How to Choose the Right Size for Your Cotopaxi Gear

Quick answer

Start with your chest or bust measurement and match it to the size chart. If you plan to layer a baselayer under a fleece, choose the larger size when you are between sizes. For down accessories like a scarf, fit is less about body size and more about how you want to wear it. Always check the product page for available sizes and colors before ordering.

Choosing the right size for outdoor gear is not about squeezing into a label. It is about matching the garment to how you move, what you wear underneath, and where you wear it. A baselayer that is too loose can bunch under a pack, while a fleece that is too tight restricts your reach on a cold morning.

Cotopaxi makes a range of layers and accessories, from recycled fleece crews to a down scarf. Each piece has a different job, so the right size depends on the layer. This guide gives you concrete decision rules for common scenarios, plus honest trade-offs so you can order once and get outside.

Start with your measurements, not your usual size

Every brand cuts differently, and outdoor gear often runs slightly roomier or trimmer than everyday clothing. Before you look at a size chart, take a soft tape measure and record your chest or bust, waist, and hip. Measure over a thin baselayer, not a bulky sweater, and keep the tape level and snug but not tight. Write the numbers down so you can compare them to the size chart on each product page.

If your measurements fall between two sizes, the decision rule is simple: choose the smaller size for a baselayer that sits close to the skin, and the larger size for a midlayer or outer layer that needs to fit over something else. For unisex styles, use your chest measurement as the primary guide. For women's styles, use your bust and hip measurements together, because a good fit in one area should not force a compromise in the other.

• Measure at the end of the day when your body is slightly expanded.
• Wear the base layer you plan to use under the garment.
• If one measurement is between sizes, size up for layers and size down for next-to-skin pieces.

Match the fit to the layer and the activity

A baselayer should feel like a second skin. The Perenne Long-Sleeve Shirt is a recycled polyester and wool blend that is breathable and stretchy, so it works for a fall jog or under a ski jacket. If you want it to work under a ski jacket without bunching, choose the size that follows your torso closely but still lets you raise your arms without the hem riding up. If you plan to wear it alone on mild days, you can choose a slightly looser size for a more relaxed look.

Midlayers like the Amigazo Fleece Crew and Tempa Fleece Quarter-Zip Pullover need a little more room. The Amigazo is made from soft 100% recycled fabric and is designed for around town, around camp, or around the cabin. The Tempa has sleeves designed for freedom of movement and flatlock seams to prevent chafing. For both, you should be able to fit a baselayer underneath without the fabric pulling across your back or restricting your reach. If you are between sizes, size up for these midlayers.

• Raise your arms and touch your opposite shoulder: the hem should stay near your waist.
• Check that the shoulders sit at the edge of your shoulder bone, not past it.
• If the fabric pulls across your chest when you reach forward, size up.

How to size a down scarf and other accessories

Accessories are less about body measurement and more about how you plan to use them. The Fuego Down Scarf is a condensed version of Cotopaxi's Fuego jackets, made to ward off extra chills. Because it is a scarf, there is no chest or waist measurement to match. Instead, think about how you want to wear it: close to the neck under a jacket collar, or loosely over a sweater as a statement piece. The only available option type is color, so the fit decision is about styling and warmth, not size.

If you run cold and want the scarf to seal out drafts under a hood, you may prefer a closer wrap. If you want to drape it over a bulky fleece, a looser wrap works better. Since there is no size option, your decision rule is to check the product page for color availability and consider how the scarf will layer with the jackets you already own. If you are between two colors, pick the one that matches the layers you wear most.

• For down accessories, focus on color and how you will wear it, not numeric size.
• If you plan to wear it under a helmet or hood, a closer wrap is more practical.
• Check the product page for available colors before you decide.

Use the size chart and return policy as your safety net

Every Cotopaxi product page lists available sizes and colors for that specific style. Use the size chart on the page rather than a generic chart from another brand. If you are still unsure, order the size that matches your measurements for the layer you plan to use most. For example, if you want a fleece for camp and around town, choose the size that fits over a baselayer but still looks tidy on its own.

If you cannot try items in person, check the store's return policy before ordering. Free shipping on orders $99+ can make it easier to order two sizes and return one, but only if the return process is convenient for you. Keep the tags on and try the gear with the layers you actually wear. A few minutes of trying on at home beats a cold, uncomfortable day outside.

• Use the size chart on the specific product page, not a generic chart.
• Order two sizes only if you are prepared to return one promptly.
• Try the garment with the exact layers you plan to wear underneath.

Decision rules for sizing Cotopaxi gear

• If you are between sizes and buying a baselayer: Choose the smaller size if you want a close, second-skin fit for high-output activities. Choose the larger size if you prefer a relaxed fit or plan to wear it alone. Baselayers should not have excess fabric that bunches under a pack.
• If you are between sizes and buying a fleece or midlayer: Size up. You need room for a baselayer underneath and freedom to move your arms without the hem riding up. A midlayer that is too tight is useless when you need it most.
• If you are buying a down scarf: There is no size option, so focus on color and how you will wear it. A closer wrap seals drafts; a looser wrap layers over bulky sweaters. Check the product page for available colors and consider your existing layers.
• If you cannot try the gear in person: Use the size chart on the specific product page, order the size that matches your measurements, and confirm the return policy before ordering. Free shipping on orders $99+ can help, but only if returns are convenient for you.

Product facts that affect fit

• Perenne Long-Sleeve Shirt - Men's: A blend of recycled polyester and wool means this shirt is breathable and stretchy, making it the perfect piece for a fall jog or as a layer underneath a ski jacket. The stretch helps it move with you, but as a baselayer it should fit close to the body. If you want to wear it under a ski jacket without bunching, choose the size that follows your torso without excess fabric.
• Amigazo Fleece Crew - Men's: Made from soft 100% recycled fabric, the Amigazo Fleece Crew is a super fun, super cozy layer that's perfect for around town, around camp, or around the cabin. This is a midlayer or standalone piece, so it needs room for a baselayer underneath. If you are between sizes, size up so you can move and layer comfortably.
• Tempa Fleece Quarter-Zip Pullover - Women's: We designed the sleeves to allow for freedom of movement, while flatlock seams prevent chafing. Stay fresh during your most active moments with a Polygiene® anti-odor finish. Freedom of movement in the sleeves means the fit should not bind across the back or shoulders. If reaching forward pulls the fabric, size up. The anti-odor finish makes it a good choice for active days when you may not change layers often.

Best for and not for

Best for

• Shoppers who want a close-fitting baselayer for running, skiing, or hiking
• Anyone layering a fleece or midlayer over a baselayer for cold-weather activities
• People who want a down scarf as a warm, packable accessory without a size decision

Not for

• Shoppers who prefer a very loose, oversized fit in every layer
• Anyone who needs a size chart that covers body types beyond the standard range without checking the specific product page
• People who want a one-size-fits-all solution for every garment

Sizing outdoor gear is easier when you measure first, match the fit to the layer, and use the product page's size chart. For baselayers, choose a close fit; for fleeces and midlayers, size up if you are between sizes. For down accessories like the Fuego Down Scarf, focus on color and how you will wear it. When in doubt, check the return policy and try your gear with the layers you actually use.