First Lite Fit

[veganhunter]

I'm wondering what everyone's opinion/experience is with the fit of First Lite tops. I am 6'1" and 185#.
I recently picked up a Llano QZ and Chama Qz both in size large. The Llano fits perfectly, nice athletic cut but not tight or restrictive. However, the Chama seems like its cut for someone 5'6" 275#, there is so much extra material in the torso area but it barely drops below my belly button...I know they are meant to be worn with each other so the Chama should be a bit baggier but this seems excessive.

I haven't washed it yet so I'm hoping the Chama shrinks up a bit around the midsection.

Other than that, I love the tops. Super comfortable

 

[COlineman78]

Precisely why I didn't like the Chama; it's cut too short and big in the torso IMO. The puffy vest is cut similar, but not the jacket. You may want to size down on any of the older stuff (assuming they haven't retroactively changed the cut on those as well, ie Halstead, Uncompaghre, North Branch), but the new stuff that I've tried (Vapor, Cirrus) is cut tighter.

 

[choovhntr]

Ive had a little trouble with different sizing through their product line as well. The Chama is definitely a looser fit than the Llano. I went with an XL on both and could have gotten away with a L on the Chama. I'm 5'11 205# so the length isn't as much of an issue with me as it would be you but you are right. It does seem to be a little shorter than the Llano. I will say that the extra room in the Chama doesn't bother me much, especially if I'm layering with a shirt that is thicker than the Llano. As far as washing goes, I haven't noticed any shrink washing according to their instructions. I'm sure you could shrink it up in the wash or dryer by adding some heat, but it may become too short at that point. Just a heads up too if you are going to order some other pieces... I've found the new Minaret to run a size bigger than the Llano but has the same length. The Llano short sleeve for some reason has a less athletic cut than the long sleeve so you may want to order a size smaller. The Halsead fleece is also on par with the chama so I would order it in the same size. Hope this helps. Love the gear but the sizing differences is a little frustrating.

 

[justinspicher]

I'm 5'10" at about 170lbs and the mediums are a great fit for me in all tops. Vest I go with a small though.

 

[Pramo]

I'm 6'2'' 180 with a 33 inch waist and had the same problems. After some testing then returns/resells of First Lite, Sitka and Kuiu, I found Kuiu fits me the best. All 3 make awesome stuff but I have to shop based on who makes the best tall and skinny clothes

 

[Blinginpse]

I'm 5'9 145! Small kanabs would about fall off me if wasn't for suspenders. I have no tops yet cause I'm not sure Wat I want


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[40watt]

That is confusing as hell...
I love Firstlite's line, but can you call them and have them walk you through sizing on different items, because that is ridiculous.
I'm not just talking about the layering system. I get that.
But at six foot, I would be pretty pissed if I paid that much for something that barely came below the belly button. Long monkey arms don't help the situation.
Are these guys accessible? Good customer service?

 

[Justin Crossley]

Are these guys accessible? Good customer service?

I called them yesterday with a question and got right through to a real person who took care of me right away.

 

[dotman]

Every time I have called I've talked to Kenton the owner, really shocks me he is answering cs calls daily.

 

[40watt]

Love a company like that. That alone would be worth supporting.

 

[veganhunter]

Ok full disclosure I wore the Chama a while yesterday and the "barely below the belly button" comment may have been slightly exaggerated - it does drop to about my hip bones. So not as dramatic as I originally said but it certainly is still much too short and way too wide...especially compared to the perfectly fitting Llano.

I love First Lite as a company and their merino is the most comfortable around, I guess its just a matter of finding which pieces work best for you.

 

[COlineman78]

Ok full disclosure I wore the Chama a while yesterday and the "barely below the belly button" comment may have been slightly exaggerated - it does drop to about my hip bones. So not as dramatic as I originally said but it certainly is still much too short and way too wide...especially compared to the perfectly fitting Llano.

I replaced my Chama with a Halstead. IMO fills the same role with a better fit. Order a size under your Llano.

 

[tipsntails7]

Ok full disclosure I wore the Chama a while yesterday and the "barely below the belly button" comment may have been slightly exaggerated - it does drop to about my hip bones. So not as dramatic as I originally said but it certainly is still much too short and way too wide...especially compared to the perfectly fitting Llano.

I love First Lite as a company and their merino is the most comfortable around, I guess its just a matter of finding which pieces work best for you.

I love FL, the gear and the company, but they are right there with Kuiu as far as wonky sizing, maybe even worse. There is not a single piece of theirs I own that fits the same, all XL all different.

 

[Kotaman]

I love FL, the gear and the company, but they are right there with Kuiu as far as wonky sizing, maybe even worse. There is not a single piece of theirs I own that fits the same, all XL all different.

I concur 100%.

 

[airlocksniffer]

My Chama zip is definitely short in the torso. I just got a new Aerowool crew that seems a bit longer in the torso area (size medium). For reference, I'm 6'1", 185 with a longer torso.

 

[veganhunter]

What do you guys think about their pants? I was thinking about trying a pair of Corrugates to supplement my time-honored Prana Stretch Zions but its easier to wear a mid layer top that is a little big than it is to wear oddly fitting pants.

 

[COlineman78]

What do you guys think about their pants? I was thinking about trying a pair of Corrugates to supplement my time-honored Prana Stretch Zions but its easier to wear a mid layer top that is a little big than it is to wear oddly fitting pants.

Only complaint I've read about corrugates is the small sizes can get tight in the calves (small and medium only). I have a pair of both L and XL; L for tighter fit hunting and XL for casual wear with a looser fit in the thighs/hips (I have large thighs and getting pants to fit is always a problem for me). Since Zion's fit you, I'd suggest ordering per the size chart.

 

[5MilesBack]

The FL XL Llano's fit me well, as did their Chama in an XL. The only other pieces I've had are the Labrador jacket which was also an XL and it fit well and was long enough (I'm 6'6"), and their Uncompahgre in an XL which also fit fine. The Large Llano's though I could barely even get them on. Seemed like smalls to me.

 

[tipsntails7]

The FL XL Llano's fit me well, as did their Chama in an XL. The only other pieces I've had are the Labrador jacket which was also an XL and it fit well and was long enough (I'm 6'6"), and their Uncompahgre in an XL which also fit fine. The Large Llano's though I could barely even get them on. Seemed like smalls to me.

You must have stupid long legs because I'm 6'3" and my Chama barely covers my belt. My Llano and puffy have plenty of length.

 

[5MilesBack]

You must have stupid long legs because I'm 6'3" and my Chama barely covers my belt. My Llano and puffy have plenty of length.

Ya, you could say that I guess. I can't really remember how long the Chama was as I got rid of it. But I never intended to wear it by itself so it didn't matter how long it was. I don't need it on my pelvis, and all my hunting shirts tuck in well. I really couldn't find a good use for the Chama. It was heavier than I like for a base layer, and pretty useless as an insulation layer.......so what do I do with it? Sell it.

The Labrador was really long. I don't remember the puffy being much longer than my belt though.