Choosing the right size for a tactical jacket is more important than buying everyday clothing. After all, it should provide perfect comfort in extreme conditions: not hinder active movements and at the same time retain heat. Therefore, there are many important details that need to be taken into account when choosing the right size so that the tactical jacket becomes a successful purchase and serves for a long time.
Layering clothes: when a size should be larger
Before taking body measurements and comparing them with the size chart, it is worth finding out whether there will be other layers of clothing under the jacket. In most cases, this depends on the season, because in the cold season you want to be as warm as possible. Therefore, for summer and demi-season, you should focus on the standard size. This is enough if you wear the jacket over a T-shirt, which will provide comfort and sufficient ventilation of the body.
For the cold season, it is worth adhering to the principles of multi-layering. This can be thermal underwear, fleece, and sometimes an additional sweater. Therefore, an allowance is left: this is the name of the space so that there is a small layer of air between the clothes and the possibility of free movement. You can check whether there is enough space for insulation by following a simple principle: a tactical jacket should be easy to put on, despite the thickening at the seams of the sweater. If you have to make an effort, the thing is too small.
A simple way to determine the right size
If you already have a tactical jacket that fits perfectly, you can purchase a new model based on your previous measurements. To do this, measure the parameters of the item, and then compare the results with the data in the size grid of products, which is called Garment Measurements . To do this, use a measuring tape and:
Lay the jacket out on a flat surface and make sure the folds are exactly at the seams.
Find the highest point of the shoulder, which is next to the collar, and measure the distance from it to the bottom edge. This must be the front of the item. If you decide that the jacket should be longer, increase the resulting amount by 5-10 cm.
Measure the width from one shoulder seam to the other.
Determine the distance under the armpits, but in some size grids this figure must be multiplied by two to get the full size.
Measure the waist and hips, but it is worth focusing on the wider parts of an already worn jacket.
The results obtained should be compared with the parameters of the product's dimensional grid - Garment Measurements. This will help you find the perfect option. If you are buying a tactical jacket in an online store where you have already placed an order, you can additionally focus on the previous size. However, manufacturers indicate clothing parameters differently, so you should not ignore measurements on another site.
When you use the product size chart, not the body size chart, it is worth remembering that the chest volume in it will be 10-15 cm larger than the actual figures. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the name of the size grid.
How to determine the size of a men's jacket by body measurements
By measuring body volume with a centimeter, you can get the most accurate result. To do this, you need to analyze several indicators:
Chest girth (A), measured horizontally at the widest point of the chest. This is one of the most important measurements, as the jacket should not restrict breathing, turning, or arm movement.
Waist circumference (B), for which you need to cover the narrowest part of it with a sentiment. But for a jacket, this indicator is not the most important, because many models have drawstrings that will allow them to be easily adapted to the features of the physique. The exception is the situation with a large belly that exceeds the chest circumference: in this case, you should choose a size that will not squeeze it.
Sleeve length (C), measured from the base of the neck or center point of the shoulder to the wrist. The size chart usually has a schematic representation of how to fix the centimeter near the body to find out the exact size. Usually the sleeves are made a little longer so that they cover the wrist when raising the arms.
The width of the back, often called the shoulder width. This should be measured between the outermost points of the shoulder seams. This should be checked to ensure that the jacket allows for free arm movement, especially when pulled on.
Body measurements are the best way to determine the size of a men's jacket. It is enough to compare the data with the table to eliminate doubts about whether the item will fit the customer.
What is worth knowing about the features of the cut?
Before buying, you should pay attention to the description of the item, because the marking gives a lot of information about the features of the product. Softshell models have a soft surface and a tighter silhouette, which is necessary for active movements. In contrast, Hardshell tactical jackets are characterized by the presence of a protective membrane surface. It has a looser cut, which is necessary to accommodate a layer of fleece clothing and preserve a small air volume to retain heat.So when choosing, it is worth considering that Softshell is quite elastic and can stretch well. The fabric will protect against mist, but is not completely waterproof. Its main function is comfort and light insulation, which is worth considering when choosing a size.
Hardshell models are waterproof and their seams are hermetically taped. Therefore, you should not expect such a thing to adapt to the body of the owner during use. This is a hard fabric that must have insulating underwear.
Waist and chest allowance: fighting the greenhouse effect
Hardshell jackets often have a too-wide allowance around the waist and chest. This allows for freedom of movement, but many people find this amount of space inappropriate. And this cut has a logical explanation, because the membrane is able to wick away moisture only if air circulates. And if the wearer chooses a smaller, tighter model, this layer disappears, and a small greenhouse effect appears, when heat and moisture accumulate, because the membrane's ability to conduct electricity decreases.
Disproportionate body constitution: individual size selection
If you look at the size grid of many brands, you can see an example of a perfectly proportional silhouette for measurements. However, it is far from the real features of the physique: for example, a person has broad shoulders or a voluminous chest, which is typical for stocky men. And in this case, you should not use the standard approach, but determine priorities according to the most accentuated parameter. Therefore, there is a simple instruction on how to act in this case:
Determine which parameter stands out the most and is limiting for size selection.
Stick to the principle of the larger option, because when in doubt between two models, you should always choose the one that will not restrict movement. For example, this is relevant when the figure is V-shaped, combining broad shoulders and a narrow waist. And to compensate for the extra centimeters at the waist will help internal drawstrings and Velcro flaps. Another good solution will be elastic inserts.
Pay attention to the length of the sleeves and legs, when some models are marked “Tall”, the cut of which is oriented towards tall people and people with slightly longer than usual arms. And in this case, the rule of prioritizing a larger size also remains. After all, a short sleeve that will constantly “jump” will cause significant discomfort.
So choose the size that will ensure freedom of movement in the critical area, and excess fabric in other parameters can be hidden with adjusters and drawstrings.
Useful tips for choosing the perfect sizeThe more adjustment elements tactical clothing has , the more convenient it is to use. After all, the jacket can be worn over a sweater or fleece, which also differs in cut and thickness of the fabric. A drawstring or drawstring passing through the lower edge of the jacket will allow you to feel comfortable in loose clothing. By tightening it, you can protect your body from wind and cold. Velcro sleeves are appropriate, which will allow you to adapt the sleeve to the shape of the hand regardless of its length.
Deformation after washing: effect on dimensions
Shrinkage can occur when the water is too hot and the drying temperature is too high. This also applies to items left in direct sunlight for an indefinite period of time. Stretching occurs less frequently and is caused by excessive squeezing after washing or excessive stretching when hanging. However, do not try to change the size of the item using these methods, as the deformation will be uneven.
Trying on a jacket: how to make sure it's the right size
After receiving the product in the mail, you should make sure that the item fits your size. To do this, you should perform a small test, simulating normal activities. Several features are checked:
Free movement, and for this it is recommended to put on a fleece or sweater with which you will wear the jacket. Then raise your arms up, and if the bottom of the product rises to the level or above the navel, the thing is too small. Another test is crossing your arms, which will demonstrate whether it is easy to get equipment from the side pockets. And this is very important, especially during active movement. And if you stretch your arms forward, there should be no tension on the back or near the shoulder blades. This not only hinders movement, but can also lead to rapid damage to the product when the threads at the seams cannot withstand the load.
Sufficient length of the sleeve, which should cover the wrist, and when the arm is lowered, reach the base of the palm. So it is worth checking this rule in motion. When bending the elbow joint, the sleeve should not rise more than 1-2 cm above the level of the wrist.
Correct placement of the shoulder seam, as a large offset towards the neck indicates a size that is too small. And when the seam drops to the biceps, the jacket may be slightly larger than the desired proportions.
If all the tests are passed without problems, the question of how to determine the size of a men's jacket will no longer be relevant. In any doubtful situation, it is worth remembering that it is more convenient to adjust to a larger size than to experience constant discomfort and stiffness of movements because of a small thing.
