How much fabric a jacket takes

A jacket is counted like a coat: two jacket lengths plus one sleeve length plus 15 to 20 cm for the collar, pockets and hems. Measure the length from the back neck point to the hem.

An example: a jacket 70 cm long with a 60 cm sleeve. 2 × 70 + 60 + 20 = 220 cm, that is 2.2 m. In smaller sizes, when the pieces nest closely, it often comes to 20 to 30 cm less.

For fabric 1.4 to 1.5 m wide and sizes EU 38 to 44:

A short jacket to the waist: 1.5 to 1.8 m.

A classic hip-length jacket or blazer: 1.7 to 2.2 m.

A long jacket: 2 to 2.5 m.

A waistcoat: 0.7 to 1 m. For larger sizes add 0.3 to 0.5 m.

A jacket usually needs 1 to 1.5 m of lining: less than the main fabric, as the facings and top collar are cut from that.

Interfacing goes on the fronts, facings, collar, lapels and sleeve hems: 0.5 to 1 m. A soft unlined jacket takes less, only for the collar and fronts.

A classic jacket suits suiting wool: twill, gabardine, houndstooth. A warm autumn jacket works in tweed or lighter coating wool.

For summer take dense cotton or linen: they breathe but crease more than wool.

See what is in stock: suiting fabrics.

Checks and stripes are matched at the fronts, pockets, sleeves and back: add 10 to 20 %.

Pile fabrics and corduroy are cut in one direction: add 10 to 15 %.

Patch pockets, a half belt, wide lapels or a stand collar take another 0.2 to 0.3 m.