Leather jacket for a petite man?

[Fledermausmann]

Hi everybody, I'll keep it short and sweet. So I'm a pretty small guy, 5'4" and 120lbs, 33" chest last I checked (not able to check at the moment), and I'm wondering if anyone out there around my size has had any success finding a leather jacket that worked for them. I realize I can't be too picky about styles at this point, but I will say that I'd be down with anything from a perfecto to a cafe racer to a bomber of some kind.

I don't know if this is really a viable reference, but I received a northface denali jacket in men's small years ago that didn't fit, and when I went to return it, I found that a women's medium in the same jacket fit better than almost any article of clothing I had found until that point. So of course I got it. JCrew xs shirts fit me very well, and pretty much all of my pants are 28/30, though I suspect I'd be better off with a 28/29

Also... any guys out there have any experience wearing women's leather jackets that weren't obviously a woman's jacket by any chance?

TL;DR: Short guy (5'4") wants leather jacket, what's worked for you? should I consider women's?

 

[Will Zach]

I would look at Japanese jackets. 36 might fit you. Not sure if they go down to 34.

 

[KissMyMuscle]

I know a lot of japanese makers, make some jackets should fit for you. Some of my friends are around 120 pounds and they find some great fitting jackets in Japan.

Also check the Aero's premier(around 980 usd ) and STF series (900 usd ) that made for Japan Market. The smallest size in aero is 34. And these two series are one size smaller than regualr styles.

Lnaglitz(1000~1500 usd) and Himel bros (2400~2800 usd) both make custom jackets.

If you find some women's jacket fit you better, why dont you consider them. Billionaire Jack Ma is same weight and height as yours, he bought some jackets in women's sizes.

 

[Blackadder]

Mens jacket sometimes goes down to size 34 in Japan. A size 36 of some Japanese brands like Standard Motorcycle and Addict Clothes may fit you.
A size 32 as an example.
https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/r374450092

 

[handymike]

Man, so many Vintage styles would work for you!
Older jackets were anywhere from 21" to 23" measured down the back. There are great German designs as well as British ones. Try looking on ebay; the seller mintvintage66 has some cool jackets. So does Classic_Coats.

 

[Hh121]

No problem at all, this model is 5 ft 5, 110 lbs, 31 chest, smaller than you. Here is he wear Lost Worlds 4oz Ryder.

 

[ton312]

I was going to say... as @handymike already has, you’ll have pick of the liter with incredible vintage stuff that almost nobody here can fit into. That and you are perfectly sized for the Japanese high end repro market.

 

[Fledermausmann]

Thanks for the replies guys! Looks like this is going to be an adventure...

 

[Seb Lucas]

And it really helps to know your key measurements. Pit to pit, sleeve length, back length.

Once you know these you can judge almost any jacket by their corresponding measurements. Measure a jacket that fits well (eg a denim trucker style) to help work this out.

Remember one companie's size 36 is the same as a 38 in another maker's sizing. Only the measurements matter.

 

[Monitor]

Hi everybody, I'll keep it short and sweet. So I'm a pretty small guy, 5'4" and 120lbs, 33" chest last I checked (not able to check at the moment), and I'm wondering if anyone out there around my size has had any success finding a leather jacket that worked for them. I realize I can't be too picky about styles at this point, but I will say that I'd be down with anything from a perfecto to a cafe racer to a bomber of some kind.

I don't know if this is really a viable reference, but I received a northface denali jacket in men's small years ago that didn't fit, and when I went to return it, I found that a women's medium in the same jacket fit better than almost any article of clothing I had found until that point. So of course I got it. JCrew xs shirts fit me very well, and pretty much all of my pants are 28/30, though I suspect I'd be better off with a 28/29

Also... any guys out there have any experience wearing women's leather jackets that weren't obviously a woman's jacket by any chance?

TL;DR: Short guy (5'4") wants leather jacket, what's worked for you? should I consider women's?

Hi. Welcome. Japan's got you covered 100%. Either go with a Japanese brand or with a European / US maker that actually makes jackets for the Japanese market, like Lost Worlds, Aero, Schott, etc.
And you absolutely can be too picky because believe it or not, you actually have a wider range of jackets and styles to choose from than many other guys, since anything made in Japan will fit you.

 

[SinSir]

I can only echo what others have said. There's tons of options for you in the japan market and vintage. Good news is pricing will probably even be better on the secondary market. A bit jealous, so many jackets in both those areas that I wish fit all the time. Also, can't agree more to find out your measurements of good fitting jackets and yourself to help. If you don't have it already pick up a tailor tape. They're cheap on Amazon.

Enjoy the hunt, good luck, and welcome aboard!

 

[Seb Lucas]

Now the fact that you can source small jackets still leaves you with the problem we all have. How to get a good fit. That isn't resolved just by finding a good source of small sizes.

 

[red devil]

And you can wear something like this that I have been wanting for a while

 

[willyto]

There is a Lost Worlds cross zip for around $500 on ebay in size 34.

 

[Edward]

Worth keepnig an eye on the Aero sales page; I've often seen jackets on there in a 36, typically "Apprentice made", which always means a fantastic deal too.

 

[Blackadder]

I have a size 34 Aero A-2 and I am 5'6 with 38 chest so I doubt Aero size 36 will fit. Lost Worlds for Japanese market is an option. I have a size 36 Ryder from Japan and I would say it is indeed Japanese size 36 and not Western size 36. The jacket has been shortened and trimmed but the problem is the sleeves are still very wide.

 

[Monitor]

And you can wear something like this that I have been wanting for a while

I'm beginning to sort of like as in not mind the bellboy jacket and I don't like it.

 

[red devil]

I'm beginning to sort of like as in not mind the bellboy jacket and I don't like it.

I didn't like it at first, but when I saw it I completely changed my mind

 

[jeo]

I used to have your same exact problem. I’m 5’4” and throughout most of my 20’s I was around 125 lbs. Nothing from the North American and European brands fit me off the rack and wasn’t really able to afford custom or go the Japanese route at the time.

Once I hit age 32 my metabolism slowed down and I started putting on weight. I’m now steadily around 145 lbs. I have a 34” chest.

I now own many jackets from Japanese brands, and I’m a 36 in most of them. I have a Rainbow Country Single riders jacket, and in this cut I’m a 34. Not sure about other Rainbow Country models.

Jacket measurements that work for me:

Shoulders: 16.5” to 17”
Pit to pit: 18” to 19.5”
Sleeves: 22.5” to 23.5”
Back Length: 22” to 23”
Waist: 17.5 “ to 18.5”

I could probably fit into a 34 for some Japanese brands but it would probably be uncomfortable. But back when I was 125 lbs, could probably fit into a 34 way easier.


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[eugenesque]

I find the size 34 for Aero jackets to be quite suitable for lean and petite men. The length can be altered so that wouldn't be a problem.