NEED ADVICE: Winter Jacket for Big Guy

[kasheed]

First off, please leave the "lose weight" comments out of here. I've already lost ~40 lbs and gotten out of pre-diabetic range as far as bloodwork goes, I have a long road ahead but I need a jacket for now, I'll worry about my svelte future another day.

I'm 6'3" 300-310lbs, 55" chest, 55" around the gut, 46" around the hips, 36/37" arm as far as dress shirts go, and a 19" neck. I've only got a 30-31" inseam so I have a long torso, and I'm having a hell of a time finding a winter jacket that fits me.

I live in Atlanta so my Scorpion Exo Cargo Air mesh jacket is a great option for 3 season/dry riding, and it's quite roomy for additional layers. Its the only jacket I've ever been comfortable wearing in the summer, though I'm a northern Yank and this southern humidity is killer in any outfit. I also have an old Brooks T718 from my younger days that fits too tightly with the liner in, but without the liner it barely fits and it's actually ok with the vents opened, but the shorter length is less than ideal. Both jackets are sized 3XL, which according to their size guides shouldn't work for me. Scorpion sizing guide (in the jacket link) says the 3XL should be 2-3 sizes too small, Brooks sizing (scroll down past the custom form) says their jacket should be a size too big.

I ordered a Scorpion Exo Yosemite jacket (only goes up to 3XL) thinking the size might replicate the Cargo success and was wrong, it fits truer to their size guide and I can barely zip it with both liners removed. When I was visiting friends in my old hometown Columbus OH, I tried on a few Tour Master jackets at Iron Pony which should've fit me, but anything that fit my chest/gut had comically long arms, and anything with proper arm length wouldn't fit the gut. Here's the Tour Master size chart.

I have yet to try on an A* or Dianese jacket that comes close to fitting me. I'm reaching my wit's end, none of my local stores have good enough selection and I'm sick of buying and returning things to try on. Anyone got a similar body shape and find a jacket with a cut/size profile that works for them? I'm not planning to ride in the rain and can get a shell if I decide to change that, so windproofing is the main concern. Bonus points if the jacket recommendation has pants that go with it, but I'm not interested in a 1-piece suit, and it's definitely not a requirement. Lastly, budget-wise, I'm really trying to keep it below $500 but am a strong believer in "buy once, cry once", and am realistic with my weight loss that it's going to be slow going for a while, so likely willing to spend up to $800 for something really comfortable and high quality.

If I end up finding the holy grail of fat guy jackets, I'll be sure to post back here for all the big fellas in the future. Thanks in advance!

 

[EricV]

Have you checked out Motorcycle Closeouts? You can sort by size, so instantly check out what they have in 4XL or 5XL, etc and they generally have pretty good sizing guides too. I'm smaller than you, so still fit, just, into my 12 year old Klim XL. Working on losing some weight before I have to shop for a larger jacket. It's a bitch though. Good luck on the search.

 

[kasheed]

Have you checked out Motorcycle Closeouts? You can sort by size, so instantly check out what they have in 4XL or 5XL, etc and they generally have pretty good sizing guides too. I'm smaller than you, so still fit, just, into my 12 year old Klim XL. Working on losing some weight before I have to shop for a larger jacket. It's a bitch though. Good luck on the search.

Hadn't seen that site before. Might have to exercise the ole Amazon Prime free return policy some more to try on sizes and get a price deal on closeout. Definitely bookmarking the site, thanks!

 

[EricV]

They have a good return policy too.

RETURN PERIOD - 30 DAYS
You must obtain a Return Authorization (RA) before returning any items. Any items returned but not listed on the RA may be refused. Returns must be received at Motorcycle Closeouts within 30 days of original shipment to customer. Holiday Extension for gifts purchased after November 15th: returns must be received by January 15th of the coming year.

WHAT IS ELIGIBLE TO RETURN
All items unless otherwise noted may be returned for Motorcycle Closeouts Store Credit or a Refund to your original payment source. Some items are not eligible for return including: eyewear, hats, do rags, balaclavas, neck tubes, face masks and coverings, undergarments and socks, electronics, DVD’s, lighting, STACYC products and any other items specifically excluded on our website.

Only new, unworn items with their associated packaging, tags, documentation, etc. in their original, new, complete, clean, undamaged, unworn and re-sellable condition may be returned. Individually packaged helmet face shields and inserts must be unopened. When an item is not received in this condition, at our discretion we may refuse the item entirely or deduct cleaning, repackaging or other fees from your store credit or refund. These reconditioning fees typically range from $5 to $20 per item. Please return everything exactly like you received it from us, because we hate charging these fees.

 

[Tenforeplay]

I am kind of in the same boat, though smaller size. Last year I bought a sewing machine and now in the process of tailoring my clothes. You can shorten sleeves and length and reduce the girth, just can’t go the other direction as easily. In my lap at the moment is a moskomoto anorak I am tailoring. Just a thought if you or someone has access to a machine.

that motorcycle close out place is close to me, been meaning to get up there just haven’t done it yet.

good luck!

 

[kasheed]

I am kind of in the same boat, though smaller size. Last year I bought a sewing machine and now in the process of tailoring my clothes. You can shorten sleeves and length and reduce the girth, just can’t go the other direction as easily. In my lap at the moment is a moskomoto anorak I am tailoring. Just a thought if you or someone has access to a machine.

that motorcycle close out place is close to me, been meaning to get up there just haven’t done it yet.

good luck!

Despite my late grandmother's efforts throughout my life, I could never get the hang of the craft of sewing. I have immense respect for anyone who can pick up any skill after age 25 (I say age 25 because that's when I started riding, patting myself on the back comes naturally), but sewing is a tier above. Such a delightful combination of precision and frustration.

 

[Madhatter]

Kasheed , congrats on improving your health ... now I am a big fan of Aerostich , they will custom size to fit ,as they have in house tailors . the jackets are non insulted , but wind proof and water proof , so one learns how to layer . I would wear a base T shirt and a thermal shirt and if need be a sweat shirt under jacket , keep my torso warm in the freezing range . occasionally on a cold day about every two hours I would stop and build up a bit of body heat , mild exercise . got to get gas anyway . works really well . as the weather warms remove a layer . when it gets hot remove all the warming layers and open the vents . I have a Klim jacket and a aerostich , Klim looks nicer aerotich for me works better .

 

[Madhatter]

the road crafter 2 piece is the most versatile in tailoring to fit ... I wear a Darion in hi-viz yellow .

 

[EricV]

If you're spending the coin on Aerostich, heated gear is worth the investment too. I rode 100k or so with an Aerostich Darien and in the warmer temps I would just wear LDComfort long sleeve top under it. Never bothered me to wear a T shirt in hot weather, though some are bothered by the feel of the seams with the non lined jacket. In cooler weather you layer, or just zip in the heated jacket liner and it's a layer of insulation too, you only need to turn it on if it gets cold enough. I often didn't zip my Gerbings heated jacket liner into the Darien, but you can zip them together with the dual zippers Aerostich builds in. They also sell a fleece liner that zips in. A friend had one and I borrowed it for a couple of weeks, but it didn't really meet my riding needs. Great for using the jacket as a walk around jacket though.

I'd buy Warm and Safe heated gear if I was in the market today. Better tech and higher quality than the current Gerbings stuff, imho.

 

[kasheed]

Appreciate those higher-end recommendations. I stopped in my local Cycle Gear and they miraculously had a Sedici Avventura in 4XL that fit ok. Not good enough for me to spend $300 and be done with my search, but for a different person/different mission, it didn't seem like a bad option at the price point. Though I will say the velcro cuffs were very frustratingly placed and were an instant non-starter for me. That said, at least I have a basis for fit/comfort/roominess in a jacket. The sleeves on that were good length as was interior space even with the rain and thermal layers left in. Shoulders bunched up a bit with my arms in riding position, but they allegedly have 5XL sizes available online so for anyone around my size considering this jacket, consider that too.

Next up in the mail is RST Pro Series Adventure-X CE Jacket (4XL). I don't have high hopes but at around $350 taxed, it's worth a shot. I've also caved in and ordered a Klim Latitude in 3XL, their glove size guide was dead on accurate so I'm hoping the jacket will follow. At $900 taxed, it's going to need to be perfect or I'm likely to go custom fit as Madhatter suggested.

I'd seen Aerostich before but not sure why I put it out of mind. Maybe I just didn't read close enough to realize they do custom sizing. I've previously lived in CT and Boston for about 16 years of my life so layering is a well known way of life for me when the occasion calls for it. I have many short- and long-sleeve casual wicking layers as well as a billion various weights of hoodies and light zip-ups hanging in the closet so that may not be a bad way to go.

Thanks again for the continued advice and I'll update more once I try these inbound jackets. Another note, I used to complain that things in my size only came in black, now I'm having a hard time finding even black stock, so many of these jackets are only left in "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" colorways. Careful what I wish for, I guess.

 

[Fennellg]

I have traveled down your road. Reversed diabetes and on no medication. My advise is to go with cheap jackets. Tour master is good. I still use some of their jackets. Your size is going to continue to change. Smaller I would hope. Winter jackets are easier because you can add layers to compensate for weight loss. Electric jackets are nice and they help keep things thin if you are in a tighter jacket.

Once things stabilise hard to beat a high end gore Tex jacket and pants. I also have a battery electric vest and gloves. Very convenient. Its like heated grips or seat. The easier something is the more it is u·ti·lize.

 

[kasheed]

I have traveled down your road. Reversed diabetes and on no medication. My advise is to go with cheap jackets. Tour master is good. I still use some of their jackets. Your size is going to continue to change. Smaller I would hope. Winter jackets are easier because you can add layers to compensate for weight loss. Electric jackets are nice and they help keep things thin if you are in a tighter jacket.

Once things stabilise hard to beat a high end gore Tex jacket and pants. I also have a battery electric vest and gloves. Very convenient. Its like heated grips or seat. The easier something is the more it is u·ti·lize.

Tour Master stuff is great value but, at least in the ones I tried on in store, had bad proportions of torso/arm length for me. I didn't pay close enough attention to which specific models I tried though.

 

[Fennellg]

First gear is also a good value. They are roomy. I have one. You could go with an airbag vest and regular clothes or one of those Kevlar lined jacket shirt things. The vest are adjustable. Had to reduce mine.

 

[TenereGUY]

Congratulations on the weight loss. I too recommend Aerostich. But someone above did make a very valid point... and that was it is great but expensive and you are still going down in weight so cheaper might be better right now. I am a BIG proponent of heated gear for those who ride in weather from 55 on down. Not much choice in the 80’s and I always pushed it off due to the cost. 2013 went to a MC show and California Heat actually had sizes that matched my size. I tried quite a few other manufacturers 2XL and felt like a sausage! California heat 2xl fit like it should. I ride various bikes down to almost freezing and if on a trip have hit snow in the mountains. I found out with a good fleece sweater and my Aerostich RoadCrafter with base layer and t-shirt I am good to 55F for a good many hrs or I can just throw on my heated jacket liner, pants (mostly to keep my knees from aching) and gloves and as my daughter said the first time using her mom's gear... oh, wow! This is like sitting in a hot tub! She had turned it to full heat. Mostly I just use the jacket and gloves. Especially when riding the Wing. After using my heated gear on a trip for the first time I asked myself... Why did I wait so long to buy this!

Good luck!

 

[Checkswrecks]

Being winter there are some screaming deals on used gear in the ADVRider Flea Market. I just picked up a Klim summer jacket CHEAP to replace one of my tired old ones.

Gear: Stuff You Wear

You Sexy Thing

advrider.com

 

[kasheed]

Reviews of things I'm not keeping but might keep a version of:

RST Pro Series Adventure-X CE Jacket in 4XL. Not a bad jacket by any means, seems to be very well made for the price point. Not quite what I was looking for and with all the cold weather/extra layers in, it's a bit tight for me around the chest, and some of the zippers/pockets were not my personal preference. Nothing wrong with them, just not the right jacket. Not going to do a 5XL in this jacket. Edit: I forgot, I also ordered a pair of the Adventure-X pants, size "42" which I believe is equivalent to 4XL, regular length. I definitely need the short length with a 30-31" inseam, and the 4XL felt tight in the crotch. 5XL/Short would be my purchase if I ordered pants again, but I don't really like the RST styles. Will probably not order any more pants until I settle on a jacket, they're low priority but I at least have an idea on fit now.

RST Pro Series Ranger CE Jacket in 5XL. Well damn, getting closer but the fit here is a bit different than the Adventure-X and 5XL is too big! This jacket is HEFTY and serious about armor. The sleeves actually fit pretty well, but the shoulders are massive and stick out in a "this can't be safe" way. The chest and gut fit me well but I believe 1 size down in this model will work fine. I'd remove the chest armor a size down for commuting which would allow more breathing room. The neck fit very well, slightly loose which I like. To use Mitch Hedberg's line, I don't want to feel like I'm being strangled by a really weak guy. There's a backside kangaroo pouch that can be zipped/unbuttoned off which is nice, and the zip-out inner lining might be the first one I've ever tried on that didn't annoy me right away. Even with the lining in, removing sleeves was easy, which is not always the case. Sending back the 5XL and ordering a 4XL, which could be a winner. Overall this feels like a very high quality, very good jacket for the price as well.

I didn't think about or notice this with the Adventure-X because I immediately knew I wasn't keeping it, but I can confirm with the Ranger: The main zipper is a 1-way zipper. It didn't affect me with the 5XL, but its a surprising omission for this quality/price point/feature set.

Klim Latitude in 3XL. First off, 3XL fits in some places and not in others. The sleeves are hilariously baggy but the shoulders are not overly large. I am going to return this and get a size down, but it's no wonder many people recommend Klim jackets. This thing feels very well-made and is much lighter than any jacket I've tried, though its Level 1 armor. Still, this is the first jacket I've ever tried on that had a back protector I couldn't notice. Maybe the 2XL will change that, but the chest and gut felt roomy on the 3XL and the neck was comically oversized, so I have hope. I had to pull in the side adjustment straps all the way to get the gut to not look like an umbrella. That said, there are a ton of adjustments via zippers and gussets to accommodate various body styles and seating positions. The steep climb in price feels justified in features & quality IMO. Klim is pulling a smart business move by making me feel like a girlish 2XL instead of a sasquatch-ish 4XL. Will keep the 3XL til the 2X gets here and try them side by side, I could see potentially keeping the 3XL if I want to layer underneath it, depending how the 2X feels.

I looked into Aerostich and that's a slight step up on the price point, so if I can't get either of the just-ordered size adjustments on the RST Ranger/Klim Latitude to work for me, I'll look at those.

 

[Tenforeplay]

I had a trap shooting jacket made about 25 yrs ago. Sent the guy the measurements and he sent the jacket. Best fit jacket of anything Ive ever worn. Still have it. I am into a couple off the shelf riding jackets and like you say, bits and pieces fit. My next experience might be a call to Aerostitch.

 

[EricV]

@kasheed - Glad you're finding some options and thanks for the reviews. You never know who it will help with similar needs.

 

[Tenforeplay]

You might try filson. I picked up a tin cloth jean jacket and really like it. Expect it to be my riding jacket. 14 oz waxed material. There sizing between jackets is all over the place but I find it accurate, and they list arm length, chest, waist, etc. Has been some good deals if the size is still available.

 

[kasheed]

Finally landed on a decision after my final order/return round. Funny enough, I kept the Klim Latitude 3XL after receiving the 2XL and trying them on side by side. More on that below.

RST Pro Series Ranger CE 4XL: Really great jacket and I almost kept this one, if I was buying a single jacket for 4 season riding I think this would be the choice. Everything I wrote about the 5XL in terms of features still holds true, and the 4XL was a great fit for me as I suspected. If I just had a T-shirt under it, I was fine with all the armor left in, but if I want to wear an additional layer under the jacket, removal of the chest armor pieces was more comfortable/less tight. This jacket is extremely versatile and has a ton of gadgets and features, lots of pockets, and the liner/external rain shell were both good options. That said, after weighing this vs my other options and the fact I already have a great summer jacket with good venting, I placed higher value on isolation from the elements and less value on venting/versatility. The only 2 drawbacks about this jacket were the overall weight (which can be mitigated by removal of some armor panels and the backside pouch w/rain jacket) and the main zipper being a 1-way zipper. I sat on it on my bike and the 1-way zipper was not an issue, but I realize it's a must-have for some folks. I would not hesitate to recommend this jacket to anyone, and I'll reiterate that the build quality feels like a solid value for the price.

Klim Latitude 2XL: Everywhere the 3XL fit right, this was slightly too small, and everywhere the 3XL was too big, this fit perfectly. I'm just a bit pear-shaped for the 2XL, so I swung a leg over the bike and had my fiancee help me adjust the straps/buttons/etc to see if my experience changed. We couldn't make the 2XL big enough, but after a bit of trying we got the 3XL to fit right in 95% of places, with just a tiny bit of bagginess in the underarm areas and a little extra space in the chest. It'll be fine if I decide to wear a hoodie or heated vest underneath, and the wrist enclosures felt a bit better than the RST options. I took a short ride with the 3XL on and decided that's the one I'm gonna keep. Great isolation from the elements with a few vents and clips (or hooks or whatever) to pin the lapels if I need to air out my collar on a variable-temp ride. No surprise but the Klim build quality is great, and it better be for the price. I also found a small adjustment I hadn't seen before that helped me pull the neck circumference in a bit so it's not so oversized.

I'll keep updating this thread if I end up getting pants to go with it, but as we emerge from the coldest days of winter I'm unlikely to get them. Maybe I can find a good deal come summer, but with a larger waist and shorter inseam, I'm willing to be patient for the color I want in the right size. Best of luck to anyone my size looking for riding gear, I hope this helps.