Brand recommendation for men's winter jacket with roomy armpits?

October 26, 2023 4:01 AM

I'm a medium/large, older guy with a wider than average upper back. It causes armpit pinching in T-shirts and makes layering uncomfortable under jackets without ample armpit room. I went shopping at Patagonia a couple years ago and ended up settling on something oversize. This year I'd like to find something nicely cut without visiting a dozen stores. I'm willing to spend some money but not Arc’teryx-type money. I'd also like to avoid stuff with really obnoxious branding (Moose Knuckle, Canada Goose) T-shirt recommendations welcome too.
posted by brachiopod to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (6 answers total)

Carhartt coats are meant to be worked in and the armpit/shoulder area in mine is quite roomy.
posted by paper chromatographologist at 4:18 AM on October 26, 2023 [1 favorite]

Compared to Patagonia, The North Face tends to be boxy and more square cut, so that might fit you better. I have a (synthetic) puffer from L.L. Bean that's also a bit boxy, but that worked for me because I specifically bought it to layer over my standard soft-shell when I need something windproof and/or an extra bit of insulation. You might also try to look for something designed for climbing, because it may allow for more movement in the arms and not bind up.

For reference: I wear a Medium Tall. Patagonia stuff fits my chest and shoulders well, but the sleeves are much too short and they don't have tall sizes at all. TNF stuff looks too big on me even when it's the right size.
posted by fedward at 9:01 AM on October 26, 2023 [1 favorite]

I’ve got a nice Burton jacket that’s pretty roomy through the underarms, an older version of the Multipass insulated jacket. It has pit zips like you’ll more commonly find in rain jackets, which seem like it might be a big help as long as you’re not in really frigid temperatures, and has a bit of stretch to the jacket overall as well.
posted by duien at 10:06 AM on October 26, 2023

Response by poster: I should've also mentioned I'm allergic to down.

Thanks for the recommendations so far. Leaning towards the Burton.
posted by brachiopod at 10:36 AM on October 26, 2023

As someone that regularly buys Patagonia, Arc’teryx, Outdoor Research and REI are serious outdoor brands, I’ve found offer comparable performance and a step less expensive. They have generous return policies to try out as well.
posted by artificialard at 11:06 AM on October 26, 2023

Response by poster: Thanks for the suggestions. I wound up stopping at a small men's shop while running errands and found something close to a pea-coat. Not what I set out to buy but roomy enough for a sweater without being too sloppy a fit.
posted by brachiopod at 7:46 PM on November 9, 2023