Getting the right size bomber jacket can be surprisingly tricky. Unlike some garments where sizing is straightforward, bomber jackets involve multiple fit considerations: shoulder width, chest room, sleeve length, and body length all need to work together. Add in the variety of intended fits—from slim and tailored to deliberately oversized—and online shopping becomes a challenge. This comprehensive sizing guide will help you measure correctly, understand different fit styles, and choose the right size with confidence.
Why Bomber Jacket Sizing Matters
The bomber jacket's distinctive silhouette only works when the jacket fits properly. An ill-fitting bomber can look sloppy or feel uncomfortable, undermining both style and function. Understanding proper fit ensures your jacket looks intentional rather than accidental, whether you're going for classic proportions or a modern oversized look.
The Key Measurement Areas
Four measurements determine bomber jacket fit:
- Chest: The circumference at the fullest part of your chest
- Shoulders: The distance from one shoulder seam to the other
- Sleeve length: From shoulder seam to wrist
- Body length: From the base of the collar to the hem
How to Measure Yourself
Accurate self-measurement is the foundation of getting the right size. You'll need a flexible measuring tape and ideally someone to help you.
Chest Measurement
Stand relaxed with arms at your sides. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, typically just under your armpits. The tape should be parallel to the floor and snug but not tight. Take a normal breath and note the measurement. For jackets, add 5-10cm to this measurement for a comfortable fit with room for layering.
Shoulder Measurement
This is best done with help. Measure from the edge of one shoulder bone to the other, across the back. The tape should follow the natural curve of your upper back. If measuring alone, measure a well-fitting jacket laid flat from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, then double the number.
Sleeve Length
Bend your arm slightly at the elbow. Measure from the point of your shoulder (where a jacket seam would sit) down past your elbow to your wrist bone. A properly fitted bomber sleeve should reach your wrist when arms are relaxed at your sides.
Wear the type of clothing you'd typically layer under a bomber when measuring. A t-shirt for lightweight bombers, a hoodie or sweater for insulated options. This ensures your measurements account for real-world layering.
Understanding Fit Styles
Modern bomber jackets come in several distinct fit styles. Understanding these helps you choose the right size for your intended look.
Classic/Regular Fit
The traditional bomber fit offers a relaxed but not baggy silhouette. There's room to move and layer, but the jacket doesn't swim on you. For classic fit, select your true size based on measurements. The jacket should skim your body without being tight.
Slim/Tailored Fit
Contemporary slim-fit bombers sit closer to the body for a more refined appearance. They typically have narrower sleeves and a more tapered body. If you're between sizes in a slim fit, size up if you plan to layer, or stay true to size for a closer fit over just a t-shirt.
Oversized Fit
Deliberately roomy bombers are popular in streetwear and contemporary fashion. These jackets are designed to look large, with dropped shoulders and extra room throughout. For an oversized look, you might size up one or two sizes from your measurements, depending on how exaggerated you want the fit.
Sizing varies significantly between brands. A size Large from one manufacturer might fit like a Medium from another. Always check the specific brand's size chart and compare measurements rather than relying on letter sizes alone.
Size Chart Reference
While you should always check brand-specific sizing, here's a general reference for men's bomber jackets in Australian sizing:
- Small: Chest 91-96cm, shoulders approximately 43cm
- Medium: Chest 97-102cm, shoulders approximately 45cm
- Large: Chest 103-109cm, shoulders approximately 47cm
- XL: Chest 110-116cm, shoulders approximately 49cm
- XXL: Chest 117-122cm, shoulders approximately 51cm
Women's bomber jackets typically run smaller. Women should measure carefully and compare to brand-specific charts, as women's sizing varies even more than men's.
The Fit Test: What to Check
Once you have your jacket, here's how to evaluate the fit:
Shoulder Check
The shoulder seam should sit right at the edge of your shoulder, where your arm meets your torso. If the seam falls down your arm, the jacket is too big. If it pulls inward toward your neck, it's too small. This is the most critical fit point—shoulders are the hardest aspect to alter.
Chest and Body
You should be able to zip the jacket comfortably over a typical layering piece. There should be no pulling or strain across the chest. For classic fit, you should be able to pinch 2-5cm of excess fabric at the sides. Slim fits will have less room; oversized fits will have more.
Sleeve Length
With arms relaxed at your sides, the sleeve should reach your wrist bone. When you bend your arm, your watch should remain covered. The ribbed cuff should grip your wrist without being uncomfortably tight.
Body Length
Traditional bombers hit at or just below the waist. The ribbed hem should sit comfortably at your hip without riding up excessively when you raise your arms. Some contemporary styles run shorter or longer, but this is the classic proportion.
Avoid these frequent errors: buying too tight hoping it will stretch (it won't much); ignoring shoulder fit because you like everything else; sizing for one layer when you'll wear multiple; assuming your size in one brand applies to all brands.
Special Considerations
Layering Requirements
Consider how you'll wear your bomber. If you're in Brisbane and will mostly wear it over t-shirts, a closer fit works well. If you're in Melbourne and plan to layer hoodies underneath, size up or choose a relaxed fit. Think about your real-world use, not just how the jacket looks in fitting room conditions.
Material Considerations
Leather bombers generally don't stretch much, so ensure adequate room from the start. Nylon and synthetic materials have more give but also don't change significantly over time. Cotton may shrink slightly with washing, so account for this if the fit is already snug.
Online Shopping Tips
When buying online without trying on:
- Always check the brand's size chart and compare to your measurements
- Read customer reviews for fit feedback—many note whether items run large or small
- Check the return policy before purchasing
- If between sizes, consider your preferred fit style (sized up for relaxed, true for tailored)
- Look for garment measurements, not just body measurements, when available
When in doubt, prioritize shoulder fit. You can work with a jacket that's slightly large in the body, but shoulders that don't fit will never look right. Get the shoulders correct, and everything else becomes secondary.
Alterations and Adjustments
If you have a bomber that doesn't fit perfectly, some aspects can be altered by a skilled tailor:
- Sleeves: Can often be shortened; lengthening is usually not possible
- Body: Can sometimes be taken in, but significant alterations are expensive
- Shoulders: Very difficult and expensive to alter; avoid jackets that don't fit in the shoulders
- Cuffs and hem: The rib-knit trim is difficult to alter; replacement is possible but costly
For leather bombers specifically, always use a tailor experienced with leather, as it requires specialized equipment and techniques.
With these guidelines, you're equipped to find a bomber jacket that fits perfectly. Remember that fit is personal—the "right" fit is the one that looks and feels right to you, whether that's classic proportions or an intentionally oversized streetwear silhouette. Take accurate measurements, compare them to brand size charts, and trust your judgment when evaluating fit.