Customer Reviews Columbia Plus Size Arcadia II™ Jacket

I have an original Arcadia jacket that is a few years old, size XL, and wanted to get something with a little extra room so I can layer it over another jacket. After measuring myself and comparing these measurements to the size chart, reading other reviews that the Arcadia II runs small, and asking for advice, decided to go with a 2X. This size is way too big. I was expecting a few extra inches of room, but I can pinch a fold at my hips about 6-7" deep - it is way more than the extra 4" in the hips than the sizing chart shows, more like an extra 12". In comparison to the original Arcadia jacket, many features that made this jacket nice have been removed. The original has two places at the hips to snug it up (new one has just one), the original has a third pocket at the chest, and it has raglan sleeves that helped my arms to move freely. The new set-in sleeves pinch and are snugger than my XL. Plus, I am large chested and any sportswear with raglan sleeves always fit better in the chest. I tried on both the original XL Arcadia and the new 2X Arcadia II over the jacket I want to layer with, and felt no difference whatsoever in the feel in my arms or across my back. I am still confused about Columbia's sizing between an XL and a 1X, as it shows only about an additional 1/2" in the chest & waist measurements, and no gain in the hips. I highly recommend you try this jacket on in a store if you are unsure of sizing, but it's hard to find plus sizing anywhere other than online.

When this jacket was designed, the body runs true to size. The sleeves are about 2 sizes too small. I ordered a 1X but there is no way I could wear this coat with a a light weight jacket underneath - - I live in Montana and most of the time rain drops the temperature substantially. I returned the 1X and ordered the 3X and I have about 12 inches extra around the hips. The sleeves now fit fine. I do not have a strangely shaped body. This is just a design flaw.

The sleeves of this jacket fit like a 1x, but the rest of the jacket fit like a 3x, which is what I ordered. The sleeves were very tight in the upper arm, making the jacket very uncomfortable. I was really excited about receiving the jacket, but now I have to send it back. I don't think that I want to take a chance on trying another jacket.

This is something you wear in summer or late spring if it rains. It is also good for late night when there is a breeze or if it is windy out.

Loved the jacket, but I don't like the noisy crinkle in a garment. Was nice long length, good color and waterproof. Wish I could wear it. The sleeves were a little long.

I bought a 2x online, but the sleeves were shorter than the XL I had tried on in the store. I was disappointed because the rest of the coat fit well & quality was great.

Jacket runs small, arrived in a mass of wrinkles and I expected better quality for the price. Had to return and pay shipping charges. Very disapponted!

I ordered larger than I needed (2x) because the reviews said the armholes run small. It was still too tight around armholes! I returned it.

The body of the jacket is a fuller cut but the shoulders and bicep area is really tight. Not a proportioned size.

This jacket has no insulation so this is for warmer spring rainy days, and it is extremely loud. It crinkles like a bag. It also seemed from photos that there would be a slightly fitted design, but it's not. This coat could work for men or women as a rain jacket, but there are equal quality options out there for a better price

I bought a larger size than normal so I could wear this over sweaters, however the sleeves are not near roomy enough. Why do they make a 2x but make the sleeves to fit a size large? I loved the color and style and it was large enough in the body, but the fit in shoulders and arms was very disappointing.

I really liked the color and garment features, but I had to return it because it was too tight in the shoulders even though I ordered a larger size.

The upper back and arms are a little tight

I sooo wanted to like this jacket but have decided to return. The color was great and with the darker panels on the sides was very figure flattering. However it was very small in the shoulder/underarm area and uncomfortable. It seems as the lining is bigger than the jacket and felt bunched up under the arms. Turned it inside out and it felt much better but you can't wear it that way :)

I'm not sure why this "Plus" size was designed to run small, but it is, mostly through the shoulders. It looked like a beautiful jacket otherwise.

I am so happy that Columbia carries a few items in plus sizes! I popped on this great looking rain jacket which I purchased as a shell to be worn, often, with a light polartec fleece pullover. Not so much. I am a true 2X and purchased a 3X to ensure that the jacket would be adequately roomy. The body is very roomy indeed, however it has sleeves cut so narrow that I could barely get my bare arms into them. They are perhaps 2 full sizes smaller in proportion to the body. I really want to keep this jacket, but back it goes. So disappointing. I would recommend some real models for sizing your garments.

This is a beautiful jacket of good quality and design. So small for size. Seriously, if you are anything other than a 24W, do not order this jacket as it will pull at your waist. It's shame. I really liked it a lot. Too bad Columbia doesn't size as other plus sizes do.

I have always worn Columbia jackets because I love the versatility and style. I had one for 15 years that was still in good condition but I gave it away just so I could get a new updated jacket. Boy, am I sorry. This jacket did not work out for two reasons. Firstly, the material is like plastic. It is loud and crackly when you move in it. Secondly, I ordered a size larger so I could wear a sweater underneath but the upper sleeves are so tight that it seems disproportionate to the rest of the jacket. I am going to return it.

I read the reviews and purchased this jacked a size up from my normal size 22. It was way too tight across the back/shoulders. I am disappointed in the fit since it was exactly what I was looking for. Very light weight and packable.

The product is well made but upon trying it on, it feels very tight in the shoulder area. Everywhere else it fits fine. I've not experienced this ill fit in any other jacket I've tried on. The product will still fulfill its needs as is.

I love Columbia products. I've had several coats/jackets. The one I currently own is an XL and is a little snug so I purchased a 1x. This jacket is more snug than my old one. I should have purchased a 2x.

XL fits more like L. Costs to return so not excited about that

The fit and style were just fine, the fabric however was noisy!

I followed the size guide and it led me astray three times so now I've paid $18.00 more for a jacket that "sort-of" fits. For some reason, arcadia seems to think women are board straight, hips the same size as shoulders, which is not my shape. Although I normally wear a 1X, it was to tight so following their measurements the 3X, which should have fit, was 8" to wide with the sleeves being 5" past my fingertips. Incorrect size guide happened with both jacket and pants. I will not purchase from this company again.

My jacket is beautiful EXCEPT that it has ink stains on it that look like stencil leaves......obviously a "second"...