Bomber Jacket Sizing: How to Choose the Right Size

Choose your bomber jacket size by chest first, then confirm the shoulders. Measure your chest, find it on the brand's chart, and only size up if you will wear thick layers and the shoulders of the bigger size still fit. With leather, get the size right at the start, because it will not stretch into a bigger one.

This page is part of our jacket fit and size guide.

Key takeaways- Chest decides the size; shoulder width confirms it.- Letter sizes vary by brand, so use the chart's numbers.- The cut matters: slim bombers have little room for layers, oversized ones have more.- Between sizes? Omni Calculator's advice is to take the larger, as long as the shoulders still fit.

Step 1: Know the two numbers that matter

Bomber sizes are chosen mainly on chest circumference, with shoulder width as the check. The shoulder matters because a seam in the wrong place cannot be altered later.

Measure your chest around the fullest part, under your arms and level across your shoulder blades. Measure shoulders tip to tip across your back. Full instructions with photos are in how to measure for a jacket size.

Step 2: Find your row on a bomber size chart

Here is how chest maps to size on one leather maker's men's chart. Leather Collection's custom bombers come in the same US 32-50 (EU 42-60) range.

Source:. Full men's and women's tables, including waist and height, are in our motorcycle jacket size chart.

Notice that one letter covers two number sizes: M here is US 38 or 40. Another brand's M can fit like a Small. Pick by number and measurement, not letter.

Step 3: Adjust for the cut you are buying

The same body can need different sizes in different bombers. Check which cut the product page describes.

If you want an oversized look from a regular cut, Decrum sets limits: shoulder seam no more than one finger-width past your shoulder tip, sleeves no longer than mid-hand, hem no lower than mid-hip.

Step 4: Decide whether to size up

Size up one only when both are true: you plan to wear a hoodie or thick knit underneath, and the larger size still fits your shoulders. Classic roomy models take layers best; slim and athleisure bombers do not.

Women's bomber sizing

Women's bombers are cut with waist shaping and a more sloped shoulder; men's have a straighter torso and squared shoulders. If you prefer a men's cut and have a straighter torso, Decrum suggests sizing down one from your men's chest equivalent.

Women's charts usually list bust and waist. On Leather Collection's women's chart, a US 10 (EU 42, S) is for a 33.9 in (86 cm) bust. For more, see our women's biker jacket sizing guide.

Leather bombers do not stretch into size

Leather softens with wear, but it does not grow a size. A leather bomber that feels tight in the shop will still be tight months later. Judge the size on the first try-on, using the checks in how a bomber jacket should fit.

When standard sizes don't work

If no single row fits you, a custom bomber removes the trade-off. Leather Collection's custom leather jackets include flight and bomber styles.

They are cut to your sleeves, waist, length and chest, with a consultant checking your numbers before cutting. For a custom bomber you send chest, sleeve (shoulder bone to wrist) and body length (base of the neck to where the hem should sit).

FAQ

What size should I get for a bomber jacket?

The size whose chest row matches your chest, with shoulders that fit. Size up one only for thick layers.

Is a bomber jacket oversized?

Only some are. Slim minimalist bombers and loose varsity bombers are both common, so read the cut before choosing a size.

Are bomber jackets supposed to fit tight or loose?

Neither: close to the body with room to move. For men's builds, see how a bomber jacket should fit a man.

Is it better for a jacket to be too big or too small?

Too small restricts breathing and movement; too big folds and flaps. If you are between sizes, sizing guidance such as Omni Calculator's says take the larger one.