Arc’teryx Jacket Fit Guide

The Arc’teryx jacket has become a true statement piece in recent years, because it’s a symbol of technical excellence.

For many people, Arc’teryx is the best when it comes to premium outdoor gear. From the high-spec jackets right through to the simple cotton tees, the supreme quality is obvious.

If you’re in the market for a new Arc’teryx jacket, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by the myriad choices in front of you. Alpha or Beta or Zeta? Atom or Cerium? SV or SL?

With it being a truly technically-focused brand, each jacket is designed specifically for a certain environment, and is therefore vastly different from the next jacket. The cut, the weight, the choice of fabric(s) and the tiny details all come together to make a distinctive piece of kit. Even if you’re not outdoorsy, it’s important that you get the one that best suits your frame and your needs.

We’ve put together this guide for you.

Arc’teryx Sizing Charts for Men’s Jackets

These are the brand’s official charts. To be sure of your correct size, take your own measurements in all four of the areas, and compare them to each of the sizes.

Bear in mind that many Arc’teryx Gore-Tex shell jackets (including those that we sell) are classed as ‘Trim’ fit – i.e. a slim, athletic fit, meaning it’s more snug than a ‘Regular’ fit, while not quite being ‘Next-to-Skin’. 

Further down, we’ll specify the fit-type of each jacket for you, just so that you’re clear.

Inches

*This is from the centre-back of your neck, to your shoulder, down to your elbow and finishing at your cuff.

Centimetres

*This is from the centre-back of your neck, to your shoulder, down to your elbow and finishing at your cuff.

Waist vs. Hip

If you’re wondering, the distinction between waist and hip here is that the ‘waist’ area is immediately above your belt line, whereas the ‘hip’ area is below your belt line and includes the top of your butt – so it’s important that you measure each correctly!

Beta SL Hybrid Jacket

Fit: TRIM

Length: Hip

Hem Style: Slight Drop (i.e. ever so slightly longer at the back than at the front)

(SL = ‘Superlight’, as in weight)

The Beta SL Hybrid is a waterproof Gore-Tex shell that’s designed with packability in mind. Despite the athletic fit, you can easily get a baselayer or jumper underneath it if needed. You might want to size up if you plan to wear it over thicker midlayers.

Zeta SL Jacket

Fit: TRIM

Length: Hip

Hem Style: Drop

(SL = ‘Superlight’)

The Zeta SL is a great alternative to the Beta SL Hybrid, especially if you just need an emergency waterproof shell for sudden rain. The main differences in the shape and design are that the Zeta SL is ever so slightly longer at the back, due to the full Drop hem (as opposed to Slight Drop); there are no pit-zips; and the StormHood is not helmet-compatible. Other than that, the two jackets are virtually the same – aimed at the hiking market, Trim fit, made from Paclite Gore-Tex and super-reliable!

Gamma LT Hoody

Fit: REGULAR

Length: Hip

Hem Style: Slight Drop

(LT = ‘Lightweight’)

Although classed as a ‘hoody’ rather than an outer jacket, the Gamma LT is more than capable of being a standalone toplayer for most of the year. As well as being a Regular fit, the stretchy softshell material guarantees comfort and allows you to pop a fleece, a thick jumper or another substantial midlayer underneath. It’s wind-resistant and weather-resistant, so it stands up to mild rain – but you might want to get a Gore-Tex shell to wear over the top of it when it’s chucking it down (the Beta SV in your regular size would do nicely, as would the Beta SL Hybrid or the Zeta SL if you got the sizing right). 

Atom AR Hoody

Fit: REGULAR

Length: Hip

Hem: Straight

(AR = ‘All Round’)

The Atom AR Hoody is a bulky yet breathable layer that’s primarily built for insulation, so it’s slightly shorter than the Gore-Tex shells we’ve talked about above. It comes in a Regular fit, but it does look pretty tailored when on, with close-fitting cuffs to keep the warmth in, plus a hidden hem-adjuster for the same purpose. It can easily serve as a standalone jacket, because it’s one of Arc’teryx’s warmest jackets, and given its bulk, that is probably best (although you could theoretically wear a sized-up Gore-Tex shell over the top if you wanted to).

Shop Our Full Range of Arc’teryx Jackets

Ready to make one of the wisest possible outerwear investments? Take a look at our full selection of Arc’teryx jackets. If you have any more questions about sizing or colours or stock before you buy, please do give us a shout – we’ll be more than happy to help!