How much will a leather jacket stretch?

[ncch]

hi everyone,

i found a leather jacket that i absolutely love at a local consignment store. i am a true size 4 in this brand and the store had the jacket in both a size 4 and a 6. i tried both sizes on and the size 4 is a tight fit. the style is an off the shoulder leather jacket (same style as the jacket in the below link, just not in the plaid fabric) so i wouldnt be able to wear a shirt underneath it anyway. the size 6 is more room in the body and arms but the neckline/ off the shoulder area is a little too loose (definitely makes it look a tad too big) and although the 4 is tighter in the body and arms, i think this style looks better tight than with more room and loose since it is leather? if it was a true blazer style, then i would probably go with the size 6.

will a leather jacket stretch? it is lambskin and it did have a slight stretch to it. my friend was telling me she feels like her leather pants stretched a whole size after wearing it a couple times. but i'm assuming pants will probably stretch more since youre walking and sitting. so not sure if i should go for the smaller size.. or if i'm going to regret not going with the bigger size.

Theory Official Site | Wool Off-The-Shoulder Jacket

Wool Off-The-Shoulder Jacket | Theory

www.theory.com

any help appreciated!

 

[lovely_bag]

Good question! And you already pointed out good points, concerningn trousers.

My experience: leather jackets behave like shoes. SA often say "they will stretch". I don't agree.
When it does not fit, does not feel comfy, it won't work - for me.

The only leather goods that stretched so far - unfortunately - were gloves and pants.

A tight fit looks nice.

 

[Pevi]

I would buy the tighter fit and wear it around the house for a couple of days. I find that leather does stretch quite a bit.
One of my leather jackets is bonded with neoprene and I find it very uncomfortable when I first put it on. Once it gets warm with my body temperature it gets comfy.
HTH!

 

[randr21]

The style of your jacket is better looking fitted, however without seeing it on you, I'm hoping the tightness you described doesn't mean it looks like sausage casing? If so, I'd pass on both sizes. In my experience, my leather jacket does loosen up a little, but probably bc I don't wear it enough, so I'd surmise that if worn frequently, it should stretch more. Once again, depends on how tight it is to begin with.

One more consideration, you might be able to wear a button down white poplin shirt under this jacket. I've seen this style jacket styled like that and it looks pretty good, ofc ymmv.

 

[papertiger]

It will stretch unless it's lined in a non-stretch fabric.

 

[ncch]

thanks everyone for your inputs!

i wish i had pictures to show you - the store wouldnt let me take any

i will think about it a little more. it is just strange to me how a difference of one size is so much?

 

[DreamingBeauty]

I usually err on the side of larger with jackets/coats so I can wear something underneath and it's usually more comfortable in the arms, but on this particular style I would go with the smaller size as long as it's not uncomfortably tight or won't close easily. It isn't the type where you will wear a heavy sweater underneath, a thin shirt should be fine. Off the shoulder is bad when too large, it just doesn't stay up well.