Looking for rain jacket with petite sizing

[Cheryl SF]

Hi! This is my first post :) Can anyone recommend a rain jacket for a petite frame, that isn't too narrow in the hips? I'm 5'4", so not exactly petite overall, but I have a short torso and most jackets are too long on me. To compound the issue, the hem is often too tight on the hips. So the jacket eventually rides up and there is all this extra poufy fabric in the back. If I go up a size, then the jacket is just too big overall. I'm at a loss...

Are there any brands that make a shorter jacket? I'm looking for something not too heavy (good for San Francisco Bay Area winters), but waterproof enough for several hours. Thanks!

[KathiCville]

Hi Cheryl........Welcome to TE......I'm petite, too: 5'3". Here's my two cents'. A few months ago I was shopping around for a good lightweight rain jacket for cycling and found the Gore Bikewear "Sportive." (To see it, go to TE's Products page right here, or check it out at www.nashbar.com;.) I find the length to be just right---not too long---plus it's not at all tight around my hips. In fact, it flares out a little bit, giving the jacket a trim, feminine line, rather than a boxy line that bunches or puffs up when you're sitting on your bike.......I wish I could give you a report on its rain-worthiness, but we've been in a serious drought for the last few months so I haven't had occasion to test it (yet)! I have worn it a few times since the weather turned chilly and find that it does a good job of cutting the wind.........Good luck!

[Cheryl SF]

Thanks, Kathi! I will definitely check it out. The shape you describe sounds like exactly what I'm looking for- something with a more feminine cut. -Cheryl

[Cheryl SF]

Since starting this thread, I've read a lot about the Showers Pass Elite. If you have this jacket, is it also good for an hourglass figure? Does anyone own the Showers Pass Century? How does it compare in fit/waterproof-ness to the Elite?

[Dianyla]

Since starting this thread, I've read a lot about the Showers Pass Elite. If you have this jacket, is it also good for an hourglass figure? Does anyone own the Showers Pass Century? How does it compare in fit/waterproof-ness to the Elite?
I don't own the Century, but I do own the Elite (if that's the rainjacket).

I am 5'4" and fairly short waisted (30" inseam) very much an hourglass (40"/30"/40") and the Showers Pass jacket fits me very nicely. The flattering fit is what sold me on it.

[Triskeliongirl]

I bought and returned a showers pass elite jacket. I *loved* the quality, but I found the cut too short for me. The small fit in width, but then the sleeves and length were too short. It didn't even reach my hips to comment on how it fits there. But, a Medium would have been too wide, since it was still a bit loose on me around the middle. Also, it is designed to be quite short in front, but long in the back, to fit better in the cycling position. But I didn't like how it looked off the bike, just too short and boxy for me, especially if you also want to use it for other outdoor activities. Too bad cuz the workmanship was excellent. Maybe it would fit you better since you describe yourself as more short waisted.

[GeoCam]

I'm interested in this same kind of fit in a winter cycling jacket. Any suggestions?

[Cheryl SF]

So I finally ordered the Showers Pass Century jacket and got it yesterday! It looks great- hourglass cut, cool goldenrod color- though I ordered the medium (I heard from a few people that the small was really small?). I must say I still have quite a bit of room in it. Unfortunately, they no longer have smalls left in the Century model (Double Century is replacing it, but there isn't a women's-specific style until March).

So this brings me to my next question: is baggier okay for a rain jacket? I'm used to slim-fitting cycling clothes. I understand it comes down to personal preference, but what works for you?

[GLC1968]

Cheryl - I have the exact same jacket (Century in women's medium) and it's a bit large on me as well. In general, I don't like loose fiting clothing on the bike, but in this case I find that I don't mind the larger fit. It actually gives the air a little room to move on the inside. If it's pouring, I'm not going to be riding all that fast anyway, so extra flapping material is not a concern. What I have found is that this is now my go-to jacket for really cold temps. I can regulate heat well with all the zip options...and with the extra room, I can put extra layers underneath just fine.

I don't think I could go smaller anyway as the body would be too short on me(I'm long waisted). I do like the narrower waist and having plenty of hip room though. :D Now I just need to get off my duff and order the hood!

[elk]

GLC...you can stay ON your duff and order it...:D :D :D

I tried the unisex Century and it fit me badly...I wonder if the Women's comes in XL...
It's a great jacket...

Winter jacket: MY Marmot Sharp Point (50% off at STP) ...fitted at the waist, a bit flared at the hip..it's awesome. It's a soft shell with a micro fleece layer..makes getting in and out with wool a bit sticky...but I love it.

Where did you find the Women's Century...????

[Cheryl SF]

GLC1968- Thanks for the info! It's very helpful.

Elk- I ordered the women's Century directly from Showers Pass. The sizing is limited, so you have to call. Hopefully they have the size you want. They are no longer going to make the Century model, because the company that supplies the fabric is closing. But the person I talked to on the phone told me that the Double Century will be the Century's replacement, and will be very similar in terms of fabric and weight. But I wouldn't order that one yet, because they only have the unisex size and it sounds like that didn't work for you. The women's Double century is supposed to come out in March, if you are able to wait. So do you like your softshell jacket over a hardshell? So many options, so many questions...!

[elk]

I don't use a hard shell on my bike since I got the other jackets. In a pinch I was using my LLBean Gore jacket...

Mostly I wear a few layers of merino wool with a wind block jacket..either the Marmot if its colder...or a lighter one...the Showers Pass when I had it. I got the Sugoi Stealth from TE which is promising...I don't know if I'd chose it over a Showers Pass that fit me though.

SHowers Pass are pretty much one of the very best of their kind...and they are water proof, where the Stealth is water resistant...maybe I'm just being too picky!

[GLC1968]

Yep, I got my Century Jacket directly from Showers Pass, too.

I actually ordered the women's one for me and a men's one for my husband and when they both arrived in the same package, I thought they'd only shipped one...it was so light! :p

I might just have to order a hood for DH as a stocking stuffer...and then get one for myself just 'cause! ;)

[Cheryl SF]

Yep, I got my Century Jacket directly from Showers Pass, too.

I actually ordered the women's one for me and a men's one for my husband and when they both arrived in the same package, I thought they'd only shipped one...it was so light! :p

I might just have to order a hood for DH as a stocking stuffer...and then get one for myself just 'cause! ;)

I think they have the hoods here on TE?

[GLC1968]

I think they have the hoods here on TE?

They do!

I've got them on my wish list to buy later this week! :D