Size 40 True to Size Measurments

28gauge · Jun 18, 2020

I have an Avirex G-8 bomber jacket from the early 90's in goatskin. I understand it's not an historically correct model; it looks like the Indiana Jones jacket. Nice jacket though. Brand new. It's a size 40 and it seems a bit large for a 40, particularly in the shoulders. Shoulder to shoulder it is 21.5 inches; pit to pit it is 23.0 inches. How does this sizing sound for a 40?

El Marro · Jun 18, 2020

28gauge said:
I have an Avirex G-8 bomber jacket from the early 90's in goatskin. I understand it's not an historically correct model; it looks like the Indiana Jones jacket. Nice jacket though. Brand new. It's a size 40 and it seems a bit large for a 40, particularly in the shoulders. Shoulder to shoulder it is 21.5 inches; pit to pit it is 23.0 inches. How does this sizing sound for a 40?

That sounds quite large for a 40, particularly the shoulders. 21.5” sounds more like a size 48 shoulder measurement while a P2P of 23” is more in line with a size 42 or a slim fit size 44.

28gauge · Jun 18, 2020

El Marro said:
That sounds quite large for a 40, particularly the shoulders. 21.5” sounds more like a size 48 shoulder measurement while a P2P of 23” is more in line with a size 42 or a slim fit size 44.

I have to make sure I'm measuring correctly but for a 40, it seems large.

Seb Lucas · Jun 18, 2020

Many mall jackets do the 21 inch shoulders. That's the 1980's style pattern.

The 23 inch chest is often found in jackets from 40 to 44, depending on the generosity of the pattern.

Remember marked sizes vary and mean little.

I think Neil Cooper created the G8 but there have been similar styles for decades. .

ton312 · Jun 18, 2020

Measurements have changed over the years and what was a 40” in 1970 or earlier is probably a 36” by today’s standard. A “true” 40” would measure around 20” p2p. Shoulders have no correlation to chest measurement. That’s more related to pattern. 21.5” shoulder is massive in relation to a 23” chest. The proportions in general seem odd, and quite large for a 40”. That said I’ve had Aero jackets with an equal and greater p2p in the same tag (40”) size. A lot depends on the maker.

28gauge said:
I have an Avirex G-8 bomber jacket from the early 90's in goatskin. I understand it's not an historically correct model; it looks like the Indiana Jones jacket. Nice jacket though. Brand new. It's a size 40 and it seems a bit large for a 40, particularly in the shoulders. Shoulder to shoulder it is 21.5 inches; pit to pit it is 23.0 inches. How does this sizing sound for a 40?

Seb Lucas · Jun 18, 2020

It was the style or fashion in the 1980's and 90's for the shoulder seams to end on your upper arms. The Indiana Jones jacket from 1981 is a classic example. Many people still think a jacket should fit that way - you see so many sloppy A2 patterns with that baggy/wide cut. I recently saw a new cockpit USA size 40 A2 with 21 inch shoulders, so it's still a thing. 19 inches would be more appropriate.

28gauge · Jun 18, 2020

I think I measured the shoulders too high on the back and they're more like 20.5 inches, still large for a 40. And yes, the shoulder seams do ride on my upper arms and it's interesting to hear the old Indiana Jones was this way; thanks for that input. If you are a size 42, or maybe even a 44, this jacket would fit right. I'll post a pic today.

28gauge · Jun 18, 2020

28gauge · Jun 18, 2020

Seb Lucas said:
It was the style or fashion in the 1980's and 90's for the shoulder seams to end on your upper arms. The Indiana Jones jacket from 1981 is a classic example. Many people still think a jacket should fit that way - you see so many sloppy A2 patterns with that baggy/wide cut. I recently saw a new cockpit USA size 40 A2 with 21 inch shoulders, so it's still a thing. 19 inches would be more appropriate.

You're spot on about that Indiana Jones jacket!

Monitor · Jun 18, 2020

28gauge said:
I have an Avirex G-8 bomber jacket from the early 90's in goatskin. I understand it's not an historically correct model; it looks like the Indiana Jones jacket. Nice jacket though. Brand new. It's a size 40 and it seems a bit large for a 40, particularly in the shoulders. Shoulder to shoulder it is 21.5 inches; pit to pit it is 23.0 inches. How does this sizing sound for a 40?

In my experience, Avirex always runs larger than what the size number would suggest. Throughout the years the degree of over-sizing varied but it's almost a rule with them and you're best off buying a jacket that's one or two sizes smaller than what you wear.
And yeah, as others have noted, they'd stretch the shoulders to the extreme and not because of practicality. Drooping shoulder seams used to be fashionable. No living person needs a 21" shoulder width on any jacket. Well made pattern and an 18 to 19" should be tops for any size.
In any case, you can find some great fitting Avirex jackets, especially the A-2's but expect most of what's on the market to be over-sized.

Downsizing with Avirex jacket isn't always a good idea, too because due to drooping shoulders, they'd often make the sleeves short so that's another risk to take into account. If for example they did take away from the shoulder width on smaller sizes, that's how much you lose in sleeve length.

28gauge · Jun 18, 2020

Monitor said:
In my experience, Avirex always runs larger than what the size number would suggest. Throughout the years the degree of over-sizing varied but it's almost a rule with them and you're best off buying a jacket that's one or two sizes smaller than what you wear.
And yeah, as others have noted, they'd stretch the shoulders to the extreme and not because of practicality. Drooping shoulder seams used to be fashionable. No living person needs a 21" shoulder width on any jacket. Well made pattern and an 18 to 19" should be tops for any size.
In any case, you can find some great fitting Avirex jackets, especially the A-2's but expect most of what's on the market to be over-sized.

Downsizing with Avirex jacket isn't always a good idea, too because due to drooping shoulders, they'd often make the sleeves short so that's another risk to take into account. If for example they did take away from the shoulder width on smaller sizes, that's how much you lose in sleeve length.

if I decide to keep this jacket and use it, I might use it on the motorcycle in moderate weather. Large in the shoulders for reach is a good thing in a bike jacket. Many have gusseted back shoulders for that reason. I hadn't looked at it in many years and when I gave it a fresh look I was wondering if the one I had an aberration, or maybe sized/tagged wrong. I feel better knowing it is what it is.

Seb Lucas · Jun 18, 2020

You posted a later (1989) Indy jacket with a photo of Chris Pratt digitally pasted on Ford's face.

The original Raiders jacket from 1981 was baggier.

Your jacket looks more like 21 inches based on the ruler. I think that can work if you are not really thin. I am six ft two and 186 pounds and I have a couple of jackets with wider shoulders. Enjoy it.

bn1966 · Jun 19, 2020

I’ve always had broad shoulders and anything less than 21” is very uncomfortable for me. I too would put your jacket at 21” in the shoulders. The ‘baggy’ look that was a thing a few years back.

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