Alright all you jacket manufacturers, listen up! Here’s your opportunity to create a new category for people who buy your stuff, but do NOT have a potbelly. It seems even things that fit “slim” still puff out in the front because I do not have a potbelly. 

Now I’m on the skinnier side sure, but it is so annoying to be so flat bellied, sexy devil that I am, but all the jackets make me look like a sloppy schlub because I don’t have a potbelly or huge pecs. 

Just like wetsuit makers finally realized that surfers were mostly tall and skinny and started making small talls, or super duper slim sizes in all lengths, the outdoor gear manufacturers should do the same. 

My dilemma is that I’m always pretty good in the body in a medium but the length of the arms/body and fit of the hood is always better in a large. Regardless, in all sizes though the belly pokes out and makes the jacket look sloppy, which also takes away from the thermal efficiency of the product, meaning I always have to wear more crap than everyone else to stay the same warmth. 

Get things tailored you say? Easier said than done. I haven’t found anyone in my area that will work on, say a down jacket. If they do, the work doesn’t take into account that it is a down jacket, and they treat it like a suit coat or something else and the tailoring is not as high quality as the rest of the jacket. A lot of down may also be lost in the process. Not to mention the price is usually $40 on up. So on a $250 jacket, I’m now at $290 or greater. That’s a 16% increase. 

Patagonia, you already work on gear, even other people’s gear, so I’m mostly talking to you because you have essentially the logistics already in place (maybe). Perhaps people get professionally measured, take a pic of themselves and then offer to tailor the item before sending. 

There was a gear company that makes custom items and they cracked the issue with having to do revisions of custom sizing, but I can’t remember their name off hand (well that’s helpful Dilley!). 

Rant over.

Love Dilley