I started with a Women's petite XL, but that was way too short. Then I bought the regular XL, and that was too short on my waist too. There was no real overlap with the pants of this set, which I own and fit fine. Now, I am a quite short person (5'2"), So I wonder why this jacket was cut so short when one would want the combination to be weatherproof. I reluctantly returned the 2nd jacket and that was it. Other than being cut like a true jacket, less than like a parka length, It was lovely and had many lovely features - many internal pockets, was well built...
Ordered this jacket in a medium and it was too tight to wear anything underneath it. I exchanged it for a large and it fit better with room for something underneath. I just came back from a walk in 32 degree windy weather (wind chill 19 degrees!) I had my Ascent Polartec Fleece Jacket underneath and didn't feel ANY wind come through! I love this jacket and can't wait to try it in the rain. It is a little noisy but the performance of this jacket outweighs that.
This is a very nice item - well made and high quality. Definitely a good deal at the clearance price. After reading the other reviews, I decided to order a size up from my usual Petite Medium. For me, though, this was a mistake - the jacket was huge, even with a thick fleece and sweater underneath. So, I am returning it for a Medium. Wish there was more consistency with Bean's sizing, but at least there is a great returns policy.
I bought this jacket in red mainly to use boating and sailing. I really need to stay dry on a boat. I tried on many different brands in all price ranges, and all types of foul-weather gear, and found this to be the most comfortable, and least noisy. I am able to wear my heavy winter fleece jacket underneath as I got a size bigger than my regular size to accommodate the fleece. It will be great for winter outdoor activities too. Without the fleece, it fits very nicely also.
