Denim jackets are a great year-round casual jacket option, but really shine in Spring. Here’s how to make sure your denim jacket fits properly.
How a denim jacket should fit a man
The shoulders
You can instantly tell if a denim jacket fits by looking at the shoulder seams.
The seams should line up with the point of your shoulder bones, as close as possible.
If the seams fall off your shoulders and into your bicep, it’s too big.
If the seams fall on your traps towards your neck, that’s a sign it’s too small.
The sleeves
The sleeves should be fitted, giving you enough space to wear a t-shirt or long sleeved dress shirt comfortably.
For length, the sleeves should end at about the wrist. It doesn’t have to be exact, but anything more than ½” longer or shorter will look off. It’d be best to look for another jacket, or get it tailored.
The body
Denim jackets are generally worn in warmer months, so it should fit as close to the body as possible without feeling suffocatingly tight.
You should be able to button-up your denim jacket with some breathing room, but not enough to smuggle a puppy.
The length
Denim jackets were originally designed as workwear for cowboys and rail workers.
Hence, the shorter crop to make it more comfortable when you’re riding a horse or sitting.
You want your denim jacket to hit at or slightly below your waist. If you’re on the shorter side, Peter Manning has a great classic denim jacket that retains these proportions.
Looking for some outfit ideas?
Check out my post that includes “6 ways to wear a denim jacket” for some of my favorite ways to pull off a denim jacket.
