zeo_max

So, I just got this jacket in the mail today:

https://www.amazon.com/Pearl-Barrier-...l+izumi+jacket

I chose XL size, but now I'm debating whether I should keep it or exchange for a Large. It's not something that you would say is way too big for me, but it's not completely snug to the body either. I haven't tried it on the bike yet, but when I simulate leaning forward while standing up, a hump forms on the upper part of the torso. Mostly it's not snug on the torso, shoulders seem fine. I'm trying this with a baselayer and a thermal jersey underneath, which is the setup I'm going to use. I guess it's also important to mention that I have a belly, not a skinny rider. I'm 5'6'' and 195 lbs.

What would you do ?

StanSeven

The only thing I can tell you is too large a jacket adds a lot of drag. If you say a hump forms just standing and leaning over, the wind will make a huge bulge riding that you spend energy fighting.

zeo_max

Pics:

Carbon Unit

I like a jacket a little on the large size so that I can wear layers under it.

milkbaby

I can't stand loose cycling clothing, so that jacket would be a no-go for me personally. However, you want to make sure the next size down isn't too small tho...

StanSeven

You wear too much sunscreen. Don't put so much on and get a little tan on that pasty face.

Agree, make sure the next size down fits, especially if you wear other things under it.

zeo_max

The pain is I got this from Amazon....... sigh ........

TrojanHorse

How is that a pain? Best return policy ever. Free shipping with Prime... it's all good.

zeo_max

What if I get the large but then see it is too small and need to change again, are they cool with it ?

bianchi10

If you're riding jacket looks like a normal jacket with your everyday jeans....it is to big.


Your jacket is to big. Exchange for smaller size

MegaTom

You pay the additional shipping for exchanges so they're A-OK as long as they can still sell the stuff.

on the path

That type of jacket isn't meant to fit all that snugly. It's more of a shell to add layers underneath. A smaller size may not fit your shoulders.

If you want an aero jacket, go for a different style.

Carbon Unit

+1

carpediemracing 

+1

I think if you go with a smaller jacket it will be hard to breathe. This is from personal experience

NCbiker

I have the same jacket and like it a little on the large size as I layer underneath it. I agree with others, I think a smaller size in that style jacket would probably be too tight in the shoulders.

unionmade

I agree that Amazon Prime had a terrific return policy in the past, but I've been sorely disappointed recently. On many items, they have removed the option to "self return," rather insisting that you print out their pre-paid return labels, and taking the cost of the shipping and handling off of the return amount. The amount they charge is highly inflated. I recently went to return a small item. It cost $20. If I had sent it USPS, shipping would have been under a buck. I could not find that option using the return center. They kept wanting me to use their "easy" return, which would have cost $5.00. I was in a pissy mood, so I did a live chat for over a half hour, and was eventually told I could self return. They had me self return to Amazon Legal! It took 3 weeks for them to credit my account, and when they did, they deducted the $5.00, causing me another half hour on live chat.

So, they still list "self return" in their descriptions, but don't give that as an easy option. Instead, they seem to have instituted restocking fees in a backhanded way. I'm now very careful about ordering.

teflondog

If possible, I would hold off on the return and order the large size to compare with your XL. After determining which fits better, that's the time to send the other one back for a refund.

BTW, I think you may fit between sizes. I'm of similar build and I wear XL jackets. A large may be too tight for you until you drop some weight. But that may give you some motivation to ride more.

TrojanHorse

Interesting - I haven't noticed that. I go out of my way to buy Prime stuff though, which means free return shipping. Buying from any of their affiliates can be iffy for a variety of reasons (including no free shipping) - is that what you were doing?

zeo_max

Problem solved. I went to a lbs and by my awesome luck they had the exact same jacket. I tried on the large, perfect fit, snug to the body, not too tight. I then proceeded to tell them "suck it bi***es, I got mine from Amazon ! ". No actually I bought them a winter headcap, so they can't say I don't support. I'm gonna place my exchange in Amazon now.

carpediemracing 

haha. Glad it worked out and kudos for buying something from them, even if it's not the jacket.

It does show the value of an LBS. Just sayin'

(former LBS owner)
cdr

Cookiemonsta

You want to have some room to wear layers underneath, but for me personally, the jacket in the pictures would be way too loose of a fit. I think you are better of going down a size. nice jacket.

dalava

Sounds like the large will work out.

FWIW, the lump when in riding position with too large a jacket is called mono man boob.

rumrunn6

I shop for clothing in person for the exact reason you are considering returning it.

StanSeven

Yep. Agree. For those that say that jacket isn't supposed to fit snugly, just look at the pic and the PI description.

on the path

I'm one of those that said the jacket isn't supposed to fit snugly. PI describes the OP jacket as "semi form fit". PI also has several jackets, including the "Pro Aero" jacket, that are described as "form fit". Relatively speaking, and by PI's description, the jacket in the OP is not meant to fit that snugly.