How to Find Your Size in Barneys Originals

By Ella Blake — Fashion Stylist | Tellar Fashion Hub — Always honest, unbiased & unsponsored

The brilliant news about Barneys Originals is that their sizing is refreshingly straightforward — they use standard UK sizing and, for the most part, come up true to size. If you're a UK 12, order a 12. No guesswork, no French-sizing trauma, no sizing up three times and still getting it wrong. For a leather jacket brand, that alone deserves a standing ovation.

That said, there are a few nuances worth knowing — particularly around fit through the shoulders and how different jacket styles sit — so read on before you click buy.

Who Are Barneys Originals?

If you haven't come across Barneys Originals yet, let me introduce you to one of British fashion's best-kept secrets. Based in Leeds and trading since 1990, Barneys Originals are a genuine real-leather brand — not a fast fashion label slapping the word "leather" onto a polyurethane shell. They make real leather jackets, bags, and accessories at prices that genuinely undercut what you'd pay at most premium high street retailers. I discovered them a few years back when I was hunting for a good quality biker jacket that wouldn't bankrupt me, and I've been recommending them ever since.

Their collections cover everything from classic biker and aviator styles to more relaxed, oversized leather coats — and they sell real suede too. Honestly, for the price, the quality is remarkable.

Barneys Originals Size Guide

Barneys Originals sizes in standard UK sizing. Here's a general guide for their clothing and jackets:

Barneys Originals SizeUK SizeEU SizeBust (inches)Waist (inches)XS83632–33"25–26"S103834–35"27–28"M124036–37"29–30"L144238–39"31–32"XL164440–41"33–34"XXL184642–43"35–36"

Always check the individual product page for specific measurements, as cuts vary across styles.

Fit Advice by Style

Biker & Moto Jackets

Barneys Originals' biker jackets are their hero product, and the fit is close and structured — which is exactly right for the style. Go true to size if you want that fitted, classic biker silhouette. If you plan to layer a chunky knit underneath — very much the look this season — size up one. I made the mistake of ordering my usual size over a thick jumper and spent a mortifying few minutes wrestling with a zip on a cold Tuesday morning. Size up for winter. True to size for spring and summer styling.

Slim through the torso and arms — very true to a fitted UK size
The shoulder seam should sit exactly at your shoulder — if it drops, size down
If you have broad or square shoulders, check the shoulder measurement against the product listing specifically

Aviator & Shearling Styles

Their aviator and shearling-lined jackets have more bulk built in — the lining accounts for extra volume. These tend to be cut slightly roomier, so your true size should work well even with a mid-layer underneath. If you're petite or on the slimmer side, you may prefer to size down one for a neater fit.

Leather Coats & Longer Styles

Barneys' longer leather coats and trench styles are cut more generously — they're designed to layer over knitwear and feel relaxed rather than fitted. Go true to size. If you're between sizes, I'd go down rather than up here, as the extra length means excess fabric through the body can feel overwhelming.

Bags & Accessories

Obviously no sizing concerns here — but it is worth noting that Barneys' leather bags are genuinely excellent quality for the price. Their totes, cross-body bags, and bucket bags use the same quality leather as their jackets. Well worth a look if you're already browsing.

How to Measure Yourself for a Barneys Originals Jacket

The key measurements for getting a jacket right are bust and shoulder width. Here's what to do:

Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the ground
Shoulder width: Measure from the end of one shoulder seam to the other across your upper back — this is the most critical for jacket fit
Sleeve length: From the top of your shoulder down to your wrist — helpful if you have longer or shorter arms
When in doubt, Barneys Originals' customer service team are genuinely helpful and will advise on fit — worth a quick email if you're unsure

Similar Brands Worth Knowing

Barneys Originals occupies a lovely middle ground — real leather, accessible price, honest sizing. If you love the aesthetic but want to explore further, here are some great alternatives across different price points:

AllSaints — the go-to high street leather jacket brand; cuts tend to run slim so size up one, and the quality is genuinely impressive at the price point
ASOS — huge range of real and vegan leather jackets; sizing varies wildly by brand so always check individual measurements
Topshop (via ASOS) — their leather and faux leather styles are perennially good and sized consistently to UK standards
Zara — excellent leather-look and real leather pieces each season; tends to run on the smaller side so size up if in doubt
Urban Outfitters — great for more fashion-forward leather styles; sizing is US-based so check the conversion
Boden — not the first brand you'd think of for leather, but their suede and leather pieces are beautifully made with very true UK sizing
Barbour — their waxed and leather hybrid styles are brilliant for a British wardrobe and size very true to UK standard
Hush — lovely relaxed leather and suede styles; generous, comfortable sizing that works brilliantly for everyday wear

For something a little more independent, I'd point you towards Deadwood — a Swedish brand making leather jackets from upcycled and deadstock leather with genuinely cool, worn-in styling — and Hockney & Co., a small UK leather goods label doing beautifully considered pieces with a heritage feel. Both worth bookmarking if you appreciate craftsmanship over fast fashion.

Is Barneys Originals Worth It?

Short answer: absolutely yes. In a market full of overpriced "premium" leather that's really just bonded polyurethane with a generous mark-up, Barneys Originals is a genuinely honest brand. Real leather, real craftsmanship, real UK sizing, and prices that make sense. My biker jacket is now three years old and looks better for being worn in. That's exactly what real leather does — and it's why it's worth investing in properly.

Find Your Exact Size at Barneys Originals — Instantly

Jacket sizing is all about the shoulders and bust — get those wrong and no amount of breaking-in will save you. Tellar.co.uk is the UK's leading free sizing tool: enter your measurements once and get your precise size matched across 1,500+ brands instantly. Never squint at a size guide again.

📏 Measure once — bust, waist, hip, or your existing brand size
🧥 Use the Store Size Lookup tool to find your size at Barneys Originals, AllSaints, Zara, and 1,500+ more brands
✅ Always free — no downloads, no sign-up, works instantly in your browser

And don't miss the Tellar Fashion Hub — a library of free, honest style guides from real stylists. No ads, no sponsored posts, no fluff. Just genuinely useful fashion advice. Browse the Fashion Hub →