Pearl Izumi Women's Optik Jacket

Anonymous - 2009-11-20

Large in Fall 2007 version narrower than other season Large
This is a sizing update to my "finally found the one" review here. The Large Moab women's optik jacket I just ordered from Altrec is about two inches narrower than the fit I described in my other review, which described a White Pearl Large women's optik I ordered elsewhere. The Altrec item showed "Fall 2007" season on the neck tag, whereas my other jacket had a different clear plastic sort of neck tag that didn't indicate which season model it was. The Altrec Fall 2007 version measured exactly 40" in circumference at the level of the underarm seam where the sleeve joins with the body, whereas my other Large measured 42" at the same location. My 39" bust (that's without taking a deep breath) did not really fit in the Fall 2007 version without showing an unattractive pulling across the chest and uncomfortable constriction in the shoulders when I put my arms forward as if cycling. Also, when I moved at all, the bottom slipped up to bunch at the top of my hips a bit, which didn't happen with my 'larger' Large ... and I'm not a wide or hip-py person relatively speaking. Anyway, the Moab is gorgeous, a bright marigold color, and I hated sending it back. So if you're not pushing the upper boundaries of the attached size chart for Large, you should go for this item.

Was this Pearl Izumi Optik Jacket Review Helpful? - Yes - No

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Anonymous - 2009-11-20

finally found the one
Love this jacket - just purchased my second one - and I searched long and hard before finding the right fit in an amazingly packable 3 oz jacket. SIZING: A Large fits me perfectly. I'm a tad over 5'7. 145 lbs. Broad shoulders, busty (34D) but otherwise slim-ish (hips 38", waist 30 1/2"). I tried similar jackets in other brands, even other Pearl Izumi lightweight jackets, in mens and womens. They were either too tight in the chest and shoulders or they were too baggy in the body. So if you're shaped like me and looking for a fitted cycling jacket that easily fits in your jersey pocket or saddlebag, you're in luck. I've worn it twice and got rained on for 10 minutes today. the water really beaded up on it and didn't soak thru, so it works well, at least for limited duration showers. I bought it because I wanted something I can fit in a jersey pocket that lets me adjust warmth on a ride with variable temperatures (which is every ride, right?). I have the white with black - looks sharp (and just ordered moab). I have slim forearms, but can only push the sleeves up 5" or so because the wrist elastic won't stretch much. I've always found that a curious constraint on athletic gear since you often need to adjust venting constantly. I can overlook this limitation. lightweight full front zip, but no back zip pocket (unless you buy a more recent model, not likely on sale). that's fine - i want less bulk in this and would rather use my jersey for pockets. The jacket has a 3x3" mesh interior pocket, for stuffing the jacket, that would fit a key and credit card/dollars. The reflective logos are tiny - don't count on them for your entire visibility ;-) Overall, highly recommend this.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No

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Lisa Johnson - 2008-07-19

Buy this Jacket!!
I recently wore this in a duathelon and it was perfect. It was so light, pretty and very packable. I agree 100% recommended.

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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> Read All 9 Reviews

Anonymous - 2009-11-20

Large in Fall 2007 version narrower than other season Large
This is a sizing update to my "finally found the one" review here. The Large Moab women's optik jacket I just ordered from Altrec is about two inches narrower than the fit I described in my other review, which described a White Pearl Large women's optik I ordered elsewhere. The Altrec item showed "Fall 2007" season on the neck tag, whereas my other jacket had a different clear plastic sort of neck tag that didn't indicate which season model it was. The Altrec Fall 2007 version measured exactly 40" in circumference at the level of the underarm seam where the sleeve joins with the body, whereas my other Large measured 42" at the same location. My 39" bust (that's without taking a deep breath) did not really fit in the Fall 2007 version without showing an unattractive pulling across the chest and uncomfortable constriction in the shoulders when I put my arms forward as if cycling. Also, when I moved at all, the bottom slipped up to bunch at the top of my hips a bit, which didn't happen with my 'larger' Large ... and I'm not a wide or hip-py person relatively speaking. Anyway, the Moab is gorgeous, a bright marigold color, and I hated sending it back. So if you're not pushing the upper boundaries of the attached size chart for Large, you should go for this item.

Was this Pearl Izumi Optik Jacket Review Helpful? - Yes - No

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Anonymous - 2009-11-20

finally found the one
Love this jacket - just purchased my second one - and I searched long and hard before finding the right fit in an amazingly packable 3 oz jacket. SIZING: A Large fits me perfectly. I'm a tad over 5'7. 145 lbs. Broad shoulders, busty (34D) but otherwise slim-ish (hips 38", waist 30 1/2"). I tried similar jackets in other brands, even other Pearl Izumi lightweight jackets, in mens and womens. They were either too tight in the chest and shoulders or they were too baggy in the body. So if you're shaped like me and looking for a fitted cycling jacket that easily fits in your jersey pocket or saddlebag, you're in luck. I've worn it twice and got rained on for 10 minutes today. the water really beaded up on it and didn't soak thru, so it works well, at least for limited duration showers. I bought it because I wanted something I can fit in a jersey pocket that lets me adjust warmth on a ride with variable temperatures (which is every ride, right?). I have the white with black - looks sharp (and just ordered moab). I have slim forearms, but can only push the sleeves up 5" or so because the wrist elastic won't stretch much. I've always found that a curious constraint on athletic gear since you often need to adjust venting constantly. I can overlook this limitation. lightweight full front zip, but no back zip pocket (unless you buy a more recent model, not likely on sale). that's fine - i want less bulk in this and would rather use my jersey for pockets. The jacket has a 3x3" mesh interior pocket, for stuffing the jacket, that would fit a key and credit card/dollars. The reflective logos are tiny - don't count on them for your entire visibility ;-) Overall, highly recommend this.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No

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Lisa Johnson - 2008-07-19

Buy this Jacket!!
I recently wore this in a duathelon and it was perfect. It was so light, pretty and very packable. I agree 100% recommended.

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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Andrea S - 2008-07-09

great light jacket!
This one is perfect for biking and running. Its so light it barely takes up any room at all, looks great and has a great feminine fit.

Was this Pearl Izumi Optik Jacket Review Helpful? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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Virginia Burton - 2007-10-30

Lovely
This jacket is so light and lovely. Fabric texture and color are nice for their feel and appearance. Construction is top of the line...versatile, where it as top layer over lighter clothes or under layer beneath heavier top. My satisfaction with he top has me looking at more Izumi products.

Is this Handy? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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Virginia Burton - 2007-10-30

Lovely
This jacket is so light and lovely. Fabric texture and color are nice for their feel and appearance. Construction is top of the line...versatile, where it as top layer over lighter clothes or under layer beneath heavier top. My satisfaction with he top has me looking at more Izumi products.

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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Vincent - 2007-07-03

Light & pretty
This jacket is superlight super packable but still has a really nice color and sexy fit. 100% recommended

Was this Pearl Izumi Optik Jacket Review Helpful? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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Vincent - 2007-07-03

Light & pretty
This jacket is superlight super packable but still has a really nice color and sexy fit. 100% recommended

Is this Handy? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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Claudia - 2008-09-29

Too tight
The sizing runs on the small side - I'm a 10/12 and the large was too tight.

Is this Useful? - Yes - No (1 of 2 liked this review)

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