If you are looking for a Patagonia jacket, you are going to want it to fit well. If the style you want doesn’t run true to size, you need to know what before purchasing. So, is it true that Patagonia runs small?
Generally, Patagonia does run small. Most of their jackets are meant to be form-fitting, so you’ll want to size up if you want a looser fit. The same goes for pants – most styles are designed to be snug around the waist and legs. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
To help you find the right size Patagonia, we’ve put together this quick guide.
Why Does Patagonia Run Small?
Patagonia is sized this way because their clothing is meant to be snug and provide warmth. Rather than fit over a thick sweater, Patagonia is designed to be a more tailored fit that helps hold in your body heat. If you’re looking for a looser fit, we recommend sizing up.
What Size Patagonia Do I Need?
To figure out what size Patagonia to get, you’ll need to know your measurements. For jackets and pants, measure the chest, waist, and inseam. For jackets know your bust, waist and hip circumference.
Once you have your measurements, use the sizing chart on the Patagonia website to determine what size will work for you best.
You can find a general sizing recommendation on the page for any item on their site. Right above the button where you can add an item to your cart, you’ll find the guide that has a sizing chart.
For instance, on the page for this Nano Puffacket, the “Size & Fit” section says the item fits true to size, but you may as well check those measurements to be sure. On the sizing chart, you can compare your measurements against what is listed for any given size and choose your jacket based upon that.
What If My Patagonia Jacket Is Too Small?
If your jacket is too small, you may need to go up a size. It’s important to note that Patagonia brand does run small, so if you’re in between sizes or have never ordered from the company before, it’s best to size up.
If you can’t return the item for some reason, you can always sell it on the secondhand market and try again. Patagonia also has a “Worn Wear” section where you can trade in your too-small jackt and even give ordering another try without spending full price.
Can I Shrink a Patagonia Jacket That Is Too Big?
You can always try to shrink a Patagonia jacket that is too big, but it doesn’t work for all styles. If you’ve got a sweater-like jacket, you can absolutely shrink that, especially if it is wool. But be very careful because wool shrinks up fast.
A fleece can shrink, too. But don’t put it on high heat because, depending on how hot your dryer gets, you can melt the fibers of the fabric.
If you’re trying to shrink a polyester-fill jacket, that is more difficult. You don’t want to put those on high-heat because you can melt the outer shell. If your polyester Patagonia is too big, consider giving it away, putting it on Worn Wear or just layering up underneath when it’s really cold out there.
How Do You Take Accurate Measurements for a Jacket Fit?
To get a good jacket fit, you have to take your measurements right. Here is how to do it:
- Measure your chest at the fullest part of your bust, keeping the measuring tape parallel to the floor.
- Round up to the nearest inch and write this number down
- Measure your waist circumference where you usually wear your pants, again keeping the measuring tape parallel to the floor.
- Again, round up and write down the number
- Measure your hips at their fullest part and again, round up to the nearest inch
Compare all of these numbers against Patagonia size charts to determine what size you need.
What If My Measurements Fall Between Sizes?
If your measurements fall between sizes, go with the larger size. For jackets especially, it is much easier to wear a larger size than it is to shrink clothes in the wash.
If you are unsure about sizing, visit the Patagonia help center for more information.