When purchasing a Columbia fleece jacket, there are two factor that you should consider: how the sizing work for your body type, and how the sizing works for the use of the jacket. Many people select a fleece jacket based on the size that they typically wear, but the size that you may need for different uses of the jacket may be different than the size that you normaly wear. Its use and function in relation to other clothing item determines the fit of a Columbia fleece jacket.
One of the factor that will influence the fit of the jacket is the weight of the fleece. For instance, 100-weight fleeces are the lightest weight of fleece and people typically use them as a base layer. 200-weight fleeces are of intermediate weight and can typically be worn as a single layer under more active circumstance.
How to Choose the Right Size for a Columbia Fleece Jacket
300-weight fleeces are the thickest of the Columbia fleece jackets, providing increased insulation from the cold, but taking up more physical space on the body. If you choose a 300-weight fleece jacket, you may need to take into account that you will need to wear other layers underneath the fleece jacket. The sizing charts for Columbia’s fleece jackets differ according to the type of wearer that the jacket is design for.
Men’s fleece jackets include sizes according to chest and waist measurements. The increments between measurements are all the same, allowing for individuals to determine the size according to the measurement of their chest. Women’s fleece jackets include measurements for the hips of the wearer.
Youth fleece jackets are sized according to age, height, and chest measurement. Each of these size charts make it easier for the individual to purchase the correct size for there body. Another factor that will impact the fit of the fleece jacket is the type of cut that the jacket is available in.
For instance, jackets that are cut in a slim fashion will have less extra fabric than jackets that are cut in a regular or relaxed fit. Slim jackets are typically used under an outer shell, while a regular jacket will allow for the wearing of a base layer, but will not be too baggy when the jacket is worn. A relaxed cut of the jacket will have extra room for the wearer’s chest and shoulders, making it suitable for wearing the jacket alone or over other layer.
These different type of fits are included in the sizing chart for individuals to determine which type of jacket will best suit their intended use of the garment. Columbia’s manufactures different product line of fleece jackets. For instance, the Steens Mountain and the Benton Springs are both 200-weight fleeces, but the Steens Mountain is intended for casual wear, while the Benton Springs is constructed for active wear.
Additionally, 300-weight fleeces, like the Three Lakes and the Tioga Pass, are constructed for colder weather condition due to the extra insulation that they offer. The Glacial Fleece jacket is a lighter weight jacket that can be worn under other layers. The product line of the jacket that you select will impact whether or not you should size up for the layers that you will be wearing with the jacket.
An individual can use a three-layer approach to determine how the jacket will fit into their outfit. The base layer of an outfit is the layer that is in contact with the skin, followed by the fleece jacket, and then the outer shell of the outfit. If an individual is purchasing a fleece jacket to wear alone, the size that is suggested for that individual may be the size that they should wear.
However, if they are to wear layers of clothing in addition to the fleece jacket, they may require that the size of their jacket provides more room for their outfit. Finally, there are certain measurements on the size chart that you should take into consideration for the jacket that you purchase. The length of the sleeves that the jacket contains will allow the wearer to keep their wrists covered when they raise their arms.
The length of the back of the jacket will prevent gap from forming in the back of the wearer when they bend or perform other activities. Both of these measurements is important for the proper functioning of the jacket. Following the care instructions for the jacket will allow it to maintain its quality for the wearer.
The instructions for Columbia fleece jackets are to wash the jacket in cold water, to dry the jacket on low heat, to avoid using bleach on the garment, and to avoid ironing the garment. Following these steps will allow the person to retain the shape and insulation property of their purchased Columbia fleece jacket. You should of checked the label first.
