Proper fit for a jacket?

[Goose Rider]

I stopped by a shop on my way home from work today to try on some jackets...I figure this should probably be the next logical step in the infancy of my riding career

Tried on a variety of jackets and really liked the Cortech GX Sport Jacket...seems pretty heavy duty and has a nice bland but good look to it. I'm 5'10 and about 175-180 pounds.....tried on both an XL and a L with just a tshirt on. The jacket had the liner in it. The L fit me like a glove...nice and snug but still movable a bit but no way in hell would I be able to wear anything thicker than a t-shirt with the liner in it.

The XL felt more comfortable, a little bit bigger in the chest but not baggy...still felt a bit tight in the shoulders but not uncomfortable. Maybe a little bit loose at the waist unless I pulled on the straps. I could probably wear a sweatshirt w/ the liner on the XL.

Shop guy said that the XL looked good but I'm a little wary on shop guys after my issue with a dealer telling me that the helmet I got was fine (too big) He said that you want a little bit of room in the jacket as you need some room in the arm when reaching for the handlebars and also you want to be able to wear a sweatshirt with the jacket on...

I'm wondering if the XL would be too big with the liner out? It wasn't puffy on me...just a bit larger in the chest..the elbow armor felt like it started at the tip or a smidge above my elbow and covered about 1/2 my forearm

I guess this is just a long post to ask when sizing a jacket do you want it fitting nice and snug or do you want a bit of room in it? I don't want to look like ballon man cruising down the road lol

Thanks for putting up with my XL post

Goose

[RayOSV]

Most people error on the side of getting too big. How were the sleeves? You have to at least pretend you're sitting on a bike and extend your arms as if you're reaching for the grips. From what you said, I'll bet the large is the correct size. Even with a heavier shirt under the jacket, it will probably fit fine. With the XL and no liner, you'll be swimming in it.

[Eggroll]

^^^ What he said.

When I tried on jackets, I squatted down and held my arms up as if I was in the riding position. You want the jacket to fit correctly in the riding position, not so much in the standing up position.

[zigs52]

If you are at the shop, try and sit on some of the bikes they have there. They might even be willing to let you go out and sit on yours.