Jacket too small?

pgoat · Dec 12, 2016

Hey gang, I got a great deal on a leather jacket - but only snag was the one available size was about a size smaller than I'd normally wear now. It's a 42, I'm a 44 at present. I'm always fighting to get the weight back down...I used to wear a 42 at my ideal weight of about 160-180# (I'm currently bouncing between 215-220). This jacket still has the tags and a soon-to-end grace period for returns, so I am torn and welcome any thoughts.

My actual chest measures 44 right now. I do currently wear a 42 in vintage USN pea coats, suit jackets, etc. and a medium in casual wear. But I have a vintage 42 Levis jacket I can't even button...this leather jacket does zip shut , I am most concerned with some restriction I am feeling at the front of the shoulders, and how the gussets at the back of the shoulders visibly pull apart.

I don't mind using this as an incentive to lose weight, but not sure if the shoulders are just too narrow? It looks to me like the seam is in the right place over my "shoulder bone." But I do lift weights, so maybe that's gonna cause issues, even with a loss of 40-50 pounds?

pgoat · Dec 12, 2016

a few more pics:

pgoat · Dec 12, 2016

Harris HTM · Dec 12, 2016

I would keep it! Is this a schott?

pgoat · Dec 12, 2016

Thanks Harris - and Yes! A 613 (regular cut) in Horsehide, which was a limited run, apparently.

Fwiw I used to have Schotts in bulkier cuts (Style 125 and 118, size 40, back when I was a runner and weighed 150ish), which were great when I rode a MC and needed sweaters underneath, lower back coverage, etc. This one is purely a hanging out jacket (No MC), so I wanted the closer cut and shorter body for the trimmer aesthetic. I wouldn't be trying to stuff a big sweater under this, needless to say!

I actually tried on a 'slim' cut version of the steerhide 613 in my size (44) at the Schott store to compare to this one. Except for the fact that the 44's sleeves were too long (I'm only 5'8") the slim cut 44 fit really well. Apparently the shoulders are the same width on the the 42 regular I bought and the slim 44; so there was just more room in the slim 44's chest, hence it zipped up a bit more comfortably at my present weight, and there was almost no pulling apart at the shoulders.

I am confident losing at least 20 pounds will bring my actual chest measurement down to a 42", which I am hoping will loosen up this 42 Schott at the underarm/shoulder joints (especially as the leather breaks in). But I think the main culprit in the snugness I feel (besides chest fat) is lat muscle from lifting? I recently started running again, so hopefully that will lean me out again, a little!

pgoat · Dec 12, 2016

Just for some reference, wearing just a thin synthetic jersey, this is me at my current weight (223 lbs):

and the same jersey last year, at 203 lbs, 20 pounds lighter:

I'm focusing on the looseness of the fabric when 20 pounds lighter, around the chest and upper arms, and hoping (since I don't take steroids!) a little weight lifting won't mitigate fat loss in terms of loosening up the leather jacket in the shoulder and armpit areas.

Harris HTM · Dec 12, 2016

My 618hh fits more or less the same as your 613. It is a great jacket.

Harris HTM · Dec 12, 2016

When I got my 618hh it didn't zip up easily because of my beer belly. I lost weight since, this lead to my aeros fitting a bit more loose on chest/shoulders though.

pgoat · Dec 12, 2016

that's good to know - I haven't owned a bike jacket in a while, so i need to re-familiarize with how fit is affected by weight change. Did the HH soften up much over time? I've never owned anything but cowhide or suede before.

I know in the case of my old Levis 42 being too tight to button over my gut, at least part of that is cotton shrinkage (it was a "rigid" 0217 when new, and is now very faded, so it has undoubtedly seen many hot launderings and tumble dryings).

Of course, a bigger part may just be my gut!

Harris HTM · Dec 12, 2016

Yes, it will become soft in no time if you wear it often. Wait till you see the grain and creasing. It is amazing.

pgoat · Dec 12, 2016

It really is a beautiful jacket. I was looking at the 618s, btw, until I found this one on sale.

Thank you again for the feedback, much appreciated.

Harris HTM · Dec 12, 2016

just enjoy the breaking in period!

JacketAddict · Dec 12, 2016

Well c'mon now - of course at some point in the future you are going to slim down and then you will have this jacket which will fit perfectly! I usually keep really cool jackets such as this that might be a bit on the small side just for this very reason. Its amazing how dropping just 10# can affect the fit. Beautiful jacket!

Harris HTM · Dec 12, 2016

gives you an extra motive to lose weight!

pgoat · Dec 12, 2016

Thanks Jacket Addict! Just the feedback I was hoping for.

And absolutely, Harris - that was my thought when I bought it. I knew a 42 would be a little small right now, but since it's almost NY Resolution time...

The older I get the more I try to keep the weight down for health reasons, not just vanity. Although having a really nice-looking Jacket as added incentive works too!

SkyTurtle · Dec 12, 2016

I say keep it. Especially so if you got a great deal. Those Perfectos are designed to cut a little close and, from the pics, the shoulder seams look about right to me. Unless you're wearing it to ride a bike (where you'll be putting a lot of stress on the underarm seams) you should be fine. If you can breathe at all right now with it fully closed and belted in the front, you should be good until the leather relaxes a bit. I like my Perfecto to fit snug when closed up anyway (and I only close it all the way when on the bike) but I usually wear that jacket open. And if you lose a little insulation up front, all the better!

Shoulders look right. Sleeves look right. Give it a couple treatments of Lexol (or your softening conditioner of choice) and wear it! Wear it around the house. Wear it to work at your computer. Wear it to watch TV. Within a few months I'm betting that will be your favorite jacket. Good choice and congratulations!

pgoat · Dec 12, 2016

Thanks SkyTurtle!

53Effie · Dec 12, 2016

Good looking jacket. The fit looks good for the intended use. I would keep it. Enjoy!

AeroFan_07 · Dec 12, 2016

Looks great, I'd keep it and use the incentive...good luck, trying to do about the same thing presently too.

pgoat · Dec 13, 2016

Thanks guys. AeroFan, I have always struggled with weight, which is funny, since I workout more than anyone I know. (i.e. not a professional/sponsored athlete, F/T desk job, etc.) My downfall, of course, is that I simply eat too much (doesn't help that I married a very good cook, but since I was a chubby kid, I can hardly blame her).

It's basically one day at a time, just trying to make good choices instead of poor ones. Good luck, you (we) can do it!

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