Burton’s Winter Jacket Length & Outerwear Fit Guide

Properly fitting outerwear is key to a good day on the mountain, but getting the right winter jacket length or snow pants fit can be tough, especially if you’re shopping online or haven't purchased clothing like this before. That’s why we got our Softgoods Design and Development Team together to create Burton’s Winter Jacket Length & Outerwear Fit Guide, so that you can get exactly what you need to stay warm, dry, comfortable, and stylish.

This guide is a great place to start if you are new to ski and snowboard outerwear or are just interested in getting a better understanding of what to look for as you build your next outfit. Begin by watching our outerwear selection video, then work your way through the fits described below.

Quick Navigation

• How to Select the Right Outerwear with Mark Sollors
• Burton's Outerwear Fit Overview
• Jacket Length & Fit
• Snow Pant Length & Fit
• The Burton Fit Finder Tool
• Extended & Inclusive Size Outerwear

Note: At Burton, we sometimes refer to outerwear (jackets and snow pants) as softgoods, and snowboard gear (snowboards, snowboard boots, and snowboard bindings) as hardgoods.

How to Select the Right Outerwear with Mark Sollors

Burton team rider Mark Sollors knows a thing or two about how to select the right outerwear. Watch this short video guide and learn everything you need to know.

Burton's Outerwear Fit Overview: Slim, Regular, Relaxed, & Oversized

Winter jackets and snow pants typically fall into several categories including slim fit, regular fit, or relaxed fit. However, because Burton’s team of technical softgoods designers obsesses over both the aesthetic and the functional aspect of fit, our outerwear comes in four fits.

• Slim fit
• Regular fit
• Relaxed fit
• Oversized fit

Pro tip: There is no standardized use of fit categories across manufacturers and two garments with the same fit classification won’t necessarily have the same feel. Instead, fit categories should be viewed as generalized recommendations on how an item may wear.

Slim Fit Outerwear

Slim fit outerwear provides a tighter fitting, tailored feel that mirrors the wearer’s silhouette. Slim fit ski and snowboard jackets are streamlined to sit close to the body but still allow enough room for a full range of motion with enough space underneath for a base layer and mid layer.

Generally speaking, the jacket length of a slim fit item will vary depending on style but typically fall right at or below the wearer’s waist. The sleeve length of a slim fit winter jacket will usually fall right at the wrists, but it’s worth noting that sleeve length will always be appropriate to the size of the jacket and large enough to accommodate layering and gloves/mittens. Slim fit ski and snowboard pants are typically narrower through the thighs with room through the lower leg to accommodate boots and a leg length that falls right at the heels.

Riders who enjoy proven performance in a sleeker look should explore women’s slim fit outerwear and men’s slim fit outerwear from Burton. Burton’s slim fit outerwear features industry-leading components like waterproof zippers, innovative venting options, and flattering silhouettes designed for movement.

Regular Fit Outerwear

Regular fit outerwear provides a roomier feel that’s not too tight or too baggy. Regular fit ski and snowboard jackets offer plenty of room for a full range of motion and layering for any condition.

Generally speaking, the jacket length of a regular fit item will vary based on style but usually fall right at the wearer’s waist when their arms are raised overhead. The sleeve length of a regular fit winter jacket will usually fall just past the wrists when the wearer’s arms are bent, but it’s worth noting that sleeve length will always be appropriate to the size of the jacket and large enough to accommodate layering and gloves/mittens. Regular fit ski and snowboard pants typically have ease through the thighs and knees, room through the lower leg to accommodate boots, and a leg length that falls right at the heels.

Riders who prefer a more traditional cut and style should explore women’s regular fit outerwear and men’s regular fit outerwear from Burton. Burton’s regular fit outerwear delivers reliable performance with features like helmet-compatible hoods, plenty of pocket options, and adjustable waist and snow gaiters.

Relaxed Fit Outerwear

Relaxed fit outerwear provides generous coverage while delivering great mobility, spacious comfort, and a classic baggy look. Relaxed fit ski and snowboard jackets are often preferred by park riders for style and range of motion.

Generally speaking, the jacket length of a relaxed fit item will vary depending on style but typically fall mid-thigh and ride below the wearer’s waist when their arms are raised overhead. The sleeve length of a relaxed fit winter jacket is typically a bit longer and designed to cover most of the wearer’s hands when their arms are bent, but it’s worth noting that sleeve length will always be appropriate to the size of the jacket and large enough to accommodate layering and gloves/mittens. Relaxed fit ski and snowboard pants typically feature additional room through the thighs and knees, extra room through the lower leg to accommodate boots, and a leg length that falls right at the heels.

Riders who prefer a casual fit without sacrificing performance should explore women’s relaxed fit outerwear and men’s relaxed fit outerwear from Burton. Burton’s relaxed fit outerwear is built for looking great while having as much fun as possible, with features like industry-leading waterproofing, crossflow venting, and adjustability.

Oversized Fit Outerwear

Oversized fit outerwear is baggier than relaxed fit and is specifically designed to be larger and roomier around the midsection with wide sleeves and cuffs.

Generally speaking, the jacket length of an oversized fit item will vary depending on style but typically fall mid-thigh and ride below the wearer’s waist when their arms are raised overhead. The sleeve length of a relaxed fit winter jacket is longer as well, covering most of the wearer’s hands when their arms are bent, but it’s worth noting that sleeve length of a winter jacket will always be appropriate to the size and large enough to accommodate layering and gloves/mittens. Oversized fit ski and snowboard pants typically feature an extended inseam with additional room through the thighs and knees, extra room through the lower leg to accommodate boots, and a leg length that extends past the heels.

Riders who want to make a statement with their kits should explore women’s oversized fit outerwear and men’s oversized fit outerwear. Burton’s oversized fit outerwear is loose and easy, with the perfect balance of technical features (like waterproofing, breathability, and storage) and style.

Winter Jacket Length & Fit

In general, there are three main winter jacket lengths: short, standard, and long. When shopping for a winter jacket, pay close attention to both the fit and the length, as different lengths are often paired with different fits for style and function.

Pro tip: Burton’s Softgoods Design and Development Team recommends focusing on one activity when looking for a new winter jacket. Avoid trying to find “one jacket that can do it all” and you’ll be much happier with the results.

Short Length Winter Jackets

Short length ski and snowboard jackets can often be found in technical outerwear lines (like Burton’s [ak] collection), where bulk and weight are important factors.

Length: waist

Standard Length Winter Jackets

Standard length ski and snowboard jackets are ideal for most riders and conditions, providing the perfect amount of coverage without being too long. Unless otherwise specified, most regular fit jackets are likely to be classified as standard length.

Length: hips

Long Length Winter Jackets

Long length ski and snowboard jackets offer the most coverage and are great for keeping snow out of your pants.

Length: mid-thigh

Snow Pants Length & Fit

In general, there are three common snow pant lengths: short, regular, and tall. When shopping for snow pants, pay close attention to both the fit and the length, as different lengths are sometimes paired with different fits for style and function.

Pro tip: Burton's Softgoods Design and Development Team recommends starting with snow pants that are similar in size and fit to a pair of jeans you like. For example, if you typically go for short jeans, start with short snow pants; if you typically find that tall jeans are better for you, start with tall snow pants.

Short Length Snow Pants

Short length snow pants can often be found in technical outerwear lines (like Burton’s [ak] collection), where bulk and weight are important factors. However, many manufacturers (including Burton) offer short length snow pants in select styles across fits to accommodate different style preferences and proportions.

Length: above the heel

Regular length snow pants are ideal for most riders and conditions, providing the perfect amount of coverage. With a standard inseam, regular length snow pants should be long enough to hit the top of the front of the boot but not so long as to drag on the ground while walking. Unless otherwise specified, most regular fit snow pants are likely to be classified as regular length.

Length: at the heel

Tall Length Snow pants

Tall length snow pants offer the most coverage and are usually more of a style factor than a functional factor. However, many manufacturers (including Burton) offer tall length snow pants in select styles across fits to accommodate different style preferences and proportions.

Length: below the heel

The Burton Fit Finder Tool

We simplify the task of finding your perfect size with Burton's Fit Finder tool which you'll see on most men's and women's outerwear product pages. Look for the little black button that says, "What's My Size?", and click on it to initiate a pop-up where you can provide your measurements. Using AI and machine learning, the Burton Fit Finder will display a graphic to explain the intended fit of the item you're browsing and your size. If it sounds futuristic, that's because it is.

Generally speaking, riders who shop online using the Burton Fit Finder are less likely to need an exchange for a different size. Just sayin'.

Extended & Inclusive Size Outerwear

Extended size outerwear is specially designed for riders who demand high quality outerwear but find standard sizes unaccommodating. The exact fit of this outerwear will vary by brand so make sure to read the manufacturer’s specifications closely.

Riders seeking alternatives to regular sizing options should explore women’s extended size outerwear and men’s extended size outerwear from Burton.

A Final Word on Winter Jacket Length & Outerwear Fit

As with most things snowboarding, there is a ton of personal preference that goes into selecting a jacket length and outerwear fit. Want your pants extra long? Go for it. Want your jacket snug around the waist? No problem.

At Burton, our mission is to make winter clothing and snowboard outerwear that looks great, feels right, and functions even better. And at the end of the day, it’s totally up to you to get what you want.

Pro tip: If you’re still unsure about what fit and length is right for you, drop into your local Burton flagship store and try on a few different jackets and pants. The friendly Guides would be stoked to help you out.