The first jacket is the J & G  water proof rain jacket. This was my first cycling specific jacket and probably still the one I wear the most. The sizing listed by J & G shows the 2X chest size at 52-55 inches and a 3X size going from 56-58 inches. I have the 2X and find it true to size, fitting well through the chest and a good length. The jacket is ventilated very well by huge zippered openings in the armpits that extend down the arm and body of the jacket. These “pit zips” are perfect for riding the recumbent allowing a nice controllable air flow that the back vented jackets can’t due with our high back seats.  Having worn this jacket now for over 2 years, it still is showing very little wear and looks great. J & G does have a breathable version available but note the sizing is smaller than the plain water proof jacket.

The other jacket in the closet is the REI Novara Express Jacket.  It’s a well made jacket that is a 2 layer coated nylon, the model I have only has the back venting for air circulation. This is a problem with the recumbent but it did do a nice job while riding my diamond frame bikes.  While the construction seems good, I have had problems with the zipper pulling apart near the bottom while it is zipped up.  Also while the chest sizing and arm sizing are right for it’s size, I do find the the jacket tapers down at the waist which does make it a bit tight. I’m not sure why the cut the jacket that way, most “extended size” people don’t taper in that way very often. Currently the extended sizes available are 3XL with a 52-55 inch chest and 4XL with 56-59 in chest. Of note, the current jacket does list under arm vents missing from mine.

http://www.bicycleclothing.com

http://www.rei.com/product/771256#