A custom letterman jacket is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a symbol of achievement, team pride, and timeless style. Whether you are buying one for school sports, a streetwear brand, or a corporate event, getting the right size is crucial. A jacket that is too loose looks sloppy, while one that is too tight restricts movement.
To help you get that flawless, classic look, we have put together the ultimate letterman jacket size guide. Follow this guide to measure yourself accurately and pick the perfect fit from XS to 6XL.
Why Getting the Right Fit Matters
The classic letterman jacket traditionally has a relaxed, slightly roomy fit to accommodate layers like hoodies or sweaters underneath. However, modern styles also lean towards a more tailored silhouette. Since these jackets use premium, heavy-duty materials like wool and genuine leather sleeves, they do not stretch much. Measuring correctly before ordering ensures you get a jacket that feels comfortable and looks sharp from day one.
If you are a team captain or brand owner ordering in bulk, distributing an accurate letterman jacket size guide to your members guarantees everyone gets a flawless fit without the hassle of returns.
Sizing for a Classic Mens Letterman Jacket
When sizing a premium men’s letterman jacket, the build is typically broader at the shoulders and tapers slightly toward the waist. Men with athletic builds or wider shoulders should pay extra attention to the upper back measurements to ensure the armholes don't bind or restrict movement when driving or reaching forward.
How to Measure for a Letterman Jacket (Step-by-Step)
To find your perfect size, grab a flexible measuring tape and a friend to help you get the most accurate numbers. Keep the tape firm but not pulled too tight.
1. Chest Measurement (Most Critical)
Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your chest, keeping it under your armpits and parallel to the floor. Raise your arms slightly while taking this measurement, then let them relax at your sides.
2. Sleeve Length
Start from the center back of your neck, run the tape down over the top of your shoulder, and follow your arm down to your wrist bone. If you prefer a slightly stacked look at the cuffs, add half an inch to this measurement.
3. Jacket Length (Back Length)
Measure from the base of your neck (where the collar sits) straight down your spine to your waistline or where you want the jacket waistband to rest. Standard varsity jackets usually sit just below the beltline.
4. Shoulder Width
Measure across your upper back from the tip of one shoulder bone straight across to the tip of the other shoulder bone.
Standard Size Chart (XS to 6XL)
Use your measurements to find your match in our official size chart. If your chest measurement falls between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size for a comfortable fit.
|
Size |
Chest (Inches) |
Sleeve Length (Inches) |
Back Length (Inches) |
|
XS |
32" – 34" |
31.5" – 32" |
24" |
|
S |
35" – 37" |
32.5" – 33" |
25" |
|
M |
38" – 40" |
33.5" – 34" |
26" |
|
L |
41" – 43" |
34.5" – 35" |
27" |
|
XL |
44" – 46" |
35.5" – 36" |
28" |
|
2XL |
47" – 49" |
36.5" – 37" |
29" |
|
3XL |
50" – 52" |
37.5" – 38" |
30" |
|
4XL |
53" – 55" |
38" – 38.5" |
31" |
|
5XL |
56" – 58" |
38.5" – 39" |
31.5" |
|
6XL |
59" – 61" |
39" – 39.5" |
32" |
Styling with Letterman Shirts & Innerwear
What you wear under your outerwear affects your overall size choice. If you style your outerwear with lightweight letterman shirts, polo shirts, or basic tees, the jacket will fit true to size. However, if you plan to wear thick fleece crews or heavy knitwear daily, it is wise to add an extra inch or two to your chest measurement calculation before finalizing your order.
Pro Tips for Choosing Modern Letterman Style Jackets
-
Consider the Layers: If you plan to wear thick hoodies or sweatshirts under your jacket during colder months, consider sizing up.
-
The Material Choice: Lightweight letterman style jackets (like satin, polyester, or cotton-fleece blends) offer more natural flex and drape. Heavy wool-and-leather combinations have less stretch, so precise sizing is essential.
-
Tall vs. Regular: If you are over 6'2" or have a longer torso, check if custom length modifications are available so the waistband doesn't sit too high.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Should I buy a size larger for a letterman jacket?
If you plan to wear thick sweatshirts underneath your jacket, we highly recommend sizing up by one size. However, if you prefer a modern, slim-fit look and plan to wear it over simple jacket or varsity jacket, stick to your regular size.
Q2: How long should a letterman jacket be?
A classic varsity jacket should sit right at or slightly below your beltline. It should not look as long as a standard parka or trench coat, nor should it crop up too high when you raise your arms.
Q3: Do leather sleeves affect the sizing or fit?
Yes, genuine cowhide or vinyl leather sleeves have less stretch and more weight than textile sleeves. Ensure your shoulder and arm measurements match our letterman jacket size guide closely so your arm movement isn't restricted.
Q4: Are your sizes unisex?
Yes, our sizes from XS to 6XL follow a standard unisex sizing structure. For a more tailored women's fit, we generally recommend choosing one size down from your regular women's jacket size.
Ready to Order Your Custom Outerwear?
Now that you know how to use our letterman jacket size guide, finding the right fit is simple. At lettermanjackets.us, we specialize in premium quality outerwear tailored to your exact specifications. From classic high school patches to premium bulk streetwear designs, we ensure top-tier craftsmanship and a perfect fit for sizes XS up to 6XL.
