Guides
How to Choose the Right Jacket for Your Body Type: A Men’s Fit Guide
Aug
Just because a jacket looks good on a hanger doesn’t mean it’ll look good on you. This is usually because of fit, not style. Shoulder width, chest size, and torso length determine the actual fit of the jacket. This guide examines all major body type out there. It shows you which styles will work for you and which won’t, and explains how to properly measure yourself. CelebsJacket has been fitting customers since 2013. This guide was created based on questions we get quite often.
Quick Answer: Best Jacket Fit by Body Type
Here is a summary before we go deeper into each build.
| Body Type | Recommended Fit | Best Jacket Style |
| Athletic build, | Regular fit | Motorcycle jacket |
| Slim or lean build | Slim fit | Bomber jacket |
| Stocky, broader midsection | Relaxed fit | Varsity jacket |
| Tall, lean frame | Regular fit, slightly longer length | Leather blazer |
| Shorter frame | Slim fit, cropped length | Cropped biker jacket |
Read on for the full reasoning behind each recommendation.
Why Body Type Matters More Than Jacket Style
Just because two people have the same size, does not mean they will look alike in appearance. One of the reasons being that of body shape rather than body size. A jacket that is built to suit a person with square shoulders may pull on the shoulders of someone with more rounded shoulders. Again, a jacket that fits a person with an erect body structure may be bulky on a person with a full-bodied structure.
The Main Body Types and What They Need From a Jacket
Most men can be classified under one of five body types. These body types are known as the ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph body types by fitness experts. It is not necessary for you to have the knowledge to classify yourself using this guide.
Athletic Build and Broad Shoulders
If your shoulders are bigger than your hips, you must have an athletic body type. Jackets with structure and a clear shoulder seam are perfect for your body type. Try to avoid jackets with extra shoulder pads because your body has enough width to begin with. With a regular cut, you will be able to move around without any tugging in the back area. Both biker jackets and varsity jackets are great picks for you.
Slim or Lean Build
A slender figure is characterized by narrow shoulders and a flat chest. Slim fit jackets bring you shape without making you look bulky. It will have a tapered waist and a relatively shorter length. Jackets that fall under the category of bomber jackets and café racer biker jackets will fit you perfectly. You should not wear boxy or relaxed jackets, as they will overwhelm your slender figure.
A slender physique indicates that one has narrow shoulders and a flat chest. Slim fit jackets are usually the best choice of jacket for this purpose. It adds shape without appearing to be oversized for your body type. Go for a jacket with a cinched waist and a relatively short torso length. Both bomber jackets and the cafe racer type biker jackets are perfect for a slender build.
Stocky Build or Broader Midsection
Body shapes tend to have more breadth at the chest and belly region when stocky. Wearing clothes that allow for comfort without adding bulk works great for your body type. Avoid skinny styles because they will hug your body in all directions. Varsity-style jackets that have a straight body fit will work excellently for you. In addition, you should wear dark-colored clothing.
Tall and Lean Frame
The problem for tall men is that their jackets tend to be short in body length. It would be better if you chose jackets that were just right or even longer. Leather blazers have the right cut fit taller men well. It is not advisable to choose cropped jackets, which may clash with long arms. Always check the length of the sleeves as well.
Shorter Frame
The slimmer the style, the better off short guys will be. Long jackets can be easily overpowering for shorter guys. Get one with shorter length reaching around the hip area. Slim-cut biker jackets are ideal choices for shorter guys. Proportions should be slim throughout shoulders, sleeves, and hem. Slimmer is definitely more imposing than bulkier.
Understanding Fit Types: Slim, Regular, and Relaxed
All of CelebsJacket designs have one of three different types of fits. Understanding the differences will definitely make your shopping experience a lot easier.
Slim Fit
The slim fit is designed for tight-fitting. It requires no excess space and should be worn over a tee or any thin shirt. Select it when you need an attractive silhouette.
Regular Fit
The regular fit provides comfortable movement space. It can be worn with an additional shirt or light knitwear under it. If in doubt, choose regular fit as the first option.
Relaxed Fit
The relaxed fit allows more roominess through the body and chest area. It looks great with heavy knitwear or even sweatshirts under it.
Don’t know what fit size corresponds to your measurement? Check out our size guide that provides information on chest size, sleeve length, and shoulders for each and every fit.
Key Measurements That Decide Your Perfect Fit
There are three key measurements you need to know when you buy a jacket online.
Chest and Shoulder Width
The first one is the circumference of the fullest point of your chest. You do this by wrapping a flexible measuring tape around your body under your arms, over your back, and all the way around. Make sure the tape is snug on your body but not tight. One measurement can help determine your right size.
Sleeve Length
When your sleeves are too long, they end up bunched up at your wrists. Your short sleeves will leave your shirt’s cuffs exposed. Your ideal sleeve length stops right at your wrist bone.
Jacket Length and Torso
When the jacket is too long, it will make your legs appear shorter. When the jacket is too short, it will give you a boxy silhouette when you wear it. The ideal length should be at least slightly below the hip line.
Choosing a Jacket Style That Matches Your Body Type
Leather Biker Jackets
The biker jackets have a defined shoulder and body silhouette. They will work best on those who have an athletic or a slim body type. Get inspired by our men’s leather jackets selection.
Bomber Jackets
The bomber jackets have a loose body silhouette and also features ribbed hems and cuffs. This silhouette looks great on stocky, lean or tall body types. Check out our bomber jacket guide for styling inspiration.
Varsity Jackets
The varsity jackets have a boxy silhouette with a straight body. This jacket style is great on those who have a stocky and athletic body type. Discover our varsity jackets selection.
Leather Blazers
A leather blazer has an elegant and fitted shape at the shoulder line. It looks good on those who are slim and tall following the smart casual theme. The jacket can be combined with chinos and nice footwear to create a good look. Our article about how to style men’s leather jackets provides detailed instructions on this combination.
How CelebsJacket Approaches Fit
Each of our jackets is developed using real data on chest, shoulder, and sleeve measurements. The size chart that we use is based on many years of experience with customers’ sizes. In case you do not like your fit, our professionals will help you choose the right size. We provide an easy-to-understand exchange period for all our orders because fit issues are the most frequently asked question by our customers.
Common Fit Mistakes Men Make When Buying a Jacket
These oversights happen frequently, including for those who have experience purchasing online.
- Purchasing one size larger simply for additional space. Not consulting the sizing chart first.
- Not paying attention to sleeve length, even though that affects the entire look.
- Speaking of a particular style prior to considering if it will fit your body type.
- Estimating your size instead of actually measuring the chest directly.
- Assuming that all brands and styles of jackets use the same sizing.
All of the above mistakes are quite easily preventable. All it takes is a minute with a tape measure.
How to Measure Yourself Before You Buy
Get your hands on a stretchy tape measure or even just a piece of string. Measure around your chest at its widest point, through a fitted t-shirt. Make sure the tape is tight but comfortable on your body. If you’re not sure about which size fits you, use our size guide as a reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What jacket fits a stocky build best?
A relaxed fit varsity jacket is ideal for a sturdy body build. It will create space in the chest area without adding bulk.
Should tall men buy longer jackets?
Yes, a longer jacket fits a tall body perfectly. However, ensure that the sleeve length matches your arm length.
How do I know my size without trying a jacket on?
Get your chest circumference using the tape measure across your chest over a t-shirt. You should then find your measurement on our size chart.
What is the difference between slim and regular fit?
Slim fit offers a tight fit while regular fit creates room to layer.
Do CelebsJacket jackets run true to size?
Yes, we follow the chest and shoulder chart found on our size chart. When choosing between two sizes, opt for a bigger size to allow for layering.
Can I exchange a jacket if the fit is wrong?
Yes, most jackets are eligible for exchange during a specific period of time. You can find out the details about our return and exchange policy in the dedicated section.
Final Thought Before You Checkout
Selecting a jacket according to your body shape is really easy. You just need to understand your own body shape and get your measurements done, then select the correct fit. The one which fits you will look better even if it is an inexpensive one compared to a pricey one which does not. Browse our new arrivals once you know your size, and shop with real confidence.
