The North Face Women's Special Effects Jacket

Beautiful Jacket
March 11, 2012

I was looking for a nice ski jacket that was not the normal boring black or brown.....Absolutely got what I wanted in this jacket! The colors are beautiful and vibrant. The jacket is very well made, and is pretty fitted so you do not look like a giant puff coming down the slopes. The customer service is always fantastic, this is the second jacket I have purchased and very happy with all aspects of the ordering process.

North Face Special Effects Jacket
January 13, 2012

I've been on the lookout for a fabulous patterned, waterproof jacket I can wear while playing in the cold/wet (snow sports, hiking ,etc). I came across the North Face Special Effects Jacket a while ago and have been lusting for it ever since. Fierce! I ordered this jacket through Altrec without ever seeing it in person. The material is not quite what I was hoping for (I originally wanted something that immediately felt waterproof, like Goretex); however, I haven't had a chance to test out in wet conditions, so I have no idea how it will perform. The fit is very comfortable through the torso-- I think pretty true to size (I ordered a S). However the sleeves look incredibly loose (especially at the wrists, which are SO voluminous) and the jacket is slightly tight across my hips when fully zipped (but it might just be because I'm bottom heavy). The jacket has a one way zipper vs two zippers that would allow for bottom up unzipping, which might have alleviated this issue a bit. In case you're curious, I'm 5'4, ~125lbs, and typically wear XS/S, size 2. FYI there aren't that many pockets in this jacket. I think only the two front outer pockets, one inner zippered pocket where you can store an iPod, and one inner pouch pocket for goggles/sunglasses/etc. I do wish that there were a few more cleverly places pockets (maybe one on the sleeve?), but overall I really love the look of the jacket, and after a few wears will probably get used to the fit. I'd recommend this item to friends, especially if they're tall and thin.

Funky Pattern, Funky Fit
December 16, 2011

I saw this jacket and was immediately drawn to its eye-catching pattern. I bought the green jacket because green is my favorite color, but I have to admit that the combination with the yellow and the stripes gives it a sort of circus-y feel to it. Nonetheless, I like the bold design. The interior is soft and is quite comfortable, while the exterior remains durable. I do, however, have to comment on the fit of the jacket. I usually wear a size 12, so I got a large, but the fit was a little snug in the hips. Also, the sleeves are very wide and loose. It's an odd fit, but not so bad that it is uncomfortable to wear. I'd recommend this if you want to stay bold, even in the cold.