Ski Pants sizing advice needed

[MaineSkiLady]

Okay, I hate my ski pants, need new ones in black (have gray). Thinking about doing an ebay purchase of either Cloudveil or Arc'teryx but just thought I'd check in here first to see if anyone has any input on how they run for size. I'm a pretty standard (modern) size 8. Do these brands tend to run small or pretty true to size? I noted in their sizing charts that these 2 brands' size M is 8-10. The listed measurements look okay for me. By contrast, Columbia's M is a 10-12, which is too big for me (but their S is too small) (good thing, don't like that brand anyway).

Looking for a slightly sleeker fit through the hips, etc, but surely don't want tight/snug. I know, I know, go try on. Easier said than done in uber-rural Maine... I have a great fitting pair of Orage in gray, cannot find anything like it in current production :( . Figures.

Any input would be great. Thanks. MSL

 

[tradygirl]

I've got the W's Cloudveil Koven pants in large and they fit perfect (loose, but that's how I like them). I'm a 10 in most women's pants. I'd probably go medium in Cloudveil. Double-check the length though - I have a pair of medium Kovens (I used to be skinnier) and they were a little too short for my taste.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Length's a concern. One item I'm watching, a Cloudveil, says 29". That's not too terribly short for me - better than too long? Guess I'll have to think long and hard. OTOH, for $39.....at least my boots are cute???

 

[MaineSkiLady]

^^^ Nope, wrong. The Cloudveil's are 31" - better. It's the Arc'teryx that's a 29" inseam - will probably pass on this. Wish me luck. Could be a great $40 spent, or a waste. Will report back. Any other input welcome. Arcteryx fit??

 

[pinto]

^^^ Nope, wrong. The Cloudveil's are 31" - better. It's the Arc'teryx that's a 29" inseam - will probably pass on this. Wish me luck. Could be a great $40 spent, or a waste. Will report back. Any other input welcome. Arcteryx fit??

Yes, Arc'teryx pants are really short. Drives me crazy. Their jackets are really long in the arms, and then the pants are so short.

I bought some Cloudveils ... they fit comfortably. I have a medium, and I normally wear a 6 or 8 in pants. They could stand to be a little longer, but they do just fine.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Thanks, p. From what I recall (somewhere) and even see in your avatar, you're at least 2" taller than I am. I'm hoping to score these c-veils on ebay. Arcteryx, forget it, 29 will never work for me. The one shoe-in mfr of ski pants I had for several years has gone scarce (CB), and I can't find Orages easily anymore either. Something has to work, eventually.

 

[Melissa77]

I have Cloudveil RPK pants in a small. I wear a size 4 or 6 and I am short, only 5'1". I have a small and the length is perfect for me. I tried the medium and they were too long but the waist fit me at the time (I was an 8 then). I have been losing weight and purchased the small since I was on my way down in size. I banked on losing more weight to fit them better and thankfully I did. They are perfect now in length and waist. I was actually happy that I did not have to search for petite ski pants. So, I would say Medium but watch the length...they may be too short.

Mel

 

[ski now work later]

I have a pair of new Cloudveil RPK pants and they are long enough for me (and I like a longer pant). I'm almost 5'7" and they are a size M, and I usually wear a 33-34 length jean in a size 8. The only thing that annoys me is that I can't close the gaitor around my ski boot (it's too tight) which makes no sense to me (why they made the gaitor so narrow for a pant meant for alpine skiing)....

 

[dloveski]

I just got a pair of Arc'tryx hard shell bibs. I wear size 8 pants--and ended up with LARGE, as the mediums were a bit restrictive, considering I wear underlayers with the shells. They are more than long enough. And they are tough. I LOVE them. And are probably the last ski pants I will ever buy----which is great, given the cost.

 

[pinto]

Thanks, p. From what I recall (somewhere) and even see in your avatar, you're at least 2" taller than I am. I'm hoping to score these c-veils on ebay. Arcteryx, forget it, 29 will never work for me. The one shoe-in mfr of ski pants I had for several years has gone scarce (CB), and I can't find Orages easily anymore either. Something has to work, eventually.

Yeah, I should have said I wear a 6 or 8 LONG in pants ... as far as the rest of the fit, I'd call the Cloudveil an 8.

Mine are the Madison shell pants ... the web site describes the medium as having a 32-in. inseam, which seems about what mine are.

Good luck!

 

[geargrrl]

Thinking about doing an ebay purchase of either Cloudveil or Arc'teryx

Hi Gals - new here, first post but I am going to dive right in. I'd like to gently suggest that if you want the real deal, do not buy "new" gear off ebay. Chances are very very good that is is a forgery. I haven't had a chance to do my profile yet, but I am a technical clothing specialist. I have yet to see something new purchased off ebay, yes, with official looking tags and everything, that was not a forgery. If you want the real thing, buy from an authorized dealer.

The forgery problem is so bad that you have dealers of forgerys actually answering the phone, "hello, the North Face". When they are not. Why, just the other day a customer of mine brought in his brand new, tagged "spyder" pants, off Ebay. I had an inkling they weren't the real deal so I suggested he visit his local Sypder dealer to compare. Well, the whole store had a good laugh at this guys' expense, and he's going through Ebay to try and get his money back.

Cloudveil and Arcteryx are excellent brands, well worth the money even if you have to pay full retail.

Say, is there an introduction thread around here somewhere?

geargrrl
(puts soapbox away, I'd hate for you to get burned...)

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Hi, geargrrl, welcome to the forum! There is indeed an introductory section - after you've logged in, it's under "Divas Only Dahling" section, thread called "Getting to Know You." Please introduce yourself in a post there, which will post after you've made 5 posts elsewhere (easy enough to do around here ).

So glad to have another tech-expert on board! Sounds like you know what you're talking about. Yes, there is a ton of counterfeit merchandise on eBay, a real problem. I generally only buy from merchants who use eBay only as a "portal" of sorts and have stand-alone websites---like evogear.

As it turns out, I completely bailed on this idea anyway, deciding that pants simply have to be tried on. Waiting for the good sales to come around now, which is generally just before Presidents' weekend next month - sadly, I'm a typical size (8 or M), so that size tends to go scarce. But I'll start my hunt and hope for the best.

Thanks for posting that very interesting info, which will surely make me think twice in the future. What I was considering wasn't new/new anyway - something gently used from a private seller. Having been at least 3 different sizes in the last 5 years hasn't made my ski pants life very easy.....

 

[cloudpeak]

I have a pair of new Cloudveil RPK pants and they are long enough for me (and I like a longer pant). I'm almost 5'7" and they are a size M, and I usually wear a 33-34 length jean in a size 8. The only thing that annoys me is that I can't close the gaitor around my ski boot (it's too tight) which makes no sense to me (why they made the gaitor so narrow for a pant meant for alpine skiing)....

I have the Cloudveil pants, too, and the tight gaiter drives me crazy. It barely fits over my boot. I struggle with it all the time, and now the Velcro is starting to rip off. BTW, these are brand new this season. I would switch to Arc'Teryx except that I'm 5'7', and that brand's pants are too short for me.

 

[Quiver Queen]

Hey, MSL, did you think about Isis pants? I've got their Electras and Godivas, love them both. These days I'm an 8 and am wearing their 6, length is good for most people, and they've got all the techie fabrics & features the other companies have at a lower price. I particularly love the fit thru the waist and hips. By this time I've got at least 10 of their items and wear them regularly. And another aspect to consider, it's a company owned by women with products made only for women.

 

[MaineSkiLady]

Thanks for the tip, QQ. Have seen them online. I have to get to several shops and start trying on for real. Something's gotta work---eventually.

 

[EShef]

brand suggestions

Along the same line...

I'm also in the market for new ski pants. I'm generally a size medium (size 8 usually in pants) but I'm "curvy" big hips and bum but little waist. Does any one know of a good brand that has a style that might fit my shape?

 

[pinto]

Along the same line...

I'm also in the market for new ski pants. I'm generally a size medium (size 8 usually in pants) but I'm "curvy" big hips and bum but little waist. Does any one know of a good brand that has a style that might fit my shape?

I had some Marmot pants that were surprisingly small in the waist for a medium ... but we're talking circa 2000, so I have no idea if they still have the same cut or not.

Many pants have velcro waist adjustments so you can tighten them if necessary. My new Cloudveils do.

 

[haylmom]

I just had to order new pants as mine are sadly getting a little small for me. :( My North Face are only used this season....and are a Medium....maybe if my new ones fit I'll be ready to give these the heave if anyone is interested.

 

[snowgem]

OK my 2 cents - I find it it is really difficult to buy clothing online, unless you know in advance exactly what you want, which is a way to go. You probably do this - find what you want, then search for a real online ski shop with the exact item. If you are anywhere in the areas of Marshall's or TJ Maxx, they have occasionally had some good pants. It's hit or miss. They've carried Marmot, Cloudveil, Killy, Isis and a few other brands. I always check out what they have (got my fave jacket there, and recently stocked up on hand warmers, too!) Then, again, I often will make do with what I find less expensive as long as the brand and the features are good.

Curious - on e-bay - are the skis offered counterfeit too? I had no idea how bogus the merchandise could be! And, what a hassle to try to get a refund! Actually, tho, couldn't you just call the charge company to dispute it?

 

[MaineSkiLady]

^^^Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't (re eBay). Most decent sellers copiously list measurements. I've had luck with other types of clothing, have never gone for ski pants (and decided not to anyway). I'm at least 50 mi from a TJMaxx, probably 80-90 from a Marshall's, so I'm stuck with high-price retail ski shops near resorts and have to wait for decent sales. Batted 0.000 last time I looked, as my size was gone (they had 2's and 16's, etc.) Will make do.

With skis, always best to majorly check out the credentials of the seller, which is easy enough to do, ask questions, etc. A good seller will answer, and fairly fast. And yes, the dispute process is always an option should it be necessary.

The counterfeit issue on eBay is more of a clothing (coveted brands) and handbag thing, but then again, who knows? I've gotten great skis on eBay, but I know the merchant, have even called him. A lot of times, the sellers are legitimate brick and mortar ski shops just trying to unload new/old stock that's been sitting. Or they are wholesalers who buy from shops and market that way. For those of us on tight budgets who can't even consider brands like Volkl (which retail for more than my car is worth), this is really the only way I can afford to ski.