Snowboard jacket sizing can be tricky if you do not know what you need to consider when trying them on. A jacket that fits well in the store may not fit over the layers of clothing you wear when you actually go out to the mountain. As a result, you could end up with a jacket that is either too snug or will not fasten properly when you get ready to go snowboarding. To avoid this it is suggested that you wear or at least carry with you enough clothing to simulate what you might actually wear while snowboarding so that you can better determine what size jacket you need.
When snowboard jacket sizing, you should choose a jacket that fits snug enough to not allow cold air or moisture to get between the jacket and the top layer of clothing underneath, but not so snug as to be uncomfortable. Take into consideration the fact that you may fall, and also that snow from the ground could fly up or it could begin snowing while you are out. Try to use your imagination to determine how the jacket would fare in the different scenarios and circumstances that are possible. You cannot predict everything, but you can still make a more informed decision if you anticipate as much as you can.
Snowboard jacket sizing involves looking at the length as well. The bottom should fall somewhere around the middle of the hips. While at times longer or shorter jackets are in style, shorter versions may not give the coverage needed to stay warm, and longer ones could inhibit leg movement which could be dangerous. There should be little to no gap between the bottom of the jacket and the hips, as this is an area where air and moisture from below could slip in and heat could slip out. While elastic around the bottom is not necessary, it can help in this area.
Make sure the sleeves are the right length as well, and that there is proper coverage around the neck. If air and moisture can get in around the neck, consider a scarf for extra warmth. Sleeves should fall from just below the wrist when standing straight with arms at sides. This allows them to not go above the wrists when arms are bent, and keeps them from being so long that they get in the way. While snowboard jacket sizing is not difficult, it will still help to keep these guidelines in mind.