Over the years I’ve gotten many requests to review Canada Goose coats, which are naturally very popular here in frigid Boston. Some may not know that they offer a special “Fusion Fit” in select styles for both men and women that’s specifically designed for smaller frames. As a petite 5 footer, I wanted to answer some Q’s based on my try-ons, plus compare their womens parkas to their kids!
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 mentioned owning 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 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 in the US and not just in Asia.
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, 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, Bloomingdales, 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.
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?
Kids also sold at: Neiman Marcus, Saks, Nordstrom
Several of you have asked whether I’ve tried on the Canada Goose kids parkas, which are about 40% less than the women’s options.
- Saks has kids Juniper and Brittania (pictured below on me) in Large for the best prices (last year’s prices still!)
- Canada Goose site has kids Juniper in Large
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 decent 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. Even though they’re all listed as TEI 3 temperature rating, I thought the kids one felt thinner throughout.
- The kids hood is smaller and doesn’t shield the face as much as the womens.
- 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!
- A big difference: the kids has white reflective trim for safety (typical of kids products)
Overall the kids parka does not feel as premium as the womens, but for the price difference, it’s a solid option for someone who wears xxs or smaller and doesn’t mind the differences.
Thanks for the detailed review! I have had a CG Mystique in XS for about 7 years now and I am still toasty warm in -35°C in Canada – can definitely vouch for warmth/water resistance and longevity. My only quip with my Mystique is I actually find the body a little too roomy (I guess so you can layer underneath, but with a coat this warm you really don’t need to) so I wish I had an XXS instead.
I didn’t have a chance to try that one on, thank you for sharing!
At last! Someone recognizes the petite woman! Thank you!
Very awesome and detailed review. Love ALL of your posts…you’re one of the best out there. You make a petite woman feel hopeful about finding clothes that fit, and I truly I appreciate your work.
You’ve made my day, thank you so much for your kind words Charmaine!
I love how you explained all about fusion fit with awesome pics. I hope now I can buy the perfect size for myself. 🥰
Thank you Elenor, so glad you found the post helpful!
What a timing for this review! I had just bought a size S Rossclair standard today. I had seen online afterwards that there was a “fusion fit” and was wondering if there was a huge difference as although I’m petite, I liked the fit and sizing on myself. So thanks again for the comparison 🙂 I think I made a good choice.
Sounds like you made the right choice, Shannon! Hope you love your coat and stay nice and warm this winter xx
Hi, Jean, this is such a useful and interesting review! I agree with you; in spite of the better sleeve length, the regular fit works better even for a small framed person. My own experience: I got a CG Victoria parka in 2014 in regular size xs. I got a lot of compliments on it but always felt that on me–5’3″ and 105 lbs–it was a little too long in the torso and too broad in the shoulder. I was thrilled to discover the Fusion Fit in 2019, and got the Rossclair in xs FF; in retrospect I’d have been better off with either a regular xxs or FF small.
I didn’t like the feeling of a close fit in such a thick coat, and I think these jackets look better with some room. They are not meant to fit like a wool coat. I ultimately decided to donate the FF coat, which is in terrific condition, and to keep the original coat. I will look for the XXS regular when the time comes to get a new jacket. Thanks for the insights!
Thanks for sharing your experiences, Margaret!
Frugal Fannies has a big rack of Canada Goose jackets discounted in their store in Westwood
This is perfect timing since I’ve been searching all over for a review comparing the standard fit and fusion fit! Did you happen to look at the Trillium parka? I’ve been debating Trillium vs Rossclair for weeks!
This is super helpful!! I’m on the hunt for a good coat for the Boston winter – mine is currently falling apart 🙂 I’ll have to try the fusion fit, I didn’t even know that was an option
I’m so glad you found this helpful xx
Hi Jean,
Great review! I bought my XXS fusion Kensington parka (no longer produced) in 2014, and I still love it. It fits perfectly. It looks like new after a trip to the dry cleaner. Last year I added the kids’ Britannia (very similar style to Kensington) in size L (14-16), and it is actually larger than my Kensington. The kids M fits similar to the XXS, as you found. The more relaxed fit will accommodate wearing a blazer or bulky fleece hoodie underneath it. The price of the kids’ was a little more than the price I paid for the adult one in 2014.
Hi Leslie, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with the brand! I do agree that the more relaxed fit is nice for fitting layers under
I’ve had a CG fusion fit Trillium parka for almost 10 years (it was less than half of what CG charges for the same coat now) and it’s the BEST winter purchase/investment I’ve ever made to weather these Boston winters – so much that I’m considering getting a second at some point.
I have the 2XS FF and sometimes feel the hips and chest are a bit snug if I have a phone in my pocket and/or my fleece on underneath, but it’s not to an uncomfortable degree (though I could probably size up to the XS at this point).
I love that you’ve had yours for nearly a decade!
Hi Jean, just wondering did Nick end up getting CG? Will you do a review on that, pretty please.
Hi Cindy, he didn’t as we’re still trying out a few other brands. He found the mens M standard fit to be a little long but they unfortunately didn’t have any mens fusion fit in-store to try on.
Hi Jean,
My husband has a CG parka, and it’s been really warm in Chicago winters. I don’t think the fusion fit was an option when I looked for myself at the CG options. Eventually I decided on Patagonia’s Tres 3 in 1 parka. Its also held up really well, and I never feel cold even on the coldest Midwest winter day. My husband wishes he got the Patagonia because it’s a less bulky look and still provides all the warmth. Just our experience with the two brands.
Thank you for the comprehensive review, Jean. I have owned my Canada Goose Parka for now over six years! Unfortunately, the zipper broke on the hood, and I can no longer get the trim back on (fyi, that is due to my error, in not attaching it before sending to the drycleaners). Can fully vouch for its quality apart from that and cost per wear over the years! I will check out the fusion fit for sure.
Good to know about the overall quality over the years! Can you store repair the broken hood zipper since it seems like it would fall under their guarantee?
Unfortunately, I checked with the CG store and it’s not possible to repair. I do have a Moose Knuckles coat with fur trimmed hood and am extra mindful with this one 🙂