Why take measurements BEFORE buying an Upcycled Jacket online?

Taking accurate measurements before ordering an upcycled jacket online is essential—especially when shopping for one-of-a-kind handcrafted pieces that won't have a standard size chart to rely on.

Unlike mass-produced garments, each upcycled jacket has its own unique fit. Vintage fabrics, previous alterations, and the natural aging of fabrics, like denim, all affect how a piece will sit on your body. Rather than guessing based on a tag size, precise measurements ensure you'll love your purchase when it arrives.

How to Measure a Women's Jacket 

You'll need a flexible tape measure. They're inexpensive and commonly available at big box stores, craft stores, general retailers or pharmacies for sewing and body measurements. 

Shoulder Width – Lay the jacket flat on a clean surface. Using a flexible tape measure, measure straight across the back from shoulder seam to shoulder seam. This measurement should align with your own shoulder width for comfort.

Chest/Bust – Measure across the fullest part of the chest, from armpit to armpit. Double this side-to-side measurement for the total bust circumference. Compare this to your own bust measurement for a comfortable fit.

Waist – Measure the jacket's waist from side seam to side seam at the narrowest point. Double this number. A jacket waist should sit close to your natural waist without pulling or bunching.

Length – Measure from the base of the collar down the center back to the hem. This tells you how far down your body the jacket will fall. Most women's jackets hit at the hip or mid-thigh; choose based on your preference and proportions.

Sleeve Length – Measure from the center back neck, across the shoulder, and down the outside of the arm to your wrist bone. Sleeves should end at or just above your wrist for proper proportions.

Here's a link to YouTube video by SHUKR* Clothing demonstrating how to use a flexible tape measure to flat measure women's tops, dresses and outerwear. The same technique applies to measuring men's or unisex jackets. 

https://youtu.be/Ou5f81y3BSk?si=geKCinS2gcxmg-DM

Tips for Getting the Right Fit

Compare measurements in the website's description a jacket to a jacket in your wardrobe  you already own and love. Lay your jacket flat and measure the same points—this is often more reliable than measuring your body directly. You may need to double the measurements of your jacket to compare to circumference totals that are often displayed on websites.

If measurements aren't provided for an online jacket's website, reach out to the seller with questions.

At Lucy Roots Denim we provide detailed garment measurements in the photos of each jacket's listing. Please don't hesitate to contact us using the floating 'need help' popup button on lucyrootsdenim.com or email cynthia@lucyrootsdenim.com. We'll be happy to assist you.

Remember: with upcycled fashion, slight variations are part of the charm. But your measurements should still align with yours for comfort and wearability.