M vs L HARD decision (first Carhartt)

I recently bought the Carhartt WIP Active jacket, and it has been the toughest decision ever. I’ve had both sizes, M and L, for over two weeks, and I still can’t decide which one fits better. The sizing is quite tricky and strange. I’ll add some pictures so you can see.

I’m 180 cm tall and weight 88 kg. I’m not fat but I’m quite big because I’m muscular, with broad shoulders and back. I usually wear L or XL, sometimes M. In theory, I should wear M or L, but because of my athletic build, I usually go for a bigger size.

Carhartt recommends sizing down, so I first bought an L. When I tried it on, it felt good, but a little oversized. Not too much, but there was some excess fabric, which made it a bit uncomfortable, especially because the fit is wide itself, and arms a bit long. Aside of the extra frabric it feels confortable and cozy, when moving it doesnt feel too loose and I have full range of motion. The looking is a bit oversize but could be normal carhartt fit.

I then bought an M to compare. When I tried it on, it felt better—it fit my body more closely and looked more like what you see on Pinterest or in stores selling this style. But it was a bit tight in the arms and restricted my movement. I know this Carhartt model runs a little cropped, and the fabric isn’t very soft, so it’s normal for it not to feel super comfortable or allow full range of motion, especially when it’s new.

The problem is that the M looks “better”, more fit and better in the torso, and feels more comfortable when I’m relaxed since there’s no excess fabric. But when I move, it’s a bit restrictive, and the arms feel too short. If I raise them it shows my belly bottom but when still looks more trendy and classy. The look of the L could be cool too because it makes me look bigger and more muscular but at the same time the L doesn’t quite match how the jacket is supposed to fit and for the girls (my girlfriend or mother) M looks better.

GOOD L: fool range of motion, tough guy look, better shoulders M: adjusts to figure, looks better according to fashion standars, confortable when still

BAD L: excess fabric, heavy, oversized M: range of motion restriction, arms and waist a bit short (not sure if its on purpose because of the model) narrow shoulders

“I’m having a really hard time making this decision. I’ve been wearing both for two weeks, and for me, it’s impossible to choose. Everyone I ask has a different opinion—girls prefer the M, and guys prefer the L. And I keep going back and forth depending on the situation.

I don’t want to miss the return deadline. And since this jacket is really expensive—almost 300 euros—I want to make the right choice.

Thanks!”

PD 1,2 M 3,4 L