Argyle Jacket Measurements

[Bryan]

I'm currently in the market for an Argyle jacket and waistcoat for formal occasions. When measuring for the jacket, is it similar to a regular "Saxon" suit jacket? What measurements do I need? Just arm length and chest width?

[robthehiker]

I think the Argyles tend to fit smaller than typical suit jackets (though I must confess I don't know what a "Saxon" jacket is). I wear a 42T in regular suits and I fit nicely into a 44T Argyle. I'd ask the vendor though. I found Rocky at USA Kilts and the people at J Higgins to be very helpful with sizes.

[gilmore]

If the jacket is off the rack (or off the peg as they say in the UK) and made in the UK, you will wear at least one chest size (2'') larger than it is labelled. This seems to be true with Argyles, Prince Charlies, the various doublets and every other kilt jacket I have come across.

I don't know why this is. Perhaps it's that we Americans are fatter than our British counterparts. Or perhaps inches are larger over there.

[JRB]

I have Lochcarron argyle jacket in my normal suit jacket size (44R) and it fits me perfectly. I got to try it on before I purchased it because it was at a highland games. Maybe Lochcarron relabels their jackets for the U.S.

[Bryan]

I've heard if it comes from the UK, you take your normal jacket size and go up one.

[McMurdo]

That is a good rule of thumb due to "Vanity Sizing" in North America, however you do have to be careful. I have found that some Argyll Jackets fit me at the same size as my regular Suit Jackets or my Tuxedo do, however with some others I have to go up a size. If you can try it on first I would recommend that you do.

[MacTavishOfJapan]

Also be careful with the jacket length - something to think about if you are tall. I am and the last rental jacket I ordered wasn't a long and was a little on the short side.

[PiobBear]

Both of mine are the same as my jacket size.

[Bryan]

Thanks for all the replies. That gives me some idea of what I'm looking at.

[Casper]

Both of mine are the same as my jacket size.

Ditto. It all depends on your build, however. Typically speaking, most men's garments in the UK (and Europe in general) are slimmer fitting than what is worn in the US.

What it comes down to is WHERE its slimmer... many garments made for the US market have more room in the waist/gut (which annoys me when buying dress shirts, as my 42R chest and 16.5" neck apparently mean I have a rather portly midsection, as all of my shirts are baggy there!).

The Argyll I bought from the UK fits just right around the shoulders and chest. Fortunately, my 5'10", 195lb frame is more athletic than portly, so its not at all an issue for me.