Where do I find plus size Waterproof Jackets?
by Richelle Olsen, Founder of Escaping Your Comfort Zone, Body Positive Adventures.
We have seen it all before, outdoor clothing brands making the decision that women over a size 14 or 16 clearly never, EVER go into the great outdoors, therefore never actually need real outdoor clothing that fits their bodies (insert the sarcasm font here!) And if you are reading this, I'm pretty certain you know first hand that this is utter rubbish. The outdoors don't care what size we are, so please, PLEASE let us find outdoor clothes that fit us and keep us safe, warm and dry!
And I would love to say right now, stop! I have the solution! But the truth is, I don't really. After establishing the world's first body positive hiking group, Escaping Your Comfort Zone, over 6 years ago, I have been on the search for that elusive brand. The brand that believes bigger bodies have as much right to get outdoors comfortably, as anyone else. And I found just one, check out Plus Outdoors below, a Melbourne based brand, sizes up to 28, with an amazing customer service focus. But otherwise, there are a few other brands that are starting to take us seriously, and are expanding small parts of their ranges up to a size 24/26. There is a long way to go to be truly size inclusive, but I’m super pumped to be able to point you in a few different directions finally!
So here's the result of my research on waterproof jackets. Yes this is an Aussie based list, but you will see there’s products from all over the world, many of which can be shipped to Australia (and other places) - and some that can’t (yet).
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What should you look for in a Waterproof Jacket?
Lets not kid ourselves, there are plenty of others who are much better placed than me to tell you all the differences between the variety of waterproof jackets. Like the team at Wild Earth, so check out their blog All You Need to Know About Rain Jackets.
But in a quick summary, if you are hiking in the bush, where you are more than an hour from a hot shower, or from help in an emergency, where possible you are best to get a waterproof/breathable jacket, usually made of gortex, pertex, eVent or similar, these are also the highest in price.
The next best jacket is one that is water resistant/breathable, whilst it won’t stand up to 4hours of torrential rain, it will protect you from showers, and will be plenty for short walks close to home.
It is possible to buy non-breathable jackets, these are generally the cheapest, whilst they might protect you from rain, if you are moving about, you may get wetter from the condensation coming from your body than the rain!
Tips to avoid getting wet on the inside of your jacket
The coldest I have ever been is when I have sweated in a jacket, and the sweat has cooled down, and chilled me from the inside out. This is a horrible experience, and I don’t recommend it, so here’s some of my tips for avoiding the dreaded condensation on the inside of your jacket:
Buy a jacket that has vented underarms, this is usually zips that run up into your armpit, that you can open to release some body heat. Game changer!
Wear a merino (or similar) long sleeved base layer, this will soak up perspiration, and disperse it. Having long sleeves also stops your skin from sticking to the inner arms of your jacket.
Wear your zip partially or fully down. Many jackets also have a double zip, which allows you to unzip it from the bottom too, unzip it enough to make you feel comfortable.
Some chest pockets or hand pockets double as vents, so opening a pocket will allow more excess warmth to escape, keeping you dry.
Do not wear too many non-breathable clothes underneath your jacket. Caro from Lotsafreshair has some marvelous advice about layering, in her Best Clothes for Hiking blog, definitely worth a read!
Plus size waterproof jackets - the brands
I know that’s what you are here for - to find out which waterproof jackets will fit, and keep you dry and warm. Here’s my picks:
Plus Outdoor- Womens & Mens up to size 28/7XL
Plus Outdoor is where you get the best size range (up to 28/7XL in some brands), at the highest quality, with excellent pre and post sale service. (You might even see some EYCZ faces on the Plus Outdoor website haha!) EYCZ has been working closely with Mon and the team at Plus Outdoor to get the best variety, in the right sizes for bigger bodies. They are a local Melbourne business, with gear that goes up to a size 28/7XL, an a range of brands, some you may have heard of, and some not, names like XTM, Raiski and Halti, with more to come soon. They also have plenty of detail on waterproof and breathability ratings. And whilst they are an online business, they know how important it is to try things on, so have a personalised shopping assistant, and a brilliant returns policy. Mon is passionate about getting mainstream brands to offer larger sizing, and we love helping with this. I personally have the Raiski Fuchu longline, its stretchy and adjustable, but has a soft fabric which does'n’t feel like it would be waterproof, but trust me, its been tested with a backpack in days and days of torrential rain in Tasmania, and it’s the most waterproof (and breathable) jacket I have ever owned. It also covers my butt, which I love for warmth. I also have the Raiski Islind, and love this one as it packs down small to leave in my pack for whenever I need it. Special for EYCZ followers - 5% off everything (with an additional 5% going towards the running of our group!) Use the code "EYCZ2022" to get the discount!
Plus Outdoor also has a sister store for you ski bums - Plus Snow, with the same amazing size range for women and men. Worth a look there too!
Macpac
Not quite an Aussie brand, but from our neighbours Macpac across the ditch in New Zealand, I have always been a fan, but have always been disappointed at the lack of plus sizing. Well you will be pleased to know that after some brilliant consultation with many of our EYCZ members, where we got to tell them exactly what we need in a jacket to fit our larger bodies (ie. lots of adjustable bits!), Macpac now stock up to size 24 in a limited range of adventure gear. This is the Mistral Jacket which now comes up to a size 24. I’ve tried this one on, and its a good quality jacket, with plenty of adjustments. Macpac also list their waterproof and breathability ratings. And as a bonus, they have stores all over Australia and New Zealand, so you can actually try them on!
Hot tip: Here’s all of the limited range at Macpac that goes up to a size 24 (including down jackets, vests, fleeces and pants)
Snowgum
So just because Snowgum stores closed a few years ago, it doesn’t mean they disappeared, they now live online. And have some brilliant workhorse wet weather gear, at reasonable prices. My pick of the bunch is the Cloudburst jacket (also comes in rain pants). This is the jackets that Scouts Australia use for their members, and are not dissimilar to what you may have had as a teenager on outdoor ed camps. Best bit though, is they go up to a size 5XL, with a chest measurement of 160cms. The jacket appears pretty customisable in terms of plenty of adjustments, and has some stretch in it. At 850grams for the size M, this isn’t a lightweight jacket, but will serve you amazingly well on those days where the jacket will spend more time on you than in your pack. And a very reasonable price at $99.
They also have the Rainbird Stowaway spray jackets too, up to 5XL, in a range of colours. I cannot comment on this product as I haven’t tried it, but it has good waterproof and breathability ratings. From my experience these low cost stowaway jackets are good for light showers, when you are close to the car, or close to help in an emergency, and to keep in the bottom of your pack. Note that these go up to 5XL, however their size guide only goes to 3XL, so I’m not certain of the actual measurements of the 5XL. And a bargain at $59.
Anaconda
If you have been into an Anaconda store lately, you will see they have definitely upped their game on plus size clothing for both men and women. They label them “Extended sizes” and generally put them on a dedicated rack, you just need to find it in-store. The only brands they stock in plus sizes are their own brands, Gondwana and Cape, and they have a range of designs (albiet in mostly black or dull colours, but its a start. Just don’t start me on their range of cotton/flowery/shapeless tshirts and long sleeve shirts, urgh!). The Gondwana Elendale Rain Jacket looks comfortable, has waterproof and breathability ratings, and goes up to a size 24. Though un-helpfully, the size guide only goes to a size 20, so unless you are keen to guess, it might be a head instore and try on activity. They also offer great deals to members, and membership is free, so make sure you sign up to get the best deal.
Mountain Warehouse
Mountain Warehouse is a UK based, online outdoors retailer, who ship to Australia for only $14 (or free for orders over $140), and are frequently having sales! They also have an Aussie address for returns, making it cheap, quick and easy. They are very budget friendly, and great for those first starting out, and trying hiking specific gear.
Just looking today, with a filter on sizes 22-28, and it looks like they have extended their plus size range of waterproof jackets in a big way. Please note these sizes are UK sizes, so please make sure you use the measurements to choose your size. For reference size 28 has a chest measurement of 143cms. Check out all the womens waterproof jackets that go up to size 28 here.
Colombia Plus Size
Colombia is a brand known for high quality, outdoors gear, based in the US. In the past few years it has released a line of plus size women's outdoor gear, the first of the major outdoor brands to do so. Many stores in Australia stock Colombia gear, but unfortunately not the plus sizes (go figure). But there is a solution, many of the plus size items are available on Amazon Australia. For reference the largest plus size is 3X, with a chest measurement of 134cm.
Ponchos
Can’t find a waterproof jacket to fit? Or need something to stash in the bottom of your pack “for a rainy day” (boom boom!) Then a poncho may be your answer. Check out this range from Wild Earth.
In its most basic form, a rain poncho is a rectangular piece of waterproof fabric or plastic with an opening in the middle. Your head goes through the opening and the fabric drapes over your body. There are no sleeves. Most rain ponchos have a hood sewn around the opening to keep the rain off of your head. Ponchos fit loosely. They are usually one-size-fits-all. Mid-range and higher-end ponchos offer additional features to add comfort and versatility. For example, some ponchos are made from waterproof breathable fabric to help vent sweat. Some offer zippered vents as well. Some ponchos feature sleeves to help keep your arms dry. They are best used for warm or tropical conditions, where warmth is not required. There is a great list of pro’s and cons about the use of ponchos here.
Check out this range of ponchos from Wild Earth, with prices between $15 and $161.
Outdoor Research
New to the extended sizing game, Outdoor Research has spent the time listening to their customers in bigger bodies. Though unfortunately for us Aussies, they don’t ship to Australia, and the stockists in Australia don’t yet stock the plus sizes. Lets hope that changes soon. But for everyone else, go immerse yourself in some of the best gear on the market. Note their 3X has a 140cm chest.
In their words “At Outdoor Research, we make products designed to get people outdoors. And we believe that the more people who get outside, the better we, and the world, will be.
For too long, we heard stories from athletes who told us that a lack of technical apparel was preventing them from skiing, climbing, and pursuing their passions. Outdoor Research Ambassador Bennett Rahn was stopped short when she couldn’t find technical climbing pants in her size for a Single Pitch Instructor Course, an item on the required gear list.
Another Ambassador Megan Banker was turned off from the entire sport of skiing when a shop employee told her “your calves are just too big.” People who have found plus size winter clothes that fit are often compromising on function. Until now, there’s been no apparel made for this market that both stands up to technical demands and fits and feels great. These stories are the reason we began our journey.
If you believe that the outdoors is better when shared by all, join us in the journey to creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive outdoor community.”
Do you have a place where you buy your plus size waterproof jackets that you want to share? I'd love you to comment in the comments section, as the more options we have the easier it is to get outside!
Or do you struggle to find waterproof jackets in your size, please, PLEASE comment as it will arm us with further proof to outdoor retailers that we are here, with money to buy outdoor gear, if only they came in our sizes!!!
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