Airblaster has been working to refine its sizes for a while. This past November, it followed through — finally delivering a new fit collection that aims to ‘welcome every body.’
A project that started over 2 years ago was announced to the public last month. The shredder brand Airblaster is implementing a new product design for women’s apparel that focuses on creating a better, wider variety of fits.
Here’s how the Airblaster Every Body Fit was born.
New ‘Fit: Airblaster ‘Every Body’ Design
Airblaster utilized a diverse testing group (on the ski hills of Oregon) for this project: ages from 8 to 48, and snowboarding experience levels from 5 days to 25 years.
And it wasn’t just the designers testing out the new fits on snow. Airblaster also shared that developers, team riders, customer service reps, and even their families joined in on the product testing fun.
“We talked of women’s specific features, function, and fits,” wrote Airblaster in its announcement. “After a whole lot of pointing, pinching, explaining, listening, and hand gesturing, we arrived at a list of tweaks and one big new goal: Become the first body positive brand in snowboarding.”
How is Airblaster going to do that? By accommodating and celebrating more body shapes. By welcoming “more humans into the Airblaster Family.”
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Sizing vs. Fit
Recent changes in the outdoor apparel industry have led to more and more discussions on fit, and sizing, which aren’t one and the same. Sizing refers to the letter, numerical, or scaled ranges of products. But fit refers more to the nuances: is it men’s- or women’s-specific? Is it a tight, athletic fit or relaxed? Are petite, tall, plus, or curvy fits offered?
In Airblaster’s case — and specifically for ski and snowboard wear — how does the jacket or pant fit in the hips, waist, bust, shoulders, arms, and legs? Does each size accommodate different body types? And if not, how can they? This is what brands looking to expand their sizing and fits are after.
And it ain’t easy.
Once brands have the sizing and fit nailed down, it then goes to style. We’re talking the roomy bibs, the baggy leg, the shredder vibe, and of course, the stellar colors. What styles are in? Anoraks, cargo pants, high-waisted bibs? Airblaster currently offers jackets in a fit, drop, or long length, and bottoms in a slim, tailored, or curvy fit.
With Airblaster’s new fit, there are now a few more options for everything.
Products in the new Every Body Fit collection include the popular Chore Jacket, the Lady Revert Jacket, and the Everybody Bib. Sizes range from XS to 2XL (and are meant to fit sizes 00-18), and prices range from $160 to $250.
There are 16 colors and options for both insulated and non-insulated bibs.
What Fans Have to Say
“This is the progress we NEED in snowboarding culture!” said one brand follower on Instagram.
“These are a VIBE!” celebrated another.
And maybe the best acclaim from one customer: “Thank you for listening.”
We haven’t yet tried out the new fit styles (don’t worry, we plan to have some GearJunkie female testers weigh in), but at first glance, the jacket and bib offerings are an amazing addition to the Airblaster snow apparel lineup.
If you haven’t yet found your right size or fit for snow outerwear, check this collection now. We expect a few more folks will be able to join the Airblaster club, just as the brand hoped.
