I can’t scream this from the rafters enough. I am thankful for Columbia’s more generous sizing but they’re not the most technical pants I could have, so I often overheat and sweat buckets on the mountain causing migraines from dehydration the day after skiing. I’ve wanted shell gear to layer for 2-3 years now and I’m trying to slim down but I should be able to buy gear without having to cross over to the Men’s section. I’ve complained so much to REI about their “opt outside” campaign isn’t very inclusive if I can’t find gear in their store to opt outside in at a size 10/12... and I shop at their HQ in Seattle too. Grrr.... topic really fires me up, glad it’s getting some attention.
I just shared this on Twitter, my FB page, and on the pages of REI, ArcTeryx, and Patagonia. I should post it on Columbia, etc for leading the way. It's maddening. As I get older and see where my body lands post menopause, I've gained weight and now can't fit into XL sizes anymore. Also, brands that had roomier cuts have actually made them trimmer. I have an old Partgonia Nano Puff that still fits fine. I can't even zip the new versions. The new ArcTeryx Beta jacket is just a smidge trimmer, making it much harder to layer under. It makes me insane.
Anyone who says we should just lose weight should try eating as little as I would need to eat to be really thin. I know because I've done it before. I can't live like that. I'm not saying I should not try to drop some weight, but I'll never be as light as my BMI chart says I should be.
Friends - I've had enough. I'M GOING TO MAKE SKI PANTS THAT FIT US!
A little backstory: I'm a size 14/16 lover of all things hiking, skiing, climbing, and more. About five years ago, I got so fed up with trying to buy jeans that fit/would last, that I started sewing. A few weeks later, I signed up for my first ski lesson, and my problem with jeans turned into my problem with ski pants. About a year and a half later, I started taking patternmaking and design classes, so that I could make my own clothes that actually fit me to my measurements. I'm finishing up my program this year (it's a 30-month program), and my goal for 2019 is to make my own ski pants. The longer-term goal is to start a company to - FINALLY - make snow pants for the rest of us!
I could rant for a long time about why companies don't cater to our sizes (short version: it's a self-fulfilling prophecy involving bad math and branding), but for right now I'm curious: would any of you be interested in helping me, either by answering questions or leading cheers? (Eventually I'll be making samples and will need folks to help test the fit/performance ;-))
Let's. Do. This.
Friends - I've had enough. I'M GOING TO MAKE SKI PANTS THAT FIT US!
A little backstory: I'm a size 14/16 lover of all things hiking, skiing, climbing, and more. About five years ago, I got so fed up with trying to buy jeans that fit/would last, that I started sewing. A few weeks later, I signed up for my first ski lesson, and my problem with jeans turned into my problem with ski pants. About a year and a half later, I started taking patternmaking and design classes, so that I could make my own clothes that actually fit me to my measurements. I'm finishing up my program this year (it's a 30-month program), and my goal for 2019 is to make my own ski pants. The longer-term goal is to start a company to - FINALLY - make snow pants for the rest of us!
I could rant for a long time about why companies don't cater to our sizes (short version: it's a self-fulfilling prophecy involving bad math and branding), but for right now I'm curious: would any of you be interested in helping me, either by answering questions or leading cheers? (Eventually I'll be making samples and will need folks to help test the fit/performance ;-))
Let's. Do. This.
IMHO Plus size means you can't find things that fit in the sizes normally stocked in the usual venues. For the outdoor industry the upper end of sizes are much smaller than for general apparel. For me it's shape more than size.I would suggest you define the term "plus size". The term "plus or extended size" has a huge range. You say you are a 14/16 - too me that is not plus size. On a good day I am a 20W. I have hips, thighs and calves and I am short - think weeble or linebacker shaped. I would give anything to be a 14/16.
As stated above - what do you need?
I know we've had a number of threads about how difficult is it to find plus-sized ski gear: how this is a segment of the market that gear manufacturers seem to ignore. Well, there's a big article in OutsideOnline about this now. Go here.
No worries!@Obrules15 - I am sorry if I sounded harsh, I often do not articulate my thoughts very well and come across as harsh and/or mean and that was not my intent. I do not think my problems will be solved if I was a 14/16 but it would certainly expand the options I have now. I guess I am not a "plus size" but a "plus plus size" and I have very limited options as a "plus plus size".
If the proposal is going to focus on women in the 12 - 18 range as plus/extended size, then I am left out but if it is also going to include the "W" sizes then I may have a chance.