Interesting thread about "Chest Ease Allowance"

[FredS]

I think this thread might be helpful to many members when deciding on a Jacket. It was for me.
http://www.cutterandtailor.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=2820

 

[Capesofwrath]

Interesting that there is such disagreement about how to measure a chest correctly on a forum like that.

I've always measured over the shoulder blades. Maybe because I was into body building when I was a teenager and that was the way which made the chest measure larger, so I just got used to doing it that way. But in my case that is also parallel with the ground. I always measure over the bare skin for accuracy not a shirt too. But I use common sense when I pass such measurements on and try to find out how closely the jacket is designed to fit so I can size up or down. When I used to buy made to measure suits I was always measured under the shoulder blades and sometimes half way down my back. I can't ever remember being measured over them in a shop.

It doesn't really matter as long as the person doing it knows what allowances he makes for his jackets. The problems can occur when a remote customer measures himself and the way he does it isn't the same as the way the maker thinks it should be done. That's why it's better to know the measurements of a jacket that fits you the way you want and use that as a guide. Many manufacturers are reluctant to tell you the actual measurements of their base size jackets though and rely of you to measure yourself with all the potential for misunderstanding.

Different types of jacket should have more or less clearance too of course, and personal preference and what is going to be worn under them is really what matters most.

 

[FredS]

Interesting that there is such disagreement about how to measure a chest correctly on a forum like that.

I've always measured over the shoulder blades. Maybe because I was into body building when I was a teenager and that was the way which made the chest measure larger, so I just got used to doing it that way. But in my case that is also parallel with the ground. I always measure over the bare skin for accuracy not a shirt too. But I use common sense when I pass such measurements on and try to find out how closely the jacket is designed to fit so I can size up or down. When I used to buy made to measure suits I was always measured under the shoulder blades and sometimes half way down my back. I can't ever remember being measured over them in a shop.

It doesn't really matter as long as the person doing it knows what allowances he makes for his jackets. The problems can occur when a remote customer measures himself and the way he does it isn't the same as the way the maker thinks it should be done. That's why it's better to know the measurements of a jacket that fits you the way you want and use that as a guide. Many manufacturers are reluctant to tell you the actual measurements of their base size jackets though and rely of you to measure yourself with all the potential for misunderstanding.

Different types of jacket should have more or less clearance too of course, and personal preference and what is going to be worn under them is really what matters most.

Right

 

[handymike]

Wow, I just read all that....
I'm confused now- it's not for a leather jacket but a sportcoat.
I've understood that you measure around your chest and add 4".
so a 38 would be 21" across pit to pit/ 40- 22" etc
That way you can wear a sweater if you'd like.

 

[ButteMT61]

Wow, I just read all that....
I'm confused now- it's not for a leather jacket but a sportcoat.
I've understood that you measure around your chest and add 4".
so a 38 would be 21" across pit to pit/ 40- 22" etc
That way you can wear a sweater if you'd like.

Yes, that rule of thumb works very well.
My "48" are:
26" x 2. Jacket lying flat under the arm pits.
26x2=52. 52-4=48.
I've used that as a general rule with great success Of course a sheerling jacket like a B3 or B6 might have a wider measurement due to the thickness of the fleece.

 

[Sloan1874]

+1 pit-to-pit 20" x 2 - 4" = 36. Mind you, the number of eBayers who can't measure to save their life...