How to choose skiing clothes
Choosing the best skiing clothes today is like choosing cool electronics: complicated, expensive, but worth it.
Even if you’re a novice in skiing, there’s no need to show it to everyone around. Honestly, it’s easier than it seems: all you need to do is wear a ton of useless clothes, get wet and cold in them. Or wear a luxurious fur coat whose furry collar is visible a mile away and still feel wet and cold, all while receiving sly smiles from experienced skiers.
In simpler terms, ski clothing is your powerful tool for ensuring a healthy and successful vacation. To make sure this happens, let’s figure out how to choose ski equipment.
First and foremost, remember the key rule – the skiing “outfit” should consist of 3 layers.
Moisture wicking from the body. This is achieved through the first (inner) layer – underwear and lining that is in contact with the skin.
Retaining warmth. The second layer includes the insulation of the suit, as well as sweaters and vests.
Protection. Protection from rain, snow, wind, and other challenges. The third layer refers to the suit material.
Now let’s delve into these characteristics in action.
Underwear
Thermal underwear for skiing
High-quality underwear saves you from sweat by “transferring” it to the protective layer while retaining warmth.
Thermal underwear for winter sports is made from modern synthetic materials that allow the skin to breathe but dry quickly, preventing bacterial growth.
These characteristics depend on the materials used:
- Polyester is the most common in today’s thermal underwear. It retains heat well and wicks moisture away.
- Polypropylene outperforms polyester in managing moisture but has a more fragile structure.
It’s said that polypropylene pills more easily than polyester. In reality, pilling occurs with any underwear, as it absorbs sweat odors and is washed frequently.
- Merino wool (sheep) is an excellent option, especially when combined with synthetics. Hypoallergenic wool insulates well, wicks away moisture, and is ideal for low temperatures.
Thermal underwear is often treated with antibacterial coatings. However, don’t get too enchanted by this feature, and certainly don’t prioritize it, as the coating disappears after about 4-5 washes.
The best thermal underwear for skiing is multi-layered: using several synthetic materials or a combination of synthetic and natural fabrics.
Regardless of its construction, thermal underwear should:
- Have as few seams as possible.
- Fit snugly. If the first layer sags, it’s practically useless.
If you decide to stick with regular underwear – like regular briefs and a tank top – avoid cotton. It retains moisture poorly, which means it gets wet quickly.
Socks
This applies to socks too. In fact, most manufacturers make not just socks, but knee-highs—a very successful variation.
Common materials include a mix of synthetic (polyamide, polypropylene, polyacrylic) and natural fibers (cotton, wool). High-quality socks wick moisture outward efficiently while staying dry. And of course, they have antibacterial properties to combat foot odor.
In particularly vulnerable and sensitive areas, ski socks should have added thickness and insulation—this includes the toes, heels, and calves.
Yes, there are even advanced features here—there are socks with massage inserts that improve blood circulation in the feet.
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Prices
A quality thermal underwear set for skiing cannot cost less than 3,000 RUB. The price is driven by the complex production process and the high-tech materials used.
The optimal price for a shirt and leggings set is 5,000-6,000 RUB.
The average cost of socks is 800-1,500 RUB.
Insulation Layers
Insulation for skiing suits
It’s better to buy an insulating layer separately: a ski jacket with built-in insulation can make you sweat significantly, even in moderate temperatures.
As for materials: Down. Its performance is evaluated by “elasticity”: the best indicator is 750 units. Down has a significant drawback — when wet, it “clumps” and loses its insulating properties. To mitigate this, it is treated with special coatings, but this doesn’t make it the leader in insulation.
Synthetic fiberfill. It’s rarely used nowadays because this material doesn’t “breathe” well and loses about 30% of its insulating properties after the first wash.
Fleece. A good choice as an insulating layer: it retains warmth well, wicks moisture away from undergarments, and doesn’t restrict movement.
Polartec. A variant of polyester: it provides “dry” warmth thanks to its ventilation and low moisture absorption properties.
Thinsulate. Arguably the best modern material for insulation:
A synthetic substitute for down, combining polyester and polypropylene fibers;
Durable;
Hardly absorbs moisture;
Reliably retains heat;
Loses up to 10% of its insulating properties after 15 washes.
Suit
Men's and women's ski suits
The third layer — jacket with pants or jumpsuit — is characterized by:
Waterproofing (mm H₂O) — the pressure of water a material can withstand before leaking;
Breathability (g/m²/day) — the amount of vapor a material can let through per square meter per day.
To avoid getting wet from light snow or frost, the suit should have a waterproof rating of at least 2000 mm H₂O.
An “average” waterproofing/breathability ratio for decent speeds and stable activity levels is 10000/10000.
For heavy snowfalls and skiing on fresh powder, 5000-10000 mm H₂O is sufficient, while for extreme skiing, you should aim for 20000 mm H₂O or more.
Breathability for low activity can be 5000 g/m²/day, for moderate activity 10000, and for intense activity 20000.
But keep in mind your body’s specific features: you might sweat significantly even during a regular walk, so factor this into your choice of ratings.
The best-performing suits include those with an added membrane (membrane layer).
There are 3 types of membranes:
Hydrophilic (non-porous) membranes operate on the principle of diffusion: condensation builds up on the membrane surface and penetrates the fabric, evaporating the moisture outside. Non-porous membranes always feel “slightly damp.” They don’t perform well in low temperatures and high humidity. However, they are well-suited for moderate temperatures, durable, elastic, and require minimal care.
Microporous membranes operate through tiny pores that allow vapor molecules to pass through but block water molecules. This type is unsuitable for warm and rainy weather and is known for its lack of durability. However, it functions exceptionally well in cold weather when the body generates heat.
Combined membranes are considered the best among their membrane counterparts today, although they combine both the advantages and disadvantages of other types. They offer high durability, waterproofing, and stretch properties but are also expensive and perform poorly in high humidity and low temperatures. Nevertheless, for extreme conditions, skiers prefer this type of clothing because of its excellent breathability and waterproofing.
By Components
Ski suits
In the past, ski overalls were considered better than a jacket and pants because they provided better protection against snow.
Modern jackets are just as effective: they cinch at the bottom and waist and feature an internal “snow skirt” with an elastic band. It’s more comfortable to ski in a jacket and pants: if it gets too warm, you can remove the jacket, and movement feels freer in a two-piece set.
Ski pants come in high-waisted styles (with suspenders, resembling overalls) and low-waisted styles (ending at the waist, like regular pants).
High-waisted pants provide better snow protection and allow you to choose a jacket of any length. In contrast, with low-waisted pants, it’s better to opt for a longer jacket.
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Remember important suit details:
All zippers should move freely, and their “pull-tabs” should be large and non-slip, making it easy to zip up or down while wearing gloves;
The jacket’s zipper should be covered by flaps on both the inside and outside to prevent drafts;
Pockets should be as numerous as possible, preferably with zippers;
Sleeve cuffs should close easily and securely to prevent snow from getting inside;
Ideally, the jacket should have a special loop to prevent glove loss;
The inner collar should be lined with fleece to protect the face from chafing by the wind;
It’s nice if the hood is sewn into the collar;
Seams should be reinforced (taped) to prevent moisture;
Look for clothing with the “RECCO” label — this is a reflector for rescue teams in case of emergencies.
Pricing
Cost of Ski Suits
A good ski suit is an expensive pleasure. Very expensive, in fact. But you can’t skimp on it—surely, you don’t want to ski in uncomfortable conditions, get sick, throw away the suit after each season, and generally look unpresentable? Exactly.
However, beginner skiers shouldn’t go to the other extreme either—fancy and costly equipment features are simply unnecessary for them.
The price range is incredibly wide, as you’ve already realized, depending on the materials and various extras.
A single jacket can cost 30,000–90,000 rubles. Women’s models are usually more expensive—starting at 45,000 rubles. Some particularly “exclusive” models can cost around 190,000 rubles.
Quality men’s ski pants, including bib designs, will cost approximately 20,000–50,000 rubles, while women’s models go for 20,000–70,000 rubles.
A jumpsuit, as opposed to a set, will cost slightly less.
Beware of Counterfeits! It’s a cliché, but it’s true. Sure, knockoffs of expensive brands can be purchased for as little as 5,000 rubles a set, but there’s no comparing the comfort level to that of the originals.
Only buy from trusted outlets—brand-name boutiques or sports superstore chains.
If you notice:
Poor quality or missing tags and packaging;
Suspicious logo quality (uneven stitching, loose threads);
Missing information about technologies and material composition;
Non-brand zippers (most global brands use YKK zippers);
Unimpressive fabric or product appearance,
then leave this store immediately.
Maintenance
How to Care for a Ski Suit
Membrane suits gradually accumulate salt buildup from sweat, and the same applies to down jackets. That’s why such clothing should be washed once a season.
However, keep in mind: membrane clothing must not be washed in a regular washing machine or with ordinary detergent—its structure is far too fragile.
Wash these items with special products specifically designed for such clothing, and consult a professional regarding proper cleaning methods.
For a non-membrane but “treated” jacket, it’s better not to wash it at all: the protective coating will deteriorate under the influence of chemicals, and the garment will lose its water-repellent properties.
Dry your outfit after every skiing session, but avoid heaters or radiators.
Don’t send it to a dry cleaner: while exterior stains can be removed there, the membrane will be ruined in the process.
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Other Ski Gear Elements
Gloves
Ski Accessories
Pay attention to the materials, lining, and stitching—every detail matters. Choose the warmest possible model.
The gloves should be long enough, made of durable fabric, with leather inserts and reinforcements, and adjustable fastenings.
Such gloves will keep your fingertips from freezing, block snow and water, and allow for a secure grip on poles.
Advanced models come with carbon protection for the fingers, wrists, and hand.
Helmet
Not all skiers, regardless of their skill level, opt to wear a helmet.
However, for children, wearing helmets is mandatory at most ski resorts, which is undoubtedly the right approach.
The ideal helmet should fit snugly and feel lightweight.
You can skip wearing a helmet if you avoid skiing near trees. But foregoing a helmet introduces risks for which you bear full responsibility.
It’s also important to have essential accessories and care items for ski optics on hand at all times. Fancy decorative items? Of course! Do you want to stand out on the slopes? Plan out the details carefully:
Goggles in different formats—mirrored ones protect against blinding light, while all also shield against snow.
Alternatively, you can choose a mask (if you wear glasses with prescription lenses)—it also protects the face from impacts. Masks may also be tinted or come in various colors.
Hat—under a helmet, it should be thin; without a helmet, it should be warm, fleece-lined, and cover the ears. In any case, the hat should fit snugly and protect against drafts.
Ski Clothing for Kids
Children's Ski Suits
The “3-layer rule” and recommendations for selecting ski clothing also apply to children’s ski gear.
The only consideration—prioritize pants over a jumpsuit:
A jumpsuit is less convenient for bathroom breaks;
Kids quickly outgrow jumpsuits;
Jackets and pants can be worn separately, even beyond the slopes.
Children’s jackets also typically feature a powder skirt to protect the waist from wind and snow.
Similarly, ski pants have high backs for the same purpose.
A children’s ski suit will cost about 4,000–10,000 rubles.
Snowboard Jumpsuit
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