A jacket that fits like a second skin is invaluable for sending your projects. Follow these adjustment tips to get a dialed-in athletic fit for any climbing scenario.
To climb your very best, your softshell jackets for men need to move with you flawlessly. An imprecise fit can limit your ability to high step, reach, or crimp. Here’s what we’ll cover to get the ideal tailored fit:
Identifying areas that impede movement
Strategic sizing up or down
Making length and sleeve adjustments
Modifying hem and hood shape
Seam and side panel tweaks
Material considerations for stretch
Don’t settle for a jacket that restricts your climbing. With a few easy tweaks, you can customize the fit for full mobility on the rock.
Check the Range of Motion and Identify Binding Areas
Try on your jacket and assess where it may limit you during certain climbing moves. Note locations like the shoulders, underarms, and torso length that could use more room.
Target areas where fabric pulls, compresses, or restricts. Look for:
The shoulder seams hitting the wrong spot
Tightness through chest and lats when reaching
Bunching, pinching, or pulling across the back
Binding around the biceps when the arm is fully extended
Use paper clips to mark spots needing more space. This helps envision modifications for the optimal fit.
Size Up or Down Strategically
If your jacket is tight in some areas but loose in others, sizing up or down may help. Size up for more room through the shoulders and torso. Size down to reduce bulk and length.
Depending on your body type, sizing:
Up accommodates wider frames and athletic builds
Down works better for slim frames with less muscle mass
Try the same model jacket in multiple sizes to find the best starting point for customization.
Adjust Length and Sleeves for Your Arms
Arm mobility is crucial for climbing. Ensure sleeve length allows full extension without pulling at the shoulders.
For length:
Size down to prevent bunching and expose wrist bone
Size up and trim longer sleeves to fit the harness without riding up
To set sleeves:
Measure the arm bent at 90 degrees from the shoulder point
Mark the underside of the sleeve at the wrist bone
Hem to sit 1/2 inch above mark so sleeves raise as arms lift
Tailor the Hem, Hood, and Side Panels
Beyond overall sizing, you can tweak specific areas of the jacket:
Hem - Square off the hem for more coverage when reaching up or raising for harness access.
Hood - Size to fit a helmet and trim for peripheral vision on lead.
Side panels - Let out side panel seams if tight through lats and chest.
Get creative modifying features to suit your physique and climbing style. The goal is no restriction, just free movement.
Consider Stretch Woven and Softshell Materials
More technical fabrics provide a better range of motion. Look for:
Stretch wovens with spandex added
Softshells using polyester blends
The mechanical stretch from textured weaves
A four-way stretch is ideal for full mobility. Test different material blends to find one that moves fluidly.
With some strategic adjustments, you can achieve the custom fit needed to send without hindrance.
Don't accept anything less than a jacket tailored to allow complete freedom of motion up the wall. Climbing is all about fit, comfort, and mobility.
コメント