How to Wear a Loose Leather Jacket

While leather jackets are made in many shapes and sizes, a loose jacket is not ideal. A leather jacket should be smartly snug, particularly if wearing it for motorcycling. As the Department for Motor Vehicles cautions: "Loose-fitting leather will shift during riding and when that happens, the carefully placed protective armor (extra layers of leather and fabric) moves out of position." The best way to wear a leather jacket is in a style and cut neither too loose nor too tight but form-fitting. Achieve this look by trying on different styles in multiple positions to ensure comfort.

Instructions

1  Raise your arms while wearing the leather jacket. Check for tightening in the breast region of the body, which will indicate that the jacket is too tight. Ensure that when the arms are lifted, the jacket does not ride up the midriff.

2  Twist to the right and to the left. Wearing a leather jacket that is neither too loose nor too tight entails having a jacket that moves with you but does not make you feel uncomfortable.

3  Inspect the quality. Wearing a leather jacket means feeling comfortable, not just in the fit but with the quality. According to Jay Barbieri in the "Biker's Handbook," the ideal leather jacket for motorcyclists is black, heavy-gauge leather with strong zippers. Though an article in "Glamour" suggests that a light, flexible leather jacket will be more appropriate for anyone not wearing leather for for biking.

4  Look at yourself in the mirror in the leather jacket. Stand sideways to the front and while bending over. Knowing you look good in the leather jacket will help you wear the jacket with confidence.

Tips & Warnings

Ask a friend how the jacket looks and whether or not it appears to be too big or too small.

Try on leather jackets with a sweater or heavy shirt underneath to gauge that they are loose enough to accommodate fall or winter fashions.