Comfort, Versatility, and Inclusive Sizing

In this article, we've decided to give a voice to those who live and experience our garments daily. Beatrice, the protagonist of this interview, shares her story, her daily challenges, and how she found in our clothing the ideal solution to feel comfortable without sacrificing technicality and design.
Enjoy your reading!

We interviewed Beatrice to delve into her experience with technical apparel and the challenges a woman might encounter when choosing technical clothing. 

I started trekking about 15 years ago, thanks to my husband who introduced me to hiking. It was love at first sight with the mountains! I love spending time outdoors; trekking is an activity I find relaxing and regenerating, but also challenging and rewarding. The problem is that, as an overweight person, finding suitable technical apparel has always been complicated.

Many brands offer a limited range of sizes. Often, the most technical garments stop at a size 48, which excludes a segment of people who, like me, need suitable clothes not only from a technical point of view but, above all, that include appropriate sizes to be comfortable garments from every perspective. It can be very frustrating because the lack of options can discourage some women from starting or continuing physical activity.

CMP is a brand I've known forever, and I discovered it precisely because it became a reference for me thanks to its wide offering of inclusive sizes for different body types. Besides that, I find that CMP offers garments with great value for money and are also very aesthetically pleasing.

It's fundamental, and not just for overweight people. There are very tall and thin women who struggle to find garments of the right length or with the appropriate fit. One shouldn't fall into the prejudice that being overweight is always synonymous with laziness. Often there are causes related to age, pregnancy, or other pathologies that make it more difficult to maintain a certain physical shape. The problem shouldn't prevent anyone from moving and doing sports, and not finding adequate technical clothing is limiting and makes one feel different.

Absolutely. When you feel excluded already at the purchase stage, it's easier to find an excuse not to start physical activity at all. On the contrary, having access to garments suitable for any physique encourages you to take care of yourself and not give up on your well-being. CMP, by offering a wide range of sizes and also designed with a comfort fit, sends a positive message: everyone can go trekking, regardless of their size, there's no excuse!

A crucial role. During a hike, it's important to feel comfortable: the materials must be technical, breathable, waterproof when needed, and resistant to wear and tear. Size plays an essential role in this; if the garment is shaped correctly, friction in "classic" places like the inner thigh, which can cause very annoying and painful abrasions, is reduced.

I would say not to get discouraged. Finding the right clothing is the first step to feeling ready, but it's only one aspect. The important thing is to start. Trekking is not just a complete sport that trains legs, arms, and breath. For me, trekking is above all a way to be in harmony with myself. Contact with nature and the mountains always brings me great peace and is my escape valve from the hectic daily life, especially for me who lives in a city like Milan. The important thing is to start gradually and approach the mountains with respect and awareness of your limits.

Beatrice has shown us how the right technical apparel can make a difference in our approach to trekking and other outdoor activities. Her experience teaches us that it's never too late to start taking care of ourselves, and that comfort, quality, and inclusivity are fundamental ingredients to make every step a positive experience. Beatrice's message is clear: choose garments that make you feel comfortable, regardless of your size, and never give up on your well-being. If you want to discover more about CMP apparel, especially for activities like snowshoeing, we invite you to read Gipsy's blog post, which offers Beatrice's personal insights and an accurate guide to choosing the right equipment.

Credits: Beatrice Clerici, il mondo di Gipsy