Newbie thermal jacket question

I have a quite nice thermal PI jacket from last winter. It was far from inexpensive, and it is a bit long for me. I have also lost a lot of weight since then, and trying it on this morning I noted that it is certainly very....roomy. Especially in the sleeves - they are quite large.

I spent a lot on that jacket, would there be an advantage of a jacket that is too large? Store more warm air, something like that? :rolleyes:

I can always try and sell it here - but if I can make this work then I won't have to drop another small fortune for a new one - and I have to replace ALL of my winter cycling clothes. I know the other pieces must fit and this won't be inexpensive - I don't have much to spare for this :o

Curious to hear what the collective wisdom here has to say about it - regardless will be posting some winter bike clothes for sale in the next few days/weeks.

You'll be able to fit more layers under it, so that might be good for really cold days. I wouldn't get a new one just yet.

I would try riding in it (even for just a short trip if it's too warm to truly wear it) before deciding. I find that too big isn't always an issue, particularly for winter stuff. The biggest problem is usually flapping in the wind or not being able to effectively reach pockets...but I can't imagine that extra room on the inside would be much of a problem.

I'm also of the opinion that you should hold off for a bit. I like my winter stuff (on and off the bike) to run a bit big, so I can fit an extra layer under it if I want.

Keep the jacket for now and see how it works for you in winter. I use a larger jacket with many, many layers under it in winter.

I had not thought about it allowing more room for layers, it makes sense. It is long enough to catch on the nose of my saddle - but it did that anyway :)

I'm going to be the dissenting opinion...as always, YMMV.

I find my Pearl winter jacket to be veeeeeery warm, and I've never layered anything heavier than a midweight jersey under it. I can't even wear it until it's below 40 degrees- it's that warm.

If it were me, I think I'd sell it now, when people are thinking about buying winter gear. You're likely to get more takers that way. Closeout sites like Bonktown and Sierra Trading Post are a good place to find deals on a replacement jacket.

Just my opinion- that and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee ;)