I purchased a Gore Phantom 2 Windstopper jacket. Haven't used it yet cuz I think I might return it. I'd like some input. From what I've read, this thing gets consistently amazing reviews (breathability, warmth). It's supposed to be a form-fitting, rather tight fit.

I am finding the thing is as baggy as all get-out! I ordered a large. WAY too baggy. Replaced it with a medium. It looks great when I'm standing erect, but when I lean over (as I would if I were over my handlebars) I get two BIG loose bulges across my chest. Both are easily 4-6" from my chest. Apart from looking unsightly (makes me look fat, like I have bulges all over my waste!), there is a lot of air space across my chest. Huge pockets of air from the folds.

So my question is, how much does that bulging, loose-fitting material compromise things in terms of warmth? How snug should it be? I've tried on Castelli stuff. Fits like a charm. THIS I'm not pleased with. But I've never heard anyone comment on this at all. Am I the only one?

Thanks in advance,
Tesgin

In terms of warmth bulging is better.
Aerodynamics is worse (if thats really something you want to worry about in the winter)

I have the phantom 2 jacket and it works great, my wife then bought one and she loves it! I have used it in -8 deg F weather along with a few layers underneath. Mine fits me well and is comfortable. I like the pit and rear zippers for heat control and open the front if needed. Maybe try a small if you want a tight fit? I ordered mine according to the fit chart for me and that is a Med at 5'6" 130 lbs, 38 chest.

Update. I returned the Phantom and bought two jackets. I went the direction of the Gore Xenon. Wow. Beautiful jacket. Warm. The venting is wonderful. Very comfortable in the teens and lower I'd suspect. I have always layered, but wanted to see how I liked a softshell. I tried a Gore Power 2.0. REALLY impressive jacket. I returned it, though, cuz it had no vents. I am certain I'd have overheated in that thing. Beautfully made, though. Wonderful fleece lining. I sent it back and got the Xenon. Glad I did.

However, I also ordered a Showers Pass Elite Pro. I LOVE that thing. Great venting, extremely light weight. It has some kind of reflective silver-ish inner lining. I throw that over a simple thermal layer (Izumi THermal Elite) with a craft baselayer underneath. That's it. I am VERY comfortable down to 17 deg F. I couldn't believe it. It seals nicely around the wrists and neck. I'm biking in a pocket of warm air. In the 20s I find myself opening the vents to cool off and it's quite comfy.

I like both jackets. If I had to choose one, I'd take the Showers Pass maybe, just for its versatility.

Nice thing about the Xenon, though, is that I'm comfortably warm from the get-go. Body temp never changes. With the Elite Pro I start out a bit chilly for the first 10-15 min until my body generates enough heat to keep me comfortable. After that I'm fine.

Tesgin

I wear a Parka , not even cycling gear.. same stuff as the tow truck drivers get .

neon Lime with wide reflective stripes .. Just dont have getting Hit in the dark by a car on my agenda .