Foul weather gear for short people

[Pete Koeniges]

Hi All, Just signed up, though I've been a lurker for years. I've been looking for weather gear">foul weather gear, but the size charts from Gill or West Marine are for regular people. I'm 5'6", 175 lbs with a 34 inch waist. I can get away with a large jacket, but I'm too fat to fit in a medium bib, and too short to fit in a large. Are there companies who cater to the vertically challenged? Or am I making more to this than is necessary?

Thanks.

Pete

[JPA Cate]

Hello, Pete,

Welcome aboard CF.

Get foulies that are comfortable for your girth. You can cut the excess length off, and re-hem them. It won't be perfect, but the idea is to keep you dry, imho, not win fashion contests. What you want is to be able to squat on your heels comfortably in them, as well as kneeling down and crawling.

Ann

[sailing_gal]

Find pants with Velcro closures at the ankles. I am barely 5'2", I rely heavily on velcro to keep pants off the deck.

[boatman61]

Get a proper jacket and use oilskin bottoms which are easily cut to size in the leg.
Not haute couture but effective..

[FionaJC]

I use Gill for best. usually for working rough oilies I find ex Military foul weather tops, they cater for all tallness, girth and hips and don't cost a fortune. I have just bough a Royal Navy Goretex which has reflective panels, virtually new for £26 ($36).

Go and try some on and work out what fits. I have winter and autumn oilies. My partner is 224 and 5' 8" so he wears 2XL tops and trousers and he doesnt seem to have a problem finding them. It also depends on what type of use. Winter ocean - get the best you CANT afford, Winter Coastal - Get the best you CAN afford and work from there.

In the summer I wear a thin breathable pack away like this, any rain or spray is usually welcome then.

[oleman]

Custom tailor, a fitting wardrobe is NOT only for the rich.

[Farr horizons]

I too struggle with the length on wet weather gear. If you cut them off the knee patches end up around you shines. Take a look at Tridentuk.com custom made sailing suites and bib tops. I haven't tried them yet but the next set of gear I will.