Plan a jacket around the layers you will wear

Measure a comparable construction

Close your reference jacket as you would wear it and lay it flat. Record chest width, body length, sleeve length and shoulder width if the construction has conventional shoulder seams. Note whether the reference is lined, padded, cropped or designed for a loose fit.

Compare the seller's measuring diagram before subtracting numbers. A padded jacket's outside width does not directly establish usable room inside. Ask about the construction and use your reference garment as context rather than converting an external width into a promised body fit.

Prioritise closures and item-specific questions

Record zip or button type, hood configuration, lining, pocket arrangement and any detachable components you expect. If the listing offers several seasons or filling choices, save the selected version explicitly. A generic title such as 'winter jacket' is not a measured warmth rating.

In photos, inspect the visible zip alignment, seams, cuffs and included pieces. Waterproofing, insulation performance and durability need evidence beyond appearance. For parcel planning, note that a bulky garment's outer package can matter; discuss packing suitability before compressing something that may lose shape.

Worked example: account for your actual reference

Example only: your comfortable lined jacket measures 62 cm across the chest, while a candidate lists 60 cm. That difference raises a fit question, especially if the candidate is more heavily padded. It does not establish which size to buy. Ask for the measuring method and relevant construction details first.

Review the CSSBuy shop workflow once your open questions are clear.

• Record the intended layer underneath.
• Keep detachable components in the option checklist.
• Avoid assigning a temperature rating from product photographs.

Common questions