On the subject of biker jackets again...

[pixiegumboot]

Will they stretch do you think? I'm kind of between sizes (and hope to loose a bit more). I will never wear the jacket zipped up, but how tight is too tight across the shoulders/arms? will it stretch?

It will stretch a bit, but you need to be able to stand up straight without discomfort to begin with or you'll be straining the stitching. Arm length is a bigger problem - the sleeves should be roughly 1.5" too long when you buy, as they will shorten when the jacket develops creases in the elbows.

Oh bummer! Trouble is, I know I used to fit this size! Maybe with a few less Easter eggs I may do again.

Oh that is a shame . TBH, a lot depends on the construction of the jacket - how thick is the leather, how strong is the thread, how long are the stitches, where is it under stress etc. If you go to a specialist leather shop they will be able to advise you, but if you go elsewhere then a) the assistants won't have that expertise, and b) in all likelihood, the construction probably won't be strong enough to take the breaking-in period anyway. It's not such a problem if seams split due to the thread breaking (as that can be mended), but excess strain on the stitching can cause the needle holes in the leather to stretch irreversibly and that won't look good.

If you're still serious about slimming then it would be best to wait anyway, as it's an expensive purchase and will last a very long time as long as you get it right and don't put the seams under excessive strain.

Yes you are probably right but I want one now!!! I have couple of larger ones that I'm also trying but worried they may end up too big. Leather on all is nice and soft.