How to figure out how much to shorten sleeves on leather jacket

[RickP]

The correct length is what you like the most. I actually just shortened the sleeves 2-1/2" on an Orvis bomber jacket yesterday and got rid of the knit cuffs ( re-engineered with snaps instead of knit). I just didnt like sleeves that hung all the way down to my extended fingertips lol.

 

[Brandrea33]

Thanks for the warning and I am also aware of those issues that you mentioned.

But if I were to proceed with the shortening, I would do it with Schott and Vanson and they confirmed that they would remove the zippers, shorten the sleeves properly and reinstall the zipper. In other words, it should not look butchered but instead more like having sleeves from the smaller sized jackets mating with the body of the bigger sized jacket.

I will likely first break in the jackets first and see what happens before deciding what to do. But based on many feedbacks posted, perhaps they are fine the way they are.

Good move. You can always shorten down the road. Lengthening not so much.

 

[Peacoat]

Leave the sleeves alone; they look fine. For riding, they are exactly where they should be. For casual wear, maybe a bit long, but certainly, not too long. After being worn for a year or so, the jacket will soften and will probably not push the shoulders up. Any shortening of the sleeves, if at all, will be miniscule.

 

[Edward]

The correct length is what you like the most. I actually just shortened the sleeves 2-1/2" on an Orvis bomber jacket yesterday and got rid of the knit cuffs ( re-engineered with snaps instead of knit). I just didnt like sleeves that hung all the way down to my extended fingertips lol.

View attachment 675951 View attachment 675952

I've noticed in recent years with *some* contemporary manufacturers (though moreso on the High Street) there is a tendency to go overlong on the sleeves. A few years ago I had a couple of 'regular' length jackets from Uniqlo, and the venerable Marks and Spencer as well - all blazer style (the M&S was actually a DJ) - that were clearly cut for somebody with arms about four inches longer than mine, and I'm a fairly standard size at that. I was a lot thinner when I bought those jackets too, which made them seem even odder. Had to have them professionally shortened to make them wearable.