How to Find Your Size in Avirex

By Ella Blake | Tellar Fashion Hub

Avirex sizes run large — particularly across the shoulders and chest — so if you're ordering for the first time, sizing down by one is almost always the right call. This is a brand built around the silhouette of a military flight jacket, and that heritage shape has never been tailored for a close fit. Once you understand that, it all starts to make a lot more sense.

A Bit About Avirex

If you've ever lusted after one of those buttery, badge-laden leather bomber jackets and wondered where on earth it came from, it's almost certainly Avirex. Founded in 1975 by Jeff Clyman, the brand started by reproducing official US military flight jackets for the American government — and that authentic, utilitarian DNA is still completely central to everything they do.

I first came across Avirex properly about five years ago when a vintage-style G-1 bomber kept cropping up on my Pinterest boards. I assumed it would be wildly out of budget. It wasn't — and the quality genuinely took me by surprise. The leather is thick, structured, and distinctly unbothered by trends. These are pieces that look better the longer you wear them. The brand also does a strong line in varsity jackets, shearling bombers, and casualwear — all with that same slightly oversized, slouchy, Americana confidence.

Understanding the Avirex Fit

Right, let's talk sizing properly. Avirex uses US sizing conventions, which means two things: first, you'll need to convert (a US Medium typically equates to a UK 12–14), and second, the proportions are generous. The brand caters primarily to a boxy, relaxed silhouette — there is nothing nipped-in or figure-conscious happening here, and honestly that's part of the appeal. But it does mean you need to be deliberate about which size you choose.

My personal rule for Avirex leather jackets? Go one full size down from your usual. I'm typically a UK 12 and I wear an XS in their leather bombers. When I first ordered I second-guessed myself and went for the S — classic mistake. It swamped me. The shoulders dropped off mine, and the back looked like I'd borrowed it from someone much broader. Lesson learned.

For their knitwear and casualwear pieces, I'd say you can stick closer to your normal size — the stretch fabrics are more forgiving. But for structured outerwear, always, always size down.

Avirex Size Guide: A Quick Reference

XS — UK 8–10 / Bust 32–33"
S — UK 10–12 / Bust 34–35"
M — UK 12–14 / Bust 36–37"
L — UK 14–16 / Bust 38–39"
XL — UK 16–18 / Bust 40–41"
XXL — UK 18–20 / Bust 42–43"

Always measure your bust, waist, and hips before ordering, and if you're between two sizes in a leather jacket — choose the smaller one. You can always wear a chunky knit underneath once it's broken in, but a jacket that's too big will never look intentional.

How to Style an Avirex Piece

The leather bomber is the obvious hero here, and it earns its reputation. The most effortless way I've found to wear mine is over a simple white tee, straight-leg jeans, and white leather trainers. It's one of those outfits that looks like you've tried very little but actually took five minutes of deliberate thought. Very much the vibe.

For a slightly more polished take, I've been throwing my Avirex jacket over a midi slip dress and ankle boots — the contrast between the tough leather and something floaty underneath is genuinely brilliant. It's the kind of combination that gets comments every single time.

Colour-wise, the classic tan and black leather options are the most versatile. I own the tan A-2 bomber and it goes with practically everything in my wardrobe. If you're going for a bolder move, the brand does occasional drops in rich burgundy and navy — both of which are absolutely worth considering if you want something a little more distinctive.

High Street & Premium Alternatives Worth Knowing

If the Avirex price point feels like a stretch right now (and let's be honest, a good leather jacket is an investment), there are some genuinely brilliant alternatives at every budget:

AllSaints — Arguably the best high street leather jacket option in the UK. Their Balfern and Cargo bombers have a similar structured quality to Avirex at a fraction of the price. Sizing is more UK-centric so stick to your usual.
Massimo Dutti — For a more refined take on the leather bomber, Massimo Dutti does beautifully made options in nappa leather that punch well above their price tag. Sizing comes up true to size.
Reiss — Brilliant for suede and leather hybrid pieces with a cleaner finish. Good for those who want the heritage feel without the overtly military branding. Size up if you want the relaxed look.
Barbour — If you love the utility and durability of the Avirex aesthetic but want something more quintessentially British, Barbour's leather and waxed cotton jackets scratch a very similar itch. True to size.
Mango — Consistently delivers brilliant faux and genuine leather bomber options at accessible price points. Their sizing is generally true to UK, and the quality has improved enormously over the last couple of seasons.
Zara — Always has something flight jacket-adjacent in its outerwear section. Sizing runs small at Zara, so I'd go one up from your usual here — slightly ironic given Avirex goes the other way entirely.
Whistles — A great mid-market option if you want something a bit more polished and less streetwear-coded. Their leather and faux-leather jackets have lovely clean lines and are true to UK sizing.

Two Independent Brands Worth Discovering

Deadwood — A Stockholm-based label making genuinely sustainable leather jackets from upcycled and deadstock hides. The quality is exceptional, the ethos is brilliant, and each piece feels genuinely unique. Check deadwoodcph.com.
Iron Heart — Japanese heritage brand with a cult following, known for their indigo-dyed denim and leather goods made to last decades. A completely different aesthetic to Avirex but very much the same philosophy of investment dressing. Find them at ironheart.co.uk.

Never Guess Your Size Again — Try Tellar

Here's the thing: sizing inconsistencies across brands are genuinely maddening. A US XS in Avirex, a UK 10 in Whistles, an Italian 42 in Massimo Dutti — it's a lot to keep track of. That's exactly why Tellar.co.uk exists.

Tellar is the UK's leading free sizing tool — match your exact measurements to 1,500+ brands instantly, with no downloads, no subscriptions, and no faff. Just your correct size, every time.

📏 Measure once — bust, waist, hip, or your existing brand size
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Plus, explore the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library packed with free posts from our team of stylists. Honest. Unbiased. Independent. Always free.