Finding an Columbia softshell jacket requires that you understands how the size chart relates to the way that the jacket will move when you wear it. Many peoples focus on the chest measurement on the size chart, but the chest measurement isnt the only one that is important for finding the right size for your body. Other measurements that can be taken while wearing the jacket include the measurements that you take when you raise your arm, take a twist with your body at waist level, and reach for a pocket while wearing your backpack.
The infographic include each of these measurements, as well as how each measurement can impact the fit of the Columbia softshell jacket while you are using the jacket. To find the right size for the Columbia softshell jacket, you must take various measurement of your body while you are wearing a thin base layer underneath the jacket. Make sure that you do not take your measurements while wearing a bulky sweater underneath the jacket.
How to Choose the Right Size Columbia Softshell Jacket
The measurements that you need to take include your chest measurements, your waist measurements, and your sleeve length measurements. Because the Columbia softshell jacket is positioned between a fleece and a hardshell jacket, it must allow for some movement from your body when you wear the jacket, but not have so much movement that the jacket allow for the entry of wind into the jacket. The infographic includes these measurements and what size of gap should exist between your body and the measuring tape.
Columbia create its softshell jackets in three different fit styles, and one of the most important factors to consider when purchasing such a jacket is the fit style of the jacket. An athletic cut to the jacket will allow the jacket to fit closely to your body, and is best suited for those who need to move quick and wish to stay light in their outdoor activities. A regular fit to the jacket will allow for versatility in their wearing of the jacket for hiking or other everyday activities, as it will allow for the wearing of a thin midlayer underneath the jacket.
A relaxed fit to the jacket will provide extra room for the shoulders and arms of the wearer, which is ideal for those who want to wear heavy layer underneath the jacket, or for those who desire to have more freedom in the movement of their arms. The infographic includes a comparison between these three different fit styles on each of the Columbia softshell jacket models. The activities that you perform will impact the fit of the jacket that you wear.
For instance, individuals who climb will need extra room to be able to reach overhead, but will not want an excess amount of fabric that can become caught on rocks on the climb. Similarly, individuals who ski will need the ability to incorporate insulation and a ski helmet into their outfit, which may require a different fit than those who climb mountains. The activity guide included in the infographic displays which activities each of the Columbia softshell jacket models can handle.
The protection that the jacket provide will also factor into the choice of size of the Columbia softshell jacket. For instance, if you plan on wearing a fleece underneath the softshell jacket, you may want to order one size up for a regular fit jacket. This will provide the necessary space for the fleece to move underneath the softshell jacket.
Additionally, you can use the jacket both as a midlayer and as an outer shell for your body, and you can add a hardshell jacket to it for added protection during periods of heavy rain. The layering section of the infographic explains both of these functions of the Columbia softshell jacket. To ensure that your softshell jacket continues to last for a long time, you should perform certain maintenance on the jacket.
The durable water-repellent treatment that is applied to the jacket will wear away with time, and will eventually no longer allow for water to bead on the fabric. To re-establish this durable water-repellent treatment, you can wash the softshell jacket with a technical cleaner and tumble dry on a low setting. Additionally, you can apply an annual spray to the jacket to restore the durable water-repellent treatment, especially if the softshell jacket will be used in wet condition.
Performing these steps will ensure that the jacket continues to function in the same way that it was designed for, and will not lose it’s resistance to the elements. Finally, you should try on the Columbia softshell jacket while you are wearing the same layer that you plan to wear when you wear the jacket. You should raise your arms, cross your arms in front of your body, and mimic the movement that you will perform while on a hiking trail.
If the hem of the jacket rides up, or if the shoulder areas of the jacket feel tight, then the size of the jacket may be incorrect for your body. When trying on the jacket, the correct size will move with your body while wearing the jacket, rather than the jacket fight against your movement.
