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How Do You Measure for a Custom Jacket?
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When ordering personalized jackets for your team, event, or organization, getting the correct measurements is essential for a perfect fit. Custom jackets that fit well not only look professional but are also more comfortable and practical for the wearer. Whether you're outfitting employees or ordering promotional jackets, knowing how to measure accurately will ensure that your jackets meet expectations in both size and style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key measurements needed for a custom jacket, tips on how to take these measurements, and other important factors to consider when ordering custom apparel.
1. Why Accurate Measurements Matter
Taking accurate measurements for a custom jacket is crucial for several reasons:
- Fit and Comfort: A jacket that is too tight or too loose won’t be comfortable for everyday use.
- Professional Appearance: A well-fitted jacket gives a more polished, professional look, which is important for corporate branding or team uniforms.
- Longevity: Jackets that fit correctly are less likely to experience wear and tear, increasing their durability and value over time.
Understanding your exact measurements, or the measurements of your team, will ensure that the custom jackets you order fit perfectly, providing both comfort and style.
2. Key Jacket Measurements to Take
Here are the main measurements you need to ensure a custom jacket fits properly. You’ll need a flexible measuring tape and a friend to help, especially for more difficult areas like the shoulders.
A. Chest Measurement
This is one of the most important measurements, as it determines how snug or loose the jacket will be around your torso.
How to Measure:
- Stand up straight with your arms relaxed at your sides.
- Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, just under your armpits.
- Ensure the tape is level across your back and doesn’t sag.
- Take the measurement at the point where the tape meets in front.
B. Sleeve Length
The sleeve length measurement is critical to ensure that your jacket sleeves aren’t too short or too long, maintaining both comfort and a professional appearance.
How to Measure:
- Place your hand on your hip and bend your arm slightly, forming a natural bend in your elbow.
- Measure from the middle of the back of your neck (at the base of your neck) to your shoulder.
- Continue measuring from the shoulder down to your wrist, while keeping your arm slightly bent.
C. Shoulder Width
This measurement determines how well the jacket will fit across your upper back and shoulders. It’s key for ensuring that the jacket doesn't feel too tight or pull at the seams when you move.
How to Measure:
- Stand straight with your shoulders relaxed.
- Measure from the outer edge of one shoulder to the other, running the measuring tape across your upper back.
D. Jacket Length
Jacket length is an important measurement, especially if you want a custom jacket that falls at a particular part of your body—such as waist-length or hip-length.
How to Measure:
- Start measuring from the base of your neck (where your neck meets your shoulders) down to the point where you want the jacket to end (waist or hip level, for example).
- For longer jackets, like parkas or trench coats, measure down to mid-thigh or knee level.
E. Waist Measurement (Optional)
If your custom jacket is fitted or cinched at the waist, you’ll want to include a waist measurement.
How to Measure:
- Wrap the measuring tape around your natural waistline (the narrowest part of your torso, above the belly button).
- Ensure that the tape is snug but not too tight.
F. Hip Measurement (For Longer Jackets)
For jackets that extend below the waist, measuring around the hips is essential to make sure the jacket doesn't fit too tightly around the bottom.
How to Measure:
- Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips, keeping the tape level around your body.
- Record the measurement where the tape meets in the front.
3. Measuring Tips for Accurate Results
To ensure the best results when measuring for custom jackets, here are a few tips:
- Use a Flexible Measuring Tape: A flexible, cloth measuring tape is best for measuring around curves and contours.
- Measure While Wearing Light Clothing: It’s best to take your measurements over a light shirt or blouse to avoid bulky layers that could distort the accuracy of your measurements.
- Stand Naturally: Don’t try to suck in your stomach or push out your chest when taking measurements. Stand and breathe naturally to get the most accurate numbers.
- Double-Check Measurements: Measure each area twice to ensure accuracy. A small discrepancy can make a big difference when ordering custom apparel.
- Check the Manufacturer’s Sizing Chart: Each jacket manufacturer may have slightly different sizing standards, so it’s always a good idea to compare your measurements to their sizing chart.
4. Sizing Considerations for Group Orders
When ordering personalized jackets for a group, such as for employees or sports teams, it's important to remember that different body types may require different fits. Here are some ways to handle sizing for large group orders:
Standard Sizing:
If you’re ordering a large quantity of jackets, you may want to offer standard sizes (S, M, L, XL, etc.) based on the measurements provided by each individual. Always check the manufacturer's sizing guide to ensure a proper fit for everyone.
Gender-Specific Sizing:
Men’s and women’s jackets are often cut differently to accommodate different body shapes. Make sure to account for this when ordering, as the chest, waist, and hip measurements may differ significantly between men's and women's sizing.
Allow for Layering:
If the jacket will be worn over other clothing (such as a uniform or sweater), consider ordering a slightly larger size to accommodate layering without restricting movement.
Custom Adjustments:
For high-end or exclusive custom jacket orders, some suppliers offer made-to-measure options. This allows you to input specific measurements for each individual, ensuring a perfect fit for every recipient.
5. Other Factors to Consider for Custom Jackets
Fabric Type:
Different fabrics behave differently when worn, which could affect how the jacket fits. For example, thicker materials like fleece or leather may feel more snug, while lighter fabrics like nylon or polyester offer more flexibility.
Jacket Style:
Whether you’re ordering a windbreaker, fleece jacket, or a heavy-duty winter coat, the style of the jacket will influence how it fits. For instance, fitted jackets require more precise measurements, while looser, casual styles offer more flexibility in sizing.
Personalization Options:
When adding logos or other personalized elements to the jacket, consider the placement and how the design will interact with the jacket’s fit. Larger designs may affect how the fabric sits or stretches, so it’s important to choose the right size and style to accommodate these elements.
Conclusion
Measuring for a custom jacket is an essential step in ensuring a great fit, whether you're ordering for yourself, your team, or your business. By taking the proper chest, sleeve, shoulder, and length measurements, you'll ensure that your personalized jackets are not only stylish but also comfortable and functional. When in doubt, always refer to the manufacturer’s sizing guide and double-check your measurements to avoid costly mistakes.
Need help? Talk to an expert now at 1-888-377-9339 or Email us at care@qualityimprint.com.