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.