Nils Esparza

How to choose your down jacket size?

A down jacket that fits well means warmth + a clean silhouette. The goal: fit shoulders, chest circumference, and length without restricting movement.

1) quick guidelines

Shoulders: the seam sits right at the acromion (not on the biceps).
Chest: zip closed, you can slide a flat hand under the jacket.
Length: short (hip) = mobility; mid/long = maximum protection.
Sleeves: cover the wrist bone without excessive “wrinkling”.

2) volume tolerance depending on use

city / daily: slim or regular fit → less air, clean silhouette.
outdoor / extreme cold: regular fit → room for a mid-layer (fleece/hoodie).
fashion oversize: take your size if the cut is already voluminous; one size up if you want a true loose effect.

3) fitting check

mobility: cross your arms, raise them above your head → no pulling.
collar/hood: collar snug without choking, hood follows the head without blocking vision.
zip & pockets: close without tension around belly/chest.

4) traps to avoid

choosing too large “for warmth” → air escapes at bottom/wrists;
sleeves too long that break the look;
model too tight: filling compresses, losing insulation.

FAQ

1) I’m between two sizes: go up or down?

City/daily → go down (clean fit). Outdoor/layering → go up (freedom of movement).

2) How to choose if I often wear a hoodie underneath?

Take regular or half/one size up if the down jacket is close-fitting.

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