat AND CX steer which will make the jacket feel VERY differently due to different thickness and drape. The jackets you tried on are basically fashion jackets using split leather that dont give you any indication how an Aero will fit and feel for you.

 

[zebedee]

I second the worries over hem measurements - I have a CR in steer that is the same size as one in a mid-weight HH: one fits ok, the other one I can only zip up with real effort. The taper is severe; if you get it wrong - even by a little - you have a very expensive problem.

My solution with the Aero CR was to order two sizes up (a 44 in my case) - it’s too big in the shoulders, but fine everywhere else. Consult carefully with Aero…

 

[AeroFan_07]

Hi folks, hope everyone's having a great day.

This is my first post here, and I’m looking to get my very first leather jacket.

A friend recently showed me the RRL moto jacket and its style really caught my eye. After doing some research, I think the Aero Cafe Racer might be the best option for me. The main thing I can’t quite decide on is whether a size 38 or a size 40 would fit me better. I’m also waiting on leather samples to arrive (goatskin vs. CXSH vs. soft grainy steerhide).

Here are my measurements (taken with a sweatshirt and jeans on):

• Height: 5′10″
• Weight: 155 lbs
• Chest: 38″ (relaxed), 39″ (expanded)
• Shoulder: 18.25″
• Waist: 36.25″
• Stomach: 33.5″

To get a better sense of fit, I tried on a bunch of jackets in stores and measured them. It seems like I sit somewhere between the snug 18″ shoulder jackets (size S) and the more forgiving 19″ ones (size M).

Here’s what I learned from trying on similar jackets and measuring them (sleeves/back in cm, sorry about the Canadian mix of units here):

• Zara Bomber S: 18″ shoulders (snug/just right), 65 cm sleeves, 61 cm back – chest felt tight
• Zara Bomber M: 19″ shoulders (comfortable with ease), 65 cm sleeves, 63 cm back – chest more relaxed, layering possible
• John Varvatos M: 19″ shoulders (good fit), 65 cm sleeves (a bit long), 63 cm back – chest snug with a layer
• Banana Republic S: 18″ shoulders (snug), 65 cm sleeves (slightly long), 61.5 cm back (short)
• Banana Republic M: 19″ shoulders (too wide), 65 cm sleeves (long)

From this, it seems I’m between the snug 18″ shoulder jackets and the more forgiving 19″ ones. Sleeves around 63-64 cm and back length around 63 cm feel best.

I noticed some of Aero’s stock Cafe Racers list an 18″ shoulder width for both size 38 and 40, which seems a bit narrow compared to what fit me best in stores. Do they actually run snug, or is the pattern cut more generous? If anyone has experience with the Cafe Racer, I’d love your thoughts—specifically on how they differ in shoulder/overall fit compared to typical sizing.

For reference, here are the listings I looked at:
https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/stock/caf--racer--cxfqhh--black--38----s-6606/s-6606 https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/pre-owned/caf--racer--cxfqhh--black--38----va--2186/va--2186 https://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/stock/caf--racer--pinnacle--black--40----s-6666/s-6666

Thanks in advance for your help!

If you are US-based, consider going through Carrie, Thurston-Brothers. My first ever Aero was a 4-pocket CR, which I purchased off the rack through them. Looking back, I likely should have stopped right there!

 

[mapleleaf2025]

The jackets you took measurements from are not really comparable to Aero. They might superficially resemble each other, being center zip motorcycle jackets. But Aero uses classic patterns designed to fit differently from the modern fit the Zara and Banana Republic patterns use. It would be difficult to make a inference from one to the other. But generally if the measurements work for you, you can mention that to Aero or the stockist you're working with for your order, and they can give you guidance to get the right size and advise on how it will fit you.

Hey Guppy, thanks a lot for your advice. Aero actually recommended a size 38 for me, with the option of widening the shoulders to 19" for a £75 charge. Do you happen to know of any other brands with a similar fit to the Aero Cafe Racer? Unfortunately, there’s no Vanson or Schott or similar around where I live, and the only place I can visit locally is Master Supply Co.

 

[mapleleaf2025]

An Aero café racer is a regular/relaxed fit with a strong taper. If you have a 38" chest, then take the 38. A size smaller for a slim fit won't work. I have tried it on. One size bigger might work, but it looks really oversized. I had that too.

Hi MrProper, thanks a lot for your input. Aero also recommended the 38 for me (default 18" shoulders), with the option to widen the shoulders. In your experience, would it make more sense to have the shoulders widened or to size up to a 40? Personally, I’d rather have the jacket on the slightly larger side than too slim, especially since I plan to put on more weight in they gym or I can wear more layer underneath, but I don’t really see myself slimming down.

 

[mapleleaf2025]

Looking at your measurements, I’d be a bit concerned about hem measurements. The Aero CR is notoriously tapered.

Best to discuss measurements with Holly/Denny at Aero. They can sort you out.
My stomach feeling would be that a 40 may work better for you, but you really should take expert advice.

Much depends on you preferences re fit, i.e. If you prefer a bit of wriggle room.
I notice that you consider goat AND CX steer which will make the jacket feel VERY differently due to different thickness and drape. The jackets you tried on are basically fashion jackets using split leather that dont give you any indication how an Aero will fit and feel for you.

Hi Tom, thanks a lot for pointing that out — I hadn’t thought too much about the hem, but you’re right, that could make a big difference considering how it's tapered based on what I've read on the forum. I consider my waist to be on the slim side, since it's only 34", which is the initial measurement I gave Aero, then they asked for the waist with belted trousers, which became 36.25" ish.

Personally I’d prefer a bit of wriggle room rather than going too slim, which is why I’m stuck between the 38 and 40. Aero recommended the 38 with the option to widen the shoulders, so I’m wondering if the 38 with widened shoulders would be a better option than just jumping up to a 40.

As for the leather, I don't have any experience either. From what I’ve read, I like that goatskin is durable, more matte, and has a bit more drape than steerhide. That said, I imagine steerhide might actually be more forgiving if I sized up, i.e. less likely to look awkwardly too large since it holds its shape more. Also, do you happen to have experience with how much shinier the CX steerhide is compared to goatskin? Would really appreciate your input!

 

[mapleleaf2025]

I second the worries over hem measurements - I have a CR in steer that is the same size as one in a mid-weight HH: one fits ok, the other one I can only zip up with real effort. The taper is severe; if you get it wrong - even by a little - you have a very expensive problem.

My solution with the Aero CR was to order two sizes up (a 44 in my case) - it’s too big in the shoulders, but fine everywhere else. Consult carefully with Aero…

Hi Zebedee, thanks for your input! Which one did you have trouble zipping up? Was it because the leather was too thick or stiff? Did you have yours customized? And with the shoulders being bigger, does it look off at all? If not, I might just go with the 40.

 

[MrProper]

Hi MrProper, thanks a lot for your input. Aero also recommended the 38 for me (default 18" shoulders), with the option to widen the shoulders. In your experience, would it make more sense to have the shoulders widened or to size up to a 40? Personally, I’d rather have the jacket on the slightly larger side than too slim, especially since I plan to put on more weight in they gym or I can wear more layer underneath, but I don’t really see myself slimming down.

How did you measure your shoulders? Are you sure you need more than 18" for a jacket? Without wanting to imply anything, from the rest of the data > 18" seems a lot to me.
As I said, the CR has a relaxed fit and that could be too relaxed with a size 40. But it's certainly a matter of taste and if you want to wear layers, then it could be practical (but that would probably also work with a 38).
And then, of course, it also depends on the leather. Goat certainly needs less room than CXFQHH.

My size for Aero is 42 (111 cm relaxed) for regular fit jackets and 44 for slim fit.
Cafe Racer size 46

Sheene (= Cafe Racer with collar) size 42 was perfect.

Sheene size 40 (Although it is very similar to the 42, it was noticeably smaller. The attempt to make a slim fit out of it failed.)

 

[zebedee]

Hi Zebedee, thanks for your input! Which one did you have trouble zipping up? Was it because the leather was too thick or stiff? Did you have yours customized? And with the shoulders being bigger, does it look off at all? If not, I might just go with the 40.

The steerhide one - it’s a thicker hide and the lining was also thicker. It was weird as all my other Aero jackets fit. There seems to have been a miscommunication as, at one point a roomier hem seemed possible and then a size up was advised by a different person as the looser hem couldn’t be offered. I went with the 42, but this was a mistake - I should have sized up to 44. Bigger shoulders on the 44 are ok with me - I have bad luck with Aero CRs, but good luck with other patterns. Definitely spend time talking to Aero

 

[mapleleaf2025]

If you are US-based, consider going through Carrie, Thurston-Brothers. My first ever Aero was a 4-pocket CR, which I purchased off the rack through them. Looking back, I likely should have stopped right there!

I'm based in Canada unfortunately, otherwise would love to order a fitting jacket from them and go from there!

 

[mapleleaf2025]

How did you measure your shoulders? Are you sure you need more than 18" for a jacket? Without wanting to imply anything, from the rest of the data > 18" seems a lot to me.
As I said, the CR has a relaxed fit and that could be too relaxed with a size 40. But it's certainly a matter of taste and if you want to wear layers, then it could be practical (but that would probably also work with a 38).
And then, of course, it also depends on the leather. Goat certainly needs less room than CXFQHH.

My size for Aero is 42 (111 cm relaxed) for regular fit jackets and 44 for slim fit.
Cafe Racer size 46
View attachment 727285
View attachment 727286

Sheene (= Cafe Racer with collar) size 42 was perfect.
View attachment 727287

View attachment 727288

Sheene size 40 (Although it is very similar to the 42, it was noticeably smaller. The attempt to make a slim fit out of it failed.)
View attachment 727289
View attachment 727290

MrProper, thanks for your reply! A friend helped measure my shoulders and I measured the jackets in-store with a soft tape (both following youtube guides). I’m naturally slim, though over the past year I hit the gym a lot (gained 10lbs) and trained my side delts in particular to build out a broader look. A lot of the shirts in my closet feel too snug in the shoulders now, so I’d definitely prefer the jacket to be a bit more generous there than too tight.

Your pictures are really helpful—I like the look of the Cafe Racer in size 46 the most. What leather is that one in? How did you manage to pull off going two sizes up, if you don’t mind me asking? Also, are the zippers antique brass? I’m thinking about getting a black one with antique brass zippers.

Based on your measurements, I feel like a size 40 would end up too relaxed in the chest for me. I'm not sure what the default shoulder is for size 40 though.

 

[MrProper]

MrProper, thanks for your reply! A friend helped measure my shoulders and I measured the jackets in-store with a soft tape (both following youtube guides). I’m naturally slim, though over the past year I hit the gym a lot (gained 10lbs) and trained my side delts in particular to build out a broader look. A lot of the shirts in my closet feel too snug in the shoulders now, so I’d definitely prefer the jacket to be a bit more generous there than too tight.

Your pictures are really helpful—I like the look of the Cafe Racer in size 46 the most. What leather is that one in? How did you manage to pull off going two sizes up, if you don’t mind me asking? Also, are the zippers antique brass? I’m thinking about getting a black one with antique brass zippers.

Based on your measurements, I feel like a size 40 would end up too relaxed in the chest for me. I'm not sure what the default shoulder is for size 40 though.

I find the shoulder width of a jacket is the measurement that allows the most tolerance and is still wearable.
I have everything from 18.5“ - 20.5”. The black CR was 21.6".
The optimum size for me is 19.5“ - 19.75”. But it always depends a little on the pattern. High/low armholes, wide/narrow sleeves, etc.

The black one was my first leather jacket from Aero. I bought it in a store where I was measured and the jacket was then ordered from Aero with the desired measurements. I had already had a lot of leather jackets, but always off the peg and therefore had little idea about custom jackets.
I think that the measurements corresponded to the seller's preferences and were therefore not necessarily what I would imagine today. For example, he assumed that I tend to wear high rise pants and the jacket was accordingly short. However, I liked it at the time, especially as I almost always wore something underneath because otherwise it got a bit chilly on the bike. But it was definitely not a t-shirt fit.

Incidentally, this jacket was made from CXFQHH, which I would only order today if the color I wanted was only available in this leather. It was too stiff for me and when I compare it with CXSH, I have the same look with Steer, but a much shorter break-in time and a more comfortable feel. But that certainly varies from person to person. But the oversize probably makes the FQHH less bad ;-)

The difficult thing with Aero is that there is no size chart and even Aero is not always sure which size has which measurements. For one jacket, they waited until they had made a jacket of the same size for someone else and then measured it.

In addition, they reserve a tolerance of 0.5" +/-. So if you order shoulders in 18.5, anything from 18 - 19 can come out.

If you want to get a feel for the sizes, take a look at the measurements of the stock jackets at Thurston bros. That's how I've always done it. But even that is only an approximation, because it is not clear which of the measurements are customized.

I have always explicitly specified jacket measurements and selected the basic size based on information from Thurston and Aero.

 

[mapleleaf2025]

I find the shoulder width of a jacket is the measurement that allows the most tolerance and is still wearable.
I have everything from 18.5“ - 20.5”. The black CR was 21.6".
The optimum size for me is 19.5“ - 19.75”. But it always depends a little on the pattern. High/low armholes, wide/narrow sleeves, etc.

The black one was my first leather jacket from Aero. I bought it in a store where I was measured and the jacket was then ordered from Aero with the desired measurements. I had already had a lot of leather jackets, but always off the peg and therefore had little idea about custom jackets.
I think that the measurements corresponded to the seller's preferences and were therefore not necessarily what I would imagine today. For example, he assumed that I tend to wear high rise pants and the jacket was accordingly short. However, I liked it at the time, especially as I almost always wore something underneath because otherwise it got a bit chilly on the bike. But it was definitely not a t-shirt fit.

Incidentally, this jacket was made from CXFQHH, which I would only order today if the color I wanted was only available in this leather. It was too stiff for me and when I compare it with CXSH, I have the same look with Steer, but a much shorter break-in time and a more comfortable feel. But that certainly varies from person to person. But the oversize probably makes the FQHH less bad ;-)

The difficult thing with Aero is that there is no size chart and even Aero is not always sure which size has which measurements. For one jacket, they waited until they had made a jacket of the same size for someone else and then measured it.

In addition, they reserve a tolerance of 0.5" +/-. So if you order shoulders in 18.5, anything from 18 - 19 can come out.

If you want to get a feel for the sizes, take a look at the measurements of the stock jackets at Thurston bros. That's how I've always done it. But even that is only an approximation, because it is not clear which of the measurements are customized.

I have always explicitly specified jacket measurements and selected the basic size based on information from Thurston and Aero.

MrProper, thanks for sharing your experience, really insightful! I also had a look at your Instagram and must say all the jackets look great on you. That black jacket with the button-up, collar, and chest pockets is an awesome look. I’m not sure I could pull that off yet since I don’t have much formal wear, which is probably why the CR feels more casual/versatile to me (likely because of the collar).

So if I went with goatskin, I figure it would be a bit more forgiving if the shoulders came out small (say 18"), since the leather is softer. On the other hand, with CXSH it might look better if the shoulders came out a little wide (say 19"), since steerhide holds its shape more. I'm based in Canada, otherwise I would love to get a fitting jacket from Thurston and go from there. I might visit them some time but that'll likely be next year when I visit Seattle. I don't think I can wait that long before pulling the trigger Hopefully that +/- 0.5" doesn't get too wild.

 

[Technika2]

I also had this issue ordering Aero's Cafe Racer. I placed an order via thurston bros back in April, and it's finally ready. But I also discovered some sizing inconsistencies. I ordered two jackets, 1 cafe racer from thurston in size 40, 1 board racer from aero directly in size 42. The aero one showed up first therefore i was able to make some minor changes to the cafe racer with thurston in time.

I'm 5'10, 175lbs, athletic build, I have bigger chest and shoulders, but smaller waist. Aero advised measuring chest across *****es, but my chest is wider above my *****e, since it also needs to cover my back. The size i gave aero was 41 relaxed, 42 expanded. This board racer is horween pinnacle leather, and it fits really slim even with this thin leather, a t-shirt is all i can do, I passed this one to my partner since he is a bit smaller than me, and it fits him great.

If i move the measurement point to above my *****e, to include more of my chest and back, the new number turns out to be 43 inches relaxed.

Regarding the size 40 cafe racer, i went with dark maple bainbridge leather, and a medium weight tartan. Thurston shipped me a trying jacket when we started the process, that was a CXL steerhide, and it fit pretty great. Therefore I didn't really ask more questions regarding the sizing. The cafe racer is ready to ship now, so i'm curious how it will fit, hopefully it would still work with a lighter under layer, otherwise my partner would get another jacket lol.


Here is the photo of the 40 try on jacket
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