Over the years I’ve gotten many requests to review Canada Goose coats. While they’re seen on every block here in Boston, I haven’t set foot in a store until Nick recently proclaimed he needed a serious winter puffer. I didn’t realize they offer a special Fusion Fit for both men and women that’s specifically designed for more petite frames. I wanted to answer some Q’s based on my try-ons, plus compare their womens parkas to their kids (priced at $500 less)!
Why is Canada Goose so popular?
In asking my friends who are fans, they answer simply that they can wear just a thin layer underneath and still be very warm during blustery Northeast winters. Their products have a lifetime guarantee against defects, and many I asked said they’ve owned their Canada Goose down parkas for 5 to 10 years already and plan on wearing them for many more.
They also have functional features like water resistant shells, robust protective hoods with a strap to adjust hood depth, fleece pocket linings, zippered inner pockets, and backpack-style straps to carry the coat when you’re indoors (or working up a sweat doing rigorous outdoor activity).
What is Fusion Fit?
Fusion Fit is Canada Goose’s version of “petite” sizing for select men’s styles and women’s styles in XXS to L. According to their website, “Fusion Fit is designed to deliver ideal fit, comfort and protection for smaller body frames.” Adjustments include:
- smaller scale hood
- narrower in the chest through hips
- shorter sleeve length and shorter hem lengths
In reading between the lines, Fusion Fit was introduced after the brand gained popularity amongst Asian markets. Similar to how brands like Burberry and Uniqlo have different “fits” for the same products sold in North America vs Asia stores. Unlike those other brands though, Canada Goose’s “Fusion Fit” is actually available to purchase here and not just in Asia. How I would LOVE easy access to buy other brands’ apparel in their scaled down sizing for international markets!
Which are the most popular Canada Goose parkas for women?
Their best sellers for women are the water resistant Shelburne and Rossclair down parkas. Each of these are now sold in versions with no fur trim, however, last I checked Fusion Fit is currently available only in their older “Heritage” styles that have trim. The brand put out a statement that they’ll no longer be manufacturing coats with fur by the end of this month, so it’ll be interesting to see how things change.
Canada Goose Shelburne Parka
Also sold at: Saks, Shopbop, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom
This signature style has tiers of quilting detail and a gently tapered A-line silhouette. The hood looks ginorm on me in all the below photos, but it’s because I didn’t zip the coat up all the way and have the hood spread wide open. I actually really liked how deep and comfortable their hoods are with a visor-like overhang to shied your face from inclement weather.
I unfortunately don’t have a photo of this, but I found a Standard Fit XXS afterward and personally preferred that to the two sizes pictured on me. While the Fusion Fit definitely fit my short arms better, I liked the longer body length and wiggle room of the Standard Fit.
Canada Goose Rossclair Parka
Also sold at: Saks, Shopbop, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom
The Rossclair has an inner drawstring waist for a more fitted waistline, and more distinct front pockets compared to the Shelburne. I liked the pocket style and quilting on the Shelburne, but also the drawstring feature on the Rossclair. Both styles have the same generously sized hood.
The Fusion Fit XS in the Rossclair felt a little more snug on me across the hips than the same size in the Shelburne. If I had wider hips I would consider trying even one more size up in Fusion Fit (size S) for the Rossclair.
Similar to the Shelburne, even though the sleeves on the Fusion Fit was better on me, I think I’d personally prefer the Standard Fit XXS.
One more style that I tried on, with a chevron-style angled quilting:
Which size and fit do you prefer?
For fit reference, I’m currently about 5′ tall 98lb, 32 bust – 25 waist – 33 hips. I tried on the same coats in Standard Fit (aka Classic Fit) versus Fusion Fit, and the latter was distinctly shorter and narrower fitting all around.
After trying on multiple sizes, and true to their size charts, I would best fit an XXS in their Standard Fit and would size up to an XS if getting Fusion Fit. While their Fusion Fit was better proportioned for my figure overall, I personally prefer the overall wiggle room and longer coat length of Standard Fit on me. And between the two bestselling styles, I’d probably prefer the look of Shelburne a little more.
How does Canada Goose Kids fit a petite frame?
Also sold at: Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom
Several of you have asked whether I’ve tried on the Canada Goose kids Brittania Parka, which is about 40% less than the womens options. There’s seemingly more women reviewing this kids parka online for themselves than for kids!
I don’t usually buy kids stuff because the proportions are typically off for grown women or there’s some childish details. But I have to say … the fit of the kids Large was surprisingly good on me. The coat has curvature and shape similar to the womens thanks to the gathering on the back waist. The sleeves and overall length fit me perfectly. The kids Large sleeves fit like the adult Fusion Fit XS length on me, while the torso fit like the adult Standard Fit XXS on me.
I also tried on a kids Medium which some reviewers had suggested, and it was too snug on me for a coat. My guess is the kids size Medium probably fits closer to their Fusion Fit XXS for very petite customers.
A few other observations:
- The weight of kids coat feels lighter than the womens parkas above. Even though they’re all listed as TEI 3 temperature rating, I thought the kids one felt thinner throughout.
- The kids hood is much smaller and doesn’t shield the face like the womens.
- Some reviews mention a kids XL which I no longer see – only up to L now
- The kids sleeves have a nifty feature if you’re buying this for a growing child. When you turn the coat inside out and remove the red stitching, the sleeves will extend in length by 1.5 inches!
- Kids has thin white reflective trim (typical of kids products) along the sleeve openings.
Overall the kids parka does not feel as premium as the womens, but it’s a solid option for someone who wears xxs or smaller and doesn’t mind the differences.
