Why the Fit of Your Gear Matters

If you’ve ever tried doing yoga in tight jeans, or walked into a party wearing a shirt you hate, you know first-hand how the fit of your clothing can drastically impact your comfort and confidence. But in the outdoors, a good fit isn’t just nice to have. It’s critical. That’s because the performance technologies in outdoor clothing only work if they fit properly. 

Historically, that’s meant that the luxury of high-performance outdoor gear has only been available to mannequin-shaped humans. Everyone else had to make do with either non-technical clothing or ill-fitting gear. Given that the average American wears a size XL, this sizing tradition left a disproportionate number of Americans feeling excluded from outdoor recreation. 

Fortunately, a number of outdoor brands are starting to expand their apparel sizing, ensuring both high performance and comfort for a more diverse range of body types. 

How Fit Impacts Performance 

Let’s take insulated jackets as an example. Insulation works by trapping warm air close to your skin. If your jacket is too tight, the down or synthetic fluff gets compressed, reducing its ability to keep you warm. 

On the opposite end of the spectrum, base layers and other wicking garments require a snug fit to move moisture away from your skin. Too loose, and they can leave you feeling damp. In moderate conditions, clamminess just feels gross, but in harsh weather, it can be dangerous. That’s because moisture sucks heat from the skin, which can lead to hypothermia in chilly weather. 

Too-tight clothing can also be an issue in the winter. Undersized sleeves, gloves, or socks can all impair circulation, which makes you more prone to frostbite and other cold-related injuries. 

Where To Find Inclusive Sizing 

Of course, finding outdoor gear that fits can be easier said than done. This is especially true if you’re taller, shorter, or bigger-bodied than (unrealistic) traditional size norms. Fortunately, gear manufacturers are starting to wake up to that fact, and several are already producing apparel that reflect the actual shapes and sizes of people who spend time outdoors. 

While you can call your local outdoor shop to ask about the sizes they carry, online shopping will give you more brands to choose from (see below for some suggestions). Buying online also means you try things on at home without having to wiggle around in a tiny fitting room.

Here are a few factors when it comes to finding outdoor apparel that fits. The tips are organized by activity—and include some brands that provide the best plus-size and inclusive gear for each. 

Climbing 

When it comes to alpine pursuits, ease of movement comes first. Think about trim fits; your clothing should let you reach, high-step, and move unencumbered, but it shouldn’t be so loose that it bunches up or blocks your view of your feet. Look for climbing pants with articulated knees, gussets in the crotch, and cinches around the ankles. All these features help keep your clothing out of the way as you climb. Also, make sure the waistband of your pants sits comfortably even under your climbing harness.

When trying on shirts or jackets for climbing, make sure you can reach both arms overhead without any tightness across the chest or shoulders. Many climbers also prefer shirts that are long enough to tuck beneath a harness.  

Size-inclusive climbing brands

• Rab makes pants, shirts, and outerwear tailored for long arms and torsos (ideal for tall or lanky climbers).
• Misty Mountain is a great source for bigger harnesses—they come up to size 3XL and are adjustable to expand even further. 
• Eddie Bauer makes technical apparel—including leggings, jackets and pants—up to 3X. 

Hiking 

The good news is that you can hike in just about anything. That said, technical hiking apparel can make a big difference on longer-mileage days. That’s because one of the chief complaints among hikers of all sizes is chafing. If you’re finding raw patches along your underarms or inner thighs, your clothing might be to blame. 

In cooler seasons: If you plan to hike in a jacket or sweater, or otherwise won’t have much air movement to help dry your skin, look for snug-fitting base layers. These are more likely to stay put without bunching or chafing as you hike. Plus, to wick moisture, the fabric must be flush against your skin. This is especially critical during winter, when dampness can leave you chilled. 

For hiking pants, make sure you’re choosing water-resistant, durable materials. The fit should be loose enough to let you lunge and high-step without restriction (articulated knees and a gusseted crotch can help). Check that the seams don’t run across your inner thighs or anywhere else that could cause uncomfortable rubbing. 

As with tops, base-layer bottoms will work best if they’re just snug enough to stay put without impairing circulation. 

In the summer: Though trim-fitting shirts are best at wicking moisture, you can often get away with looser fits in the summer if you want a little more air flow. Make sure you choose a shirt that provides enough coverage to protect your shoulders from the sun (and from rubbing backpack straps). Many hikers prefer shirts that are long enough to tuck beneath their pack’s hip belt. Also, check that your hip belt feels comfortable and compatible with the waistband of whatever shorts or pants you plan to wear.

Size-inclusive hiking brands

• Athleta produces women’s workout wear from size XXS to 3X. 
• Alpine Parrot specifically makes outdoor gear for ladies size 14 to 24.
• Columbia goes up to 3X for both men and women.
• Outdoor Research makes clothing from size XXS to 3X, and their pants come in short, regular and long sizes.

Considerations for packs 

The straps of your hiking pack should rest lightly against the tops of your shoulders, and the hip belt should securely wrap the tops of your hip bones. (If you’re not sure if your pack fits properly, ask your local outdoor shop to professionally size or adjust it.) 

Size-inclusive pack brands

• Gregory now provides plus sizing for a number of its most popular models.
• Granite Gear’s Perimeter Pack is super adjustable—you can dial in the shoulder width, back-panel length, and hip-belt circumference separately, so it’s easy to find a perfect fit.

Biking  

Cycling is all about repetitive motion, and you’ll be most comfortable in a kit that won’t shift or chafe as you’re riding. Those ergonomics make fit especially important.

For road cycling, look for a kit that’s form-fitting but not compressive. The leg bands of your bibs or shorts should sit firmly around the thighs without squeezing, and the chamois should sit flush against your body (a saggy crotch can catch on the bike seat when you stand in the saddle). 

For any kind of biking, make sure you have a wicking base layer. It should be long enough to cover your lower back when you’re bent over on a bike, but not so long that it catches on the seat.

Size-inclusive biking brands  

• Pearl iZUMi makes bike shorts and bibs from XS to XXL
• Cosmic Dirt was founded by a full-figured mountain biker and makes shirts from size XS to 4X (plus-size MTB pants are in the works.)

Water Sports  

Whether you’re practicing your cannonball, carrying a paddleboard, or getting tossed around in the surf, you’re going to want a swimsuit that stays put. That means a snug fit, high-quality materials, and good coverage. For women, higher-waisted bottoms and supportive tops are a must. If you need a wetsuit for paddling, make sure you find one that’s comfortably snug. Too tight, and it will impair your mobility. Too loose, and the gaps will fill with water, sapping warmth. 

Size-inclusive swimwear

• Belle Curves makes sporty one- and two-piece suits up to 5XL. 
• Truli will help you choose a wetsuit size based on your custom measurements. 
• GRNSTR, based in Australia, makes three-season wetsuits in fun prints up to size 18. 

All articles are for general informational purposes.  Each individual’s needs, preferences, goals and abilities may vary.  Be sure to obtain all appropriate training, expert supervision and/or medical advice before engaging in strenuous or potentially hazardous activity.