How to Choose Insulated Outerwear

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Conditions change fast and the plus-size Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange 3-in-1 women's jacket is ready. It offers a waterproof/breathable Omni-Tech™ shell and an insulated Omni-Heat™ liner jacket.
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View the Columbia Whirlibird Product LineView all Columbia Women's Synthetic Insulation JacketsBest Use | Snowsports Downhill Skiing Snowboarding |
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Fabric | 72% nylon/28% polyester |
Lining Fabric | Polyester |
Windproof | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | Omni-Tech waterproof breathable fabric |
Insulated | Yes |
Insulation Type | Synthetic |
Warmth | Warmest |
3-in-1 Jacket | Yes |
Hood | Yes |
Ventilation | Pit Zips |
Back Length | Hip-length |
Back Length (in.) | 30 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | Unavailable |
Removable Liner Fabric | Polyester |
Removable Liner Insulation | Thermarator synthetic fibers |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 2 Short | 4 Short | 6 Short | 8 Short | 10 Short | 12 Short | 14 Short | 16 Short | 16W | 18W | 20W | 24W | 22W | |
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Numerical Size | 2 | 4 - 6 | 8 -10 | 12 - 14 | 16 - 18 | 20 | 16W - 18W | 20W - 22W | 24W - 26W | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 2 Short | 4 Short | 6 Short | 8 Short | 10 Short | 12 Short | 14 Short | 16 Short | |||||
Bust | 33.5 | 34.5 - 35.5 | 36.5 - 37.5 | 39 - 40.5 | 42 - 43.5 | 44 - 46 | 43 - 45 | 47 - 49 | 51 - 53 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Waist | 26.5 | 28 - 29 | 30 - 31 | 32.5 - 34 | 35.5 - 37.5 | 38 - 41 | 36 - 38 | 40.25 - 42.5 | 44.75 - 47 | 25.5 - 26.5 | 27.5 - 28.5 | 27.5 - 28.5 | 29.5 - 30.5 | 29.5 - 30.5 | 32 - 33.5 | 32 - 33.5 | 35.5 - 37.5 | 25.5 - 26.5 | 27.5 - 28.5 | 27.5 - 28.5 | 29.5 - 30.5 | 29.5 - 30.5 | 32 - 33.5 | 32 - 33.5 | 35.5 - 37.5 | 36-38 | 36-38 | 40-42 | 44-46 | 40-42 |
Hip | 35.5 | 37 - 38 | 39 - 40 | 41.5 - 43 | 44.5 - 46.5 | 47 - 50 | 46 - 48 | 50 - 52 | 54 - 56 | 34.5 - 35.5 | 36.5 - 37.5 | 36.5 - 37.5 | 38.5 - 40 | 38.5 - 40 | 41.5 - 43 | 41.5 - 43 | 45 - 47 | 34.5 - 35.5 | 36.5 - 37.5 | 36.5 - 37.5 | 38.5 - 40 | 38.5 - 40 | 41.5 - 43 | 41.5 - 43 | 45 - 47 | 45-47 | 45-47 | 49-51 | 53-55 | 49-51 |
Inseam | 29.5 | 29.5 | 29.5 | 29.5 | 29.5 | 29.5 | 29.5 | 29.5 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
Short pant inseam: 29.5
Regular pant inseam: 32
Long pant inseam: 34.5
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Found this while searching for a replacement for my beloved 25+ year old Lowe Alpine, so this was no ordinary search. The bold style was a refreshing standout in a bland cross-vendor field. This one checked all but one of the boxes on my list: pit zips, waterproof, comfortable collar when zipped all the way, hood that will stay on, enough lengh to cover my rear end, adjustable cuffs, comfortable pockets, and not too crunchy-sounding. The only feature missing was a bottom-up zipper, but it still won a feature-to-feature comparison with an NF jacket. After wearing it for about a month now, my favorite aspect is the warmth of the inner jacket; it is surprisingly cozy without being too hot and the cream color is refreshingly elegant. I was not searching for a jacket that separates, but I have found myself wearing the inner coat alone more often than with the shell. I rarely take the time to snap it all back together, but that has not caused any problems. During my curation process, I discovered I needed an XL due to hip size, though it makes the body and the shoulders quite large on me- just something I have to live with. Some in my circle raised an eyebrow at the bold pattern, but those who "get" me loved it. I even had a jogger shout, "love your jacket!" to me as she ran by.
The coat did what it needed to do - kept me warm while doing myriad winter activities. My issues are design related. Picky include no good place for lift tickets - all my previous coats had a small something for that - and no right side pocket on the outer shell to spread out the weight and bulk of pocket contents like wallet, phone, glasses, etc. For plus sized gals, we tend to have larger breasts and to have everything concentrated on the left breast was awkward and uncomfortable. Also, the zipper didn’t work very well - it was way too easy to ‘zip’ it up part way without it fully catching. I also wished the shell could cinch at the waist.
I bought this jacket because I was in desperate need of a waterproof winter jacket that didn't leave a gap for cold air to rush in above my pants. It's a comfortable and warm jacket that was reasonably-priced. I was unsure of my size, but I ordered according to the size chart and the size chart feels pretty accurate. I have narrow shoulders and wide hips, so I did need to size up for my hips, which means the jacket is a little big in the waist and shoulders, but I can still layer if I want. I would love a technical jacket built for measurements that aren't so straight up and down though. You can only use the power skirt if the puffer layer is not zipped in, which is fine. I wore this jacket in 20 degree weather with a fleece and i was warm and comfortable
Both outer & inner layers are light, warm & easily removed. Excellent jacket for cold (with the jacket inside) & warmer weather skiing (if you only wear the shell). Fits great, size Medium gives me room for undelayers. Shell is beautiful and covers my rear so well! Shafer Canyon pants go so well with the Dark Nocturnal Folk Blur print.
Love the versatility of having both the liner and the shell to choose from. The technology of the heat reflective liner is amazing. This jacket kept me so warm! And it’s so stylish.
I love the versatility! I got it as a layering solution for snowshoeing, but unfortunately, my snowshoeing trek was cancelled due to coronavirus. :( So, I've mostly worn the outer shell on its own, as it hasn't gotten really frigid here in the city this winter. But the few occasions on which I've worn with the puffer liner, I've been plenty warm and comfortable. I got the 1X size because I have a large chest, and this fits my chest comfotably, although the sleeves are just a bit longer than I'd prefer. But longish sleeves are much easier to deal with than something too snug around the chest constricting arm movements and squishing me into odd shapes. I"m really happy with my purchase, and look forward to trying it with snowshoeing next year.
[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] I bought this for my November trip to Iceland! Having three coats in one made it a perfect for travel! Being that Iceland is cold and super windy this jacket surpassed my expectations! I was never cold! I stood under waterfalls and I never got wet under the jacket! I climbed glaciers and actually got hot! I highly recommend this jacket for winter sports and activities! I’m 5’8/185 and the XL for perfect!
Bought this 3 days ago I’m typically a medium but can be between sizes to a large. 34DDD 31W 43H 5’8 180lbs. This fit perfect at a Large. I’ll have room to add a light sweater under when I skiing. My next test and review will be when I test it in the cold. But so far beautiful. Oh I got it in the green and it’s stunning.
I bought this coat for Christmas and wore it in Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina in 32 or below temperatures with a thermal and shirt underneath and I was really warm. I’m 5’7” and weigh 110lb and purchased a XS and it fits perfect with a little of room for some layers! In North Carolina and India I went skiing on some slopes and I stay very warm. It was 32 F and 25 F with a wind chill that made it feel like 15 F and I was so warm. I could not feel the chill of the harsh fast winds and I was warm from going down the slopes. At times I was sweating from all the activity. I love the versatile ability to wear one coat or both. It keep me dry after crashing many many times in the snow I didn’t even get wet or feel the cold from the snow. This jacket isn’t restricting and is very easy to do activities in. I love that I can go outside and be active and stay warm! Also, I’m a very cold natured person and it is very hard for me to stay warm but with this jacket I’ve had no problem. I 100% recommend!
Like many other reviewers I was looking for a plus size ski jacket. Unfortunately this is one of very few available - fortunately this is a good one. I haven’t worn the whole she-bang together yet but it’s served me well wearing the inner jacket around town and the shell with a different synthetic insulated coat skiing on a nice blue bird day. The marion berry color is a nice muted wine/plum color, which was a plus in my book. I’m giving this a 4 out of 5 though I honestly don’t know what would be required to give it a five. Anyhow, overall I’m very happy with the purchase! (Side note: the size chart on REI is different than that on the Columbia website. You’ll want to size up if going by the REI measurements.)