Looking for rain jacket with petite sizing

[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?