How much does leather stretch (i.e leather jackets, etc)

[JC2019]

I've seen it commonly recommended to buy a leather jacket that fit's pretty snug, in fact some people claim they've bought jackets that they can't even fully zip up. I've also heard this is a mistake.

 

What is your take? I imagine something like a horsehide would have very little stretch? But  thinner cowhide, lamb, suede maybe has more and you might buy your own jackets more snug? Or would you just recommend something a bit more loos to begin with?

 

Then there is the concept of "breaking in" leather shoes so some buy them kinda snug too but some need to get them professionally stretched.

 

Edited December 24, 2020 by JC2019