@sabergirl:

All denim stretches.  My OD jeans have stretched.  I think jackets probably stretch less than jeans because they don't undergo the same stress from sitting, or other movements.  I've never had any Iron Heart Type IIIs though, so I can't speak to that, at all.

Thanks again, sabergirl. Makes sense, what you say. Looking forward to trying one of these jackets!

@sabergirl:

I'm pretty sure the overdye process shrinks the denim.  And they're using regular 526j and just dipping 'em.

That's really interesting–thanks Sabergirl! so it is the same jacket, it just gets smaller. Does the OD then stretch out again after a while?

Quick question–is the 526J cut larger than the 526Jod? I mean--is a Med 526J deliberately bigger than a Med 526Jod? (trying to make sense of the measurements for each...)

@Giles:

Am rerunning the 526Jod, but will not be available until Autumn…

Fantastic! that's great news!

OK–I measured my medium Levis jacket again, and got pretty much the same measurements as before:

Shoulder: 18.5
Length 24.5
Chest (P to P): 20.25
Opening/Bottom: 18
Arm: 25.5

This jacket does have hand pockets, so that may make it longer than the 526J and 526Jod. On me, the shoulders are a bit too roomy. If I were to get this jacket again, I would size down to a small, I think.

So I'm thinking for the 526Jod, the Med comes closest, and would probably get the tighter fit I want.

But for the regular 526J, the Small looks best.

@grandmasterben:

cnjackson, the od isn't available right now, but if it was I would go either M or S.  I'm approximately 5'10" 165 pounds and the M is the correct size for me, but by no means tight at all, especially in the chest and waist.

Thanks grandmaster–S or M was my instinct, too. I'll send in some fresh measurements tonight.

Yes--I did see that the OD isn't available now--I'm hoping that Giles will bring it back, as I think it's my favorite. But the regular 526J is pretty great looking, too.

What do you usually wear with your jacket--Ts or more layers?

@Giles:

The closest size in the 526J-0d  to your Levi's jacket is an L.  Which if you are 5'9 and 155 must either be way big, or the measurements are inaccurate.

Ha! Maybe both!  I'll try measuring again–but I do think the Levis is big on me, but not way big. I'll send in new measurements later on today.

Also noticed: is the 526J sized a little differently from the OD?

@Giles:

I'd go L

Large?! I don't think I'd go above M. I'm about 5'9" and 155 lb, slim build. I'm looking for a snug fit….

@Giles:

The only way to get anything like accurate is to measure your Levi's jacket like this…..

http://www.ironheart.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=5133.0

And then compare with our sizing charts

My 21oz have never been uncomfortable the 21oz selvedge denim is super soft

Thanks Giles–

OK--here is my attempt at measuring my Levis jacket:

Shoulders: 18 (which is just a touch looser than I'd like)

Length: 24.5 (which is a bit longer than I want, too--Levis seems to cut long)

Chest (pit to pit): 19.24

Bottom: 18 X 2 = 36

Arm: 25.5

This jacket fits pretty well--a bit longer than I like. So I'm thinking I'd like to go small with the 526J(od)--but I'd love to get your thoughts.

That's great to hear about the 21oz--

Thanks Giles–I guess my main question is which size would be best for me (in either the 526J or the 526Jod, if it returns).

I have an oldish Levis jacket (sized M) that fits pretty well, but is just a touch larger around the shoulders than I'd like. So I was thinking of sizing down to a small. I'd like to get a pretty snug fit.

I guess I also wonder about the 21 oz weight--does a jacket like this need a lot of break in to get comfortable? I like having some stiffness so that the lines stay clean--but I've never worn or even handled anything in 21 oz weight.