Any Rapha Hardshell owners here?

primalcarl
primalcarl Posts: 579
edited October 2013 in Road buying advice
Today I received my Rapha Hardshell jacket. Unfortunately it's very snug indeed. I own other Rapha jackets but checked the size charts and description and there was no mention about needing to size up. As this is marketed as a winter jacket I thought the cut would be more generous, the product photos show a slightly baggy fit.

How have others found the fit?
www.csimages.info

Comments

  • markmod
    markmod Posts: 501
    Funny I have just bought one too, and I take an xl in Rapha stuff so I purchased an xl and mine feels just a little too loose but I'm sticking with it as I'm looking at layering with it over winter and this will give the room to do that.

    Send it back chap and get the next size up if too racy fit for you.
  • primalcarl
    primalcarl Posts: 579
    I think I am going to send it back. I feel like the michelin man with a jersey underneath! The arm/body is good so I just hope the next size up doesn't feel massive
    www.csimages.info
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    Hmm...I wear my Pro Team Jacket through the winter with just a base layer underneath and I think most folk on here wear their Softshell with just a base too. The Hardshell is an 'everything proof' outer layer so riding it with a jersey underneath might be too much. Try it with just a base layer.
  • Cheshire Cat
    Cheshire Cat Posts: 309
    Due to the ability of the Hard Shell I thought it may be a bit too much for regular riding, especially if you want to get a shift on, therefore I got myself a Race Cape. A base layer is enough under that, as it is still very warm, expect the Hard Shell to be even warmer, so going with previous advice, try it with just a base layer or light jersey.
    “Faster, Faster, until the thrill of speed overcomes the fear of death.” Hunter S Thompson
  • markmod
    markmod Posts: 501
    I have been wearing it with sleeveless Lycra base layer underneath but as temp drops I am going long sleeve merino layer under at much lower temps. This I'm sure will take up the looseness.
  • primalcarl
    primalcarl Posts: 579
    Maybe, but my first reaction on trying it on with just a base layer on was 'this is a bit tighter than I was expecting'!
    www.csimages.info
  • stueys
    stueys Posts: 1,332
    Hardshell is a great jacket, just a base layer is more than enough unless it drops below 5 degrees, then a jersey as well can be nice.

    It should be slightly snug, otherwise you gain some drag. Order the next size up and send back what doesn't fit.
  • primalcarl
    primalcarl Posts: 579
    I used a discount code that a friend gave me so would probably have to return this jacket to get a replacement for the same price? I'm a 38" chest and only have a t-shirt on in this photo

    photo-7.jpg~original
    www.csimages.info
  • stueys
    stueys Posts: 1,332
    primalcarl wrote:
    I used a discount code that a friend gave me so would probably have to return this jacket to get a replacement for the same price? I'm a 38" chest and only have a t-shirt on in this photo

    photo-7.jpg~original

    To be honest it actually doesn't look that far out. Have you tried sitting on a bike with it on? If it doesn't feel tight on the bike you'll be fine. You only need room for a base layer and jersey underneath, a gilet can always go on top if you need more layers than that (at which point it's heading to south if zero....)
  • Sir Velo
    Sir Velo Posts: 143
    As above looks to be about right for cycling, but if it is to double as a more general jacket and coffee shop clothes then yes maybe the next size up; but the next size up will cost you some watts on the bike. But use it over the winter and then come the spring in race fit gear you will be "flying along".

    Found all my rapha kit to be consistent in fit. Decent length arms and large for a "race fit" (and club night chain gang) but XL for most biking.

    If you have any doubts, change it; can you get into a Raph stockist to try the next size up first?
  • Sir Velo
    Sir Velo Posts: 143
    Perhaps I didn't really answer the question of OP; I don't actually have a hardshell but have tried one and I would choose the same size as my other Rapha kit. So pro-team jacket right fit with just a base layer a bit tight with long sleeve rapha top, Raph rain jacket right fit with long sleeve top (& light weight gilet) but a bit relaxed with just a base layer and a bit tight over a heavy weight gilet.

    I would think the hard shell should be comfortable over a jersey but a bit tight over a heavy weight top.

    SV
  • robbo2011
    robbo2011 Posts: 1,017
    primalcarl wrote:
    I used a discount code that a friend gave me so would probably have to return this jacket to get a replacement for the same price? I'm a 38" chest and only have a t-shirt on in this photo

    photo-7.jpg~original

    In my opinion, that looks all wrong around the arms and shoulders - too baggy. As you are looking at high end gear, have you tried any Assos jackets? I think they might fit you better.

    And Assos is better quality kit than Rapha anyway ;)
  • primalcarl
    primalcarl Posts: 579
    Not a fan of Assos stuff anymore since it all got re-designed and named!

    I think I'd find a large too big. It will be an incentive to get rid of this extra weight I'm carrying maybe!
    www.csimages.info
  • robbo2011
    robbo2011 Posts: 1,017
    What's wrong with names like the iJ.Bonka.6? I think an iJ.shaqUno would be just the ticket for you, sir. :)

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