Do you measure up? 8 check points to the perfect fit

Contrary to popular belief, a size USA 10 in women’s fashion does not have universal measurements.

Elizabeth: Wait! You have to take me to shore. According to the Code of the Order of the Brethren…
Barbossa: First, your return to shore was not part of our negotiations nor our agreement so I must do nothing. And secondly, you must be a pirate for the pirate’s code to apply and you’re not. And thirdly, the code is more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules. Welcome aboard the Black Pearl, Miss Turner .

– Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (original title)

Sizes are more like Barbossa’s interpretation of the Code of the Order – guidelines! This means when you read that a size 10 matches a size 44 in European sizes be aware that you should always (always, always) check the cm or inch measurements as well. This is especially true when you are looking at handmade or designer models of leather jackets, skirts, pants and even vests, like those found at Pierotucci.com

The first guideline when purchasing online it is to start with some common ground between you and the online size charts in order to guarantee the best possible fit. However, if you don’t take your body measurements properly – you will find yourself even more confused then before. Requested body measurements can vary according the seamstress or tailors designs therefore when sending your measurements for confirmation always ask the vendor how they measure them so that you can match your method.

Pierotucci Leather Factory offers some standard guidelines for find your perfect fit with their online leather garments.

1) Shoulder – typically, this should be from the joint where your shoulder meets your arm to the corresponding joint.

Some will tell you to measure from the shoulder blade to the neck, but Pierotucci suggests a full shoulder measurement.

Even though jackets which do not have defined shoulder seams can be fitted without this measurement, it  is still important.  Pierotucci will use this measurement to compare it with someone in the office with a similar fit to see exactly how the jacket will hang on the shopper.

It is also not a defining measurement for a vest, but it does help to make the fit as perfect as possible.

2) Sleeve – Let your arm fall naturally (and straight), then measure from the joint where the shoulder meets the arm to joint of your thumb to your hand.  Unless the sleeve requires special snaps, buckles, zippers, etc. Pierotucci will normally suggest that you have it shortened at a local seamstress.

Any special customization on a jacket normalkly means that it is not refundable, so for an easy cuff adjustment it is wise try the jacket on and confirm the perfect fit before making any modifications that render the jacket un-returnable.

This is also the most common measurement to inacurately determine therefore have it done locally and save yourself any disappointment.

3) Chest – You will want to measure your chest at its widest point which is normally right underneath your arms and across your breast plate.

4) Waist – Again you will want to measure at the widest point, which is normally right across the belly button.

Both of these measurements are vital to a good fit, The chest measurement will allow for a comfortable movement with the arms as well as a good closure with the zip,snaps or buttons on the leather jacket or vest.  Since many designs are “fitted” and will hug your figure it safe to say that accurate measurements will  make sure that tummy won’t be sticking out.  IF you like to where heavy sweaters or lots of layers underneather your leather clothing, then you should measure yourself fully dressed so that the seamstress can take this extra space into consideration when cutting your new leather garment.

5) Length – On a jacket this refers to the total length of the body of the jacket. Start from the base of the neck to where you want the jacket to hand down your back.

6) Hips – Look for the widest point on your hips

7) Crotch – for a good fit on your pants, put on a pair of pants with the waist drop exactly where you want it and then measure from the back of the pants, through your legs to the top of the front of the pants.

8) Inseam – again use the pants with a good fit and measure from the top of the inside of the pant leg to the bottom.  However always double check what measurement the company uses for the pant length, some will use the measurement from the waist band to the hem.  In any case, the hem on a skirt  should always include the waistband.  AND when in doubt ask that it is left without a hem and have it done locally.