Brands for petite women

dave_g

dave_g

Ultralighter
I'm getting my new partner into the outdoors and struggling to find brands which do XXS / size 6. She's 5ft1.

Current item top of the list to buy is a waterproof shell (I think softshell would go down better as her first).

Rob Kinetic Alpine looks nice and in sales with 50% off off but only down to size 8.

Does anyone have any experience with smaller sizes? Arcteryx seem to do XXS but only with certain items and for £££.

Thank you!

P.S. I seem to remember seeing you were petite @cathyjc? ☺
 
el manana

el manana

Thru Hiker
Would Rab Size 8 not be okay? - has she tried any on?

My wife is 5ft and under 8st and fits Rab, Montane etc in their smallest sizes. Shes also has Mountain Hardwear and Mammut tops.

e.g.
Waterproof jacket: Montane Neoshell
Insulation: Rab Alpha Direct jacket, Rab Flux zip pullon.

Pants can sometimes be a problem but has Rohan and Montane Terra Alpine in 8 Short. Rohan tops fit really well.

Children sizes are always a first port of call.
 
cathyjc

cathyjc

Thru Hiker
dave_gowenlock said:
I'm getting my new partner into the outdoors and struggling to find brands which do XXS / size 6. She's 5ft1.

Current item top of the list to buy is a waterproof shell (I think softshell would go down better as her first).

Rob Kinetic Alpine looks nice and in sales with 50% off off but only down to size 8.

Does anyone have any experience with smaller sizes? Arcteryx seem to do XXS but only with certain items and for £££.

Thank you!

P.S. I seem to remember seeing you were petite @cathyjc? ☺
Click to expand...
I'm 5'4" and fit a 10 -12 (depending :bag: ) - so nowhwre near as petite as your partner.
When I was younger and less "plump" I used to use kids clothes - C&A were a good shop - but now not in the UK.
I would also say don't worry about outddors clothes being a bit big - it's not a fashion parade (or shouldn't be) and a waterproof with extra space for layers is a better option anyway.
Trousers can be taken up but watch out for those that have zips/gathering at the ankle .
 
Diddi

Diddi

Thru Hiker
It's a shame you hadn't posted this a few days earlier as I have just given away a Mammut pac lite waterproof jacket that the Mrs didn't like as it was a little tight.

Replaced with one of these Montane Jackets
Size 8

She's 5"2 ish and any bigger it would be kinda baggy and any smaller there would have been no room for a warm layer.

Failing a Montane/Rab/Haglofs size 8 you would be better with kids sizing as said.
 
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Jaco

Jaco

Ultralighter
How about Japanese? Montbell seem to be highly regarded, they have 'Japanese' (i.e. smaller) sizing as well as western, and they ship internationally. Also, any reason to visit Tokyo is a good one!
 
Peterbob67

Peterbob67

Trail Blazer
My partner is 5' 0" and size 6, so very similar - she's more into running but I know has Montbell... but I'll ask her for he thoughts and get back to you.
 
Peterbob67

Peterbob67

Trail Blazer
"My recommendations for a waterproof are

RAB size XS ( size 8 ) fit nicely on me as their sizes are on the small side . especially like the “ Phantom Jacket “ as its very lightweight and roomy enough to wear a mid layer underneath.
Also the “ vapour rise “ is a staple !

Generally,

Don’t be put off by trying XS ( if there's no XXS )

I think RAB fit best for XS ( size 8 ) as the cut is deffo on the smaller side.

Also Hagloffs XS are worth a look

Arcteryx XXS fit well but too expensive!

Patagonia are deffo on the big side so I’d keep away!"

Hope this helps!
 
dave_g

dave_g

Ultralighter
Thank you all so much for your ideas and suggestions.

I was reluctant to try in store then buy online, however didn't want to have to order loads of items and return all but one.

In the end we settled on trying an XS Rab Kinetic Alpine, half price plus extra 10% off thanks to forum discount, and some Montane Dart t-shirts in XXS (only £9 after discount!).

I have a Macpac Nitro in S on the way (hoping OK as they fit small) from a friend visiting NZ and might round out with a Montane Proteus waffle grid fleece as a more wind resistant mid later.

Looking forward to trying them on as planning for first real trip later in the year is underway :) Will update afterwards here in case useful for others in future.

Thank you again all for your help, I'm very grateful for this forum :)
 
el manana

el manana

Thru Hiker
My wife just bought a MH Airmesh Hoody in XS and it fits fine, pretty much the same as the picture.

AirMesh_Hoody_2_1200x.jpg

Also ordered the S but it was too big.
 
dave_g

dave_g

Ultralighter
So in the end the Patagonia Capilene merino T in XS, Montane Dart in XXS, Rab Kinetic Alpine in XS and Macpac Nitro in S were all hits.

Thank you everyone, the Sports Shoes discount and sales really helped too. £9 for Darts!! Bring on brighter weather to get out.
 
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