...which just goes to show that every sizing strategy is a problem for someone, somewhere in the size spectrum. I routinely find that the range of women's sizes for a given brand will cover all ground from "correct width" to "fits three of me side-by-side" without ever getting long enough in the torso and arms. Often the same company (e.g., Showers Pass) will list in its size chart a men's extra-small that looks like a perfect fit for me, but isn't offered in the items (e.g., the Portland) I'm looking for.

I like the idea of included alterations. I'm pretty sure it would require me to adjust my ideas about how much to spend on things and how many things I can afford to have, but it could well be worth it for the privilege of not looking like a scarecrow wearing all the wrong sizes.

Unlike you, I see no reason to hide my jealously behind an alias. I actually own TWO yellow Burley jackets (both made locally in Eugene instead of "worldwide" as the Showers Pass jackets are), and I will be sporting one soon, now that fall is here. And since I intend on staying... where does that leave you?

Paul

Not enough people stepping up to buy garments cut with additional dimensions at hips or/and chest. If there, would that stuff move, or would it just sit on the shelves?

"I could easily fit a Mens' medium in most rain jackets, including those made by Showers Pass -- if not for my womanly hips." beth h

How about the sleeves? Unless you have long arms, I'll bet sleeves on mens garments are too long for your female arms. Standard sized womens garments tend to have shorter sleeves than mens. Shorter torso dimensions too.

One thing I think manufacturers and retailers might be able to do fairly easily and cost effectively, is in the case of an expensive jacket such as the Showers Pass 'Portland', include the offer of alteration service with the cost of the garment.

I'm not sure what their arrangement is today, but years back when I bought a sport coat at Nordstroms, slight alterations were a part of the deal; take it in here a little, take it out there a little... . Perfect fit...or at least much better!

Manufacturers would have to plan for this in advance, allowing extra material at key points in garments produced to allow for this alteration. The extra material would cost a little more money, but would be cheaper than producing an entirely separate garment for non-standard sizes.

This is an all-too-common complaint from our customers who are big-bodied. Bicycle-specific rainwear simply doesn't offer an extended sizing range that will meet the needs anyone over about 180 lbs, especially if they are also under 5' 10". People over 180 lbs DO ride bikes. And most whom I have talked with are more than willing to spend money on bike-specific gear, if it would only fit them.

As the buyer for a local bike shop, I am continually frustrated by manufacturers' unwillingness to deal in realities. In addition to the lack of extended sizing ranges, manurafcturers also insist on size labeling, particularly in womens' apparel, that is completely unrealistic.

Example: I am 5' 7", 165 lbs and am fairly well-endowed. Womens cycling jackets that fit me properly are often labeled XL. In womens' specific rain pants I can barely squeeze into an XL in most models, and they aren't always long enough for my legs, to boot.

Cycling jerseys are even worse -- in most womens specific jerseys I take somewhere between a 2X and a 3X!. Sorry, but I don't think I'm all that large. OR fat.

I don't have body image issues per se, I'm pretty happy with my body most days. However, MANY women do have these issues, and they are fueled in part by womens apparel that is sized for the skinny and petite among us. I sure wouldn't want to have to tell a woman my size that she takes an Extra-Large in anything!

If you're not convinced, compare womens' sizing ranges with the same products made in Mens or even "unisex" sizing. I could easily fit a Mens' medium in most rain jackets, including those made by Showers Pass -- if not for my womanly hips.

This problem has gone on a LONG time. Few sportswear manufacturers are actually paying attention, and fewer still are trying to do anything about it. Simply making "womens' specific" garments is not enough; manufacturers must also research real-world body sizes and reconfigure their sizing ranges to fit real-world bodies -- IF they want those bodies to get out and ride bicycles more.

steve...good point. Now that you mention it, I kind of recall something about that having been noted in the past here on bikeportland, but I've since forgotten. Others here probably appreciate the reminder as well.

But when you say 'manufactured', are you thinking that individual garments or perhaps the entire garment line is conceived of, designed and product tested from start to finish overseas, or rather, that overseas manufacturers are provided with patterns and orders which they use to assemble garments for Showers Pass? In simple phrase, 'outsourcing'? I don't mean to defend or commend the company's business practices, at least not here and now. Just trying to get straight what exactly it is that Showers Pass does locally in terms of manufacturing garments for consumers.

I would think the company still is likely to be legitimately considered a 'local manufacturer' if some of the manufacturing process, such as design and r&d, is done locally.

However the company brings their gear to the consumer, I most likely won't be buying any. It's way out of my price range. Champion gear, also assembled overseas I expect, is much closer to what I can afford. Columbia Sportswear too: recently Fred's had Columbia rain jackets on sale for about 30 percent of original price...from $45.00 down to $12.50. Sure, they weren't yellow with underarm zips, but even Showers Pass seems to think that's o.k with some of their customers.

That chain store is carrying Champion athletic wear. Hanging on the racks right now, is a jacket by Champion that looks not unlike the 'Portland' pictured in the above article; similar fit, color, somewhat different color detailing, water resistant, partial fleece interior, $30...maybe $40. Doesn't have the butt flap; you'd have to improvise something there.

By the way, did our intrepid gear reviewer ever give the 'Portland' a rain and breathability test? It looks like a garment that's not well designed to vent out body heat and sweat...maybe the thinking is that it's sufficient for commuters.

I'm all for local manufacturers though...if you got the money, definitely consider buying Showers Pass's product.