Tips on How to Find Your Perfect Jacket Size

One of the most commonly asked questions we get on just about a daily basis is how to find your correct jacket size. While you may know your general size when it comes to your clothing, ski and snowboard gear is a bit different. For one, you need space for layering based on weather conditions. Also, some jackets have a longer cut that might cause them to fit tighter or looser depending on where the jacket sits on your body. It's a lot to think about, and if you're shopping online, you don't have the luxury of trying on a jacket first. So, the best way to get the right fit is to know exactly what measurements you need and how to take them.

1. Wear your baselayers for every measurement 

Just like you wouldn’t try on a pair of shoes without socks first – you can’t measure your snow gear without your baselayers of choice. You want to be sure that there’s enough room for your baselayer, along with space in the event you want to layer even more. While you don’t want something that fits and looks baggy, struggling to move your arms isn’t ideal either.

2. Measure your chest

The first measurement you’re going to want to take is of the widest part of your chest. Why the widest? Because you want to be sure you still have room for layering. By measuring the widest spot, you know you’ll have space up top, along with lower on the body.

3. Next up – your hips and waist

It may seem counterintuitive to measure your hips and waist when sizing a jacket, but trust us, your hips won’t lie! Because some jackets have a longer cut, i.e., snowboard jackets and parkas, you want to be sure that they won't hug you in all the wrong spots. Getting an accurate measurement of the smallest part of the waist and the largest part of your seat gives you that ideal fit.

4. Check your sleeve length

The sleeves are ground zero for weather protection. Too long or short and they won’t do a good enough job keeping the cold air out. An accurate fit means your jacket will sit at about the center of your hand or your knuckle line. While no one wants to take a tumble on the slopes, if you happen to, you don’t want your jacket riding up.

For an accurate sleeve length measurement, you should measure from the center of the back of the neck, across your shoulder, and then down to the wrist hem.

5. Measure the center back length

The last measurement you’re going to want to take is the center back length. While some people might think this measurement is taken from the top of the neck down to the hem, it’s actually from the top of the collar to the hem. This measurement will give you an idea more or less of where your new jacket is going to sit on your body.

Generally, the type of coverage you’re going to want is for your jacket to sit at the middle of your seat or a little below the hip – again this will also depend on the cut and style of your jacket. The last thing you want is to sit on a freezing cold chair lift with no coverage!

6. Get your jackets at Peter Glenn

We said five, but here's a sixth bonus pointer, Peter Glenn Ski & Sports is your one-stop shop for all your winter jacket needs. With ski jackets, snowboard jackets, and even those casual options for après, packing for your next trip will be a breeze. We also offer size charts for all our jackets so you can easily compare the measurements above to find that perfect fit.

Always remember, brands are different, so even if you’re small in one brand, you may be a medium in another, so checking the size chart is the best way to get that perfect fit the first time!