Skiing on the slopes without a good ski suit is like riding a hare on a train. You may be able to travel a couple of kilometers, but you shouldn’t count on more. Of course, no one will throw you off the road as a free rider. You yourself will not be able to continue on your way. Therefore, it is very important to understand which ski clothing is the best.
Now there are so many options on the market with different designs and price ranges that choosing among them the one that will become your reliable protector and assistant on mountain trips is no easier than buying a computer or TV. Therefore, we will try to give you tips and tricks to help you when purchasing the right protective suit. In this article we consider the parameters by which the best manufacturers of well-known brands of ski suits are distinguished.
It’s not for nothing that we compared the elements of an athlete’s equipment with electronics. Scientists are working in laboratories to develop materials for sewing protective sportswear. The goal of their work is to create a product that will reliably protect against snow, wind and rain, but at the same time be as light and comfortable as possible. That is why equipment parts are most often made of synthetics. This material was specially adapted to the needs of skiers, unlike natural cotton, down or wool. It’s better to forget about them altogether when choosing clothes for this sport.
Let's try to explain why:
Here's what a complete three-layer athlete's outfit consists of:
Let's start with choosing the inner layer and consider the main quality criteria.
This is where the formation of comfortable and functional ski equipment begins. Regular underwear is not suitable for this. In it you risk freezing, catching a cold, or vice versa - sweating a lot. In specialized stores you can find many options for underpants and jumpers designed for winter sports.
It is worth focusing on these criteria so as not to make a mistake in choosing suitable underwear:
If you still prefer clothes made from natural materials, you should take a closer look at models made of merino or sheep wool. Among all the options, this is the most successful. And it is best to give preference to mixed products. They combine the best qualities of synthetics and natural fabrics. Of course, such clothes will cost a little more, but the characteristics and quality are worth the money spent.
But what you should definitely avoid is impregnated thermal underwear. A cheap option, but of little use in alpine skiing. You can ride in it immediately after purchase. But after just a few washes, the fabric will no longer wick away moisture and warm the body.
Also, when choosing a set, try to find models with the fewest seams. Such clothes fit better, do not rub or cause discomfort to the body.
The inside of your jacket and trousers determines how long you can maintain your initial body temperature during exercise. It is important that the material is not only warm, but also thermoregulating.
What fillers and fabrics are most often used as insulation:
There is no need to skimp on insulation. This does not mean that you need to take the most expensive model. But still remember that quality costs money. Insulated products from the Stayer company are notable for the fact that they can be used not only for sports, but also for everyday wear thanks to their universal design. Shelter is another polyester microfiber-based insulation material that is used in Stayer models. It retains heat perfectly and performs all the filler functions that are so necessary for ski lovers.
The final and most difficult stage is the choice of outerwear. It should be not only beautiful, but also practical. To decide for yourself which ski clothing company is better, remember four main criteria. A good suit should:
The most common way to achieve this goal is to replace an expensive membrane with a more affordable, but inferior in terms of quality characteristics, option - impregnation. It seems to the buyer that he is purchasing a cheaper option with the same characteristics. However, the performance will decrease by 30% after the first wash. Therefore, carefully study all the parameters on the label several times before making your final choice.
This type of protection is the best for both professionals and amateurs. But the choice of membrane also has its own characteristics that need to be taken into account when purchasing a product. Not every material is capable of keeping the body dry and warm. Here are the types of fabric, the models of which are presented by modern brands:
Some important subtleties that are indicated on the label are decisive when choosing a skier's equipment. To understand which ski suit brand is best to choose, carefully study the numbers on the label before purchasing. They demonstrate:
Modern ski clothing is designed for people who lead an active lifestyle. Understanding all its features is quite difficult if you do not have the necessary knowledge. Therefore, in the selection process you cannot be guided solely by your taste. It is necessary to clearly know what important criteria a women's ski suit must meet in order to bring maximum comfort during use.
For a good rest, as you know, you need appropriate equipment, the role of which is played by ski clothing. And the level of protection in extreme conditions directly depends on its quality. When choosing, you should pay attention to the material, membrane surface and size. Products should not only be beautiful, but also warm, comfortable, and practical. A woman’s body should be reliably protected from cold, wind, snow and rain.
Winter clothing intended for outdoor recreation should provide good warmth in any cold weather, as well as promptly remove excess moisture. Such features are ensured by the correctly selected size and style of the product. Basically, all women's ski suits are made from lightweight and durable material based on lucre fibers. This clothing has excellent functionality. You can take such equipment to the resort and provide yourself with a comfortable pastime.
Original designer ski clothing has the following characteristics:
All clothes for ski holidays are manufactured in special laboratory conditions and undergo several complex testing stages. This determines its level of quality and resistance to adverse factors. Fashionable and beautiful ski clothing has perfectly straight seams and the absence of other defects, which makes it a sought-after element of a woman's wardrobe.
Women's ski equipment is a complete set of clothing designed to create comfortable conditions during physical activity. Before making a choice of these things, you need to decide on the purpose of the purchase. After all, the range of costumes is divided into several categories:
Each model has individual characteristics and differences, which will determine the quality of its further use. Ordinary hobbyists can take inexpensive options, focusing on suitable parameters. For a professional skier, every detail matters, on which safety in the mountains can depend. Therefore, due attention should be paid to the quality of the material, insulation and fittings. Properly chosen ski clothing will provide good protection from frost, wind and snow.
It is mainly made from nylon and fleece. Experts say that these materials fully comply with the required standards and are also excellent for active skiing. It is slightly different from snowboarding, since the body position in these two sports is characterized by some differences. That is why snowboard clothing has different parameters in relation to ski products.
Branded models in bright colors with multiple pockets, zippers and original inserts are now in fashion, which give things functionality and make the appearance more interesting. Multicolor models with beautiful inserts and exotic prints are in great demand among women.
Multi-layering provides additional benefits to ski clothing. Each such suit consists of three layers: protective, inner and insulation. The protective layer is characterized by durable fabric that can withstand any negative environmental influences. Internal - responsible for ventilation properties, allowing the body to breathe fully and not accumulate unpleasant odors. Insulation – warms well and protects against hypothermia.
To choose truly high-quality women's clothing for a ski holiday, you need to carefully study what layers each type of equipment consists of. Do not forget that this type of clothing must have high waterproof ratings so as not to cause discomfort later. The presence of a membrane layer in sportswear is an indicator of high quality and good protective properties. Each of its varieties has its own advantages and disadvantages, which you must pay attention to when purchasing.
The water resistance rating shows the level of exposure to water that the material from which the ski suit is made can withstand. The higher this indicator, the better the quality of the product itself. Ski clothing that is waterproof from 10,000 mmHg is considered reliable. Art. Modern manufacturers use special impregnation instead of the top layer, although its effectiveness is significantly lower compared to the membrane. The membrane gives such clothing additional advantages, which are very important when skiing.
A high-quality ski suit must be equipped with a membrane layer. The following types are distinguished:
The first option is mainly used in inexpensive models. It stretches well, is easy to care for, but does not protect well from the effects of precipitation. The second type is characterized by good vapor permeability, but does not allow water to pass through. It can be worn in severe frosts, as it has an excellent warming effect. The third type, in relation to the two previous varieties, is ideal for sports, since its wear resistance, elasticity and water resistance are at a fairly high level.
The duration of comfortable riding also depends on the degree of vapor permeability. For light loads, 5,000 g/m²/day is sufficient, for moderate loads – 10,000 g/m²/day, and for heavy physical exertion, 20,000 g/m²/day is required. The vapor permeability indicator shows how much steam can pass through 1 m² of material during the day. It is worth noting that the highest rates are for ski clothing with a membrane.
In such products, vapor membranes function in the same way as microscopic pores. They allow steam to pass through perfectly and function fully only at low temperatures. Clothes for women with such a protective layer are short-lived and impractical.
Combined membranes are endowed with the highest degree of vapor permeability. They harmoniously combine all the qualities that ski clothing should have. Its excellent vapor permeability capabilities make it possible to wear such products even in the most extreme conditions. Accordingly, the cost of this type of suit is much higher.
When choosing women's ski clothing, you should first of all focus on quality. All manufacturers of these products provide detailed information for each product item, but it does not always correspond to reality. Therefore, the purchase of ski suits must be approached with great responsibility. It is worth remembering that truly high-quality clothing will provide reliable protection in the winter. After all, the best model is the one that best suits the parameters of the body and is characterized by original tailoring.
Modern professional riding clothing is distinguished by bright colors, stylish design and ease of wear. Finnish, Austrian and Norwegian ski clothing is especially popular. The products of these manufacturers are manufactured in accordance with international requirements and standards, and are also successfully sold in different parts of the world. The sewing material has incomparable strength and practicality, and high-quality fittings and the presence of spacious pockets make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Such elite women's clothing is created taking into account all weather conditions in which it will be used. A well-thought-out manufacturing process allows well-known manufacturers to produce worthy specimens, introducing high technologies into their work. That is why these products are resistant to dirt, tearing, wear and tear and do not lose their original qualities after many washes. They do not restrict movement and are perfect for active sports in winter.
Outerwear for sports is on the list of the most popular among women who prefer outdoor recreation. As you know, all of it is made from different membrane materials. All companies that produce such clothing have individual differences, logos and stripes. The most popular brands, included in the ranking of well-known and recognizable brands, are famous for their unique design and unique production technologies.
One of the leaders in the production of high-quality sportswear is the French company Salomon. She is rightfully considered the inventor of a new direction in ski clothing, harmoniously combining classical traditions and modern technologies. Thanks to this, the products give a feeling of lightness and security during use. Sportswear from this manufacturer is ideal for sports and recreation in any cold weather.
The Volkl brand is also known for its high quality, offering a wide range of winter sportswear for different body parameters. Light and warm jackets, overalls and other equipment provide good warmth even in the most severe frosts.
These things have excellent quality, functionality and modernity. And the use of natural down as insulation and technological linings make the clothes reliable and very comfortable.
Recently, a brand called High Experience, whose clothes belong to the premium class, has become in demand. The entire production process is based exclusively on the company’s own developments, which makes it possible to actively ski or slowly walk through the snow-covered expanses. Products for girls perfectly combine aesthetic beauty, high quality and comfort.
Choosing quality equipment is quite difficult. On the forums you can come across the same question - “how to buy a good ski suit?” with a series of varied and often contradictory answers. the site analyzed and selected brands that received positive customer reviews.
Mountains mean unexpected weather, snowfall, sun, rain, wind, cold, and only high-quality clothing can cope with all the unexpected weather conditions. You shouldn’t skimp on your health, because it can cost you much more later. You can save money by buying a ski suit from last season’s lineup rather than buying dubious Chinese ski consumer goods. Leaders in ski suits:
Such a snowy, such a dazzlingly beautiful winter! What winter activity could be more exciting than skiing? But for such a holiday you need the appropriate equipment.
A ski suit is not only comfortable, warm and beautiful, but also, of course, technologically advanced. Modern ski suits are developed in laboratories and go through many stages of testing. However, not every mere mortal will understand all the sophisticated characteristics and mysterious signs on the labels. It is important to understand that the most expensive model is not always the best. In some cases, you will overpay for the design or brand, while the main qualities of the ski clothing will not be at the highest level.
A ski suit is a whole set of accessories and clothing, the choice of which is strictly individual. This set includes: pants, jacket, thermal underwear, goggles and gloves.
If you go to the mountains in a fancy suit (pants + jacket), while wearing simple cotton underwear and a wool sweater on your body, do not expect a good effect. A ski suit should not be extremely warm; its main task is to prevent the body from getting wet during active riding, and at the same time to breathe. What happens when you wear wool and cotton underneath? You'll feel warm at first, but once you get hot, your body starts to sweat and these natural materials collect moisture. Then you cool down, but this moisture does not go anywhere, and as a result - a sharp temperature change and a cold. For this reason, special thermal underwear has been developed from synthetic materials, the main task of which is to remove moisture.
Indicator one: water resistance. This indicator shows how much water pressure the material of the product can withstand. This indicator is measured in millimeters of water column (mm w.st.). The higher this indicator, the better.
A good ski suit has water resistance ratings of 10,000 (mw.st.) and above.
The second indicator is very important. It largely determines whether your skiing will be comfortable and long. The vapor permeability coefficient shows how much steam a material can transmit per square meter per day. Again, the higher this indicator, the better the body will “breathe” under all this equipment. Under heavy loads, the vapor permeability of a ski jacket should reach 20,000 g/m²/day, under moderate loads - 10,000 g/m²/day, but if you are a beginner and don’t expect any special loads, then 5,000 g/m²/day will do.
Ski suits with membranes have the best indicators of waterproofness and vapor permeability. Currently, there are 3 types of membranes: hydrophilic, porous and combined.
The first type works on the principle that in order for moisture to be removed outside, a sufficient amount of condensate must accumulate on the surface of the membrane. For this reason, the first type of suit is always a little damp. However, this material is very durable and elastic, and does not require the purchase of a special washing shampoo.
Pore membranes They work on the principle that microscopic holes (pores) allow steam to pass through, but not water. Such membranes only work at very low temperatures, but do not work in rain. Products with such membranes are very short-lived and require careful handling.
The most modern at the moment are. They combine the best qualities of the first two types, but also disadvantages. Suits made of this material have excellent stretch and wick away moisture, but at the same time they do not work well in conditions of high humidity. It is the third type that has the highest vapor permeability and water resistance and is ideal for extreme conditions. Prices for such suits, as a rule, “bite” the most.
Unfortunately, not all manufacturers write on the labels about how to properly care for such expensive suits. But after two or three washes in a washing machine with powder, all the useful qualities of suits with membranes are simply lost. When purchasing a product, check with your sales consultant whether it requires special care. As a rule, specialized stores sell special shampoos for washing products with climate membranes.
Choosing a good suit (pants + jacket) is not everything. Proper equipment requires the presence of three layers, the first of which removes moisture from the body, the second keeps you from freezing, and the third protects from wind, snow and rain. We have already talked about the third layer, this is our suit. But what are the second and first layers?
The first mandatory layer is thermal underwear. It should be your size, and in no case should it be too loose for you. It’s better not to skimp on thermal underwear; it should be hypoallergenic and seamless, the material is polyester.
The second layer of equipment is insulation. These can be a variety of sweaters or vests made from synthetic materials. Advice: in some jacket models, insulation is included in the ski suit; it is better that the second layer is separate from the third.
This was an article about how to choose the right ski suit, I hope the information was useful to you!
Ski clothing: rules of good mannersWhen choosing ski clothing, the main thing is to clearly determine which group of skiers you belong to. If you prefer to sunbathe on a sun lounger after going down the highway a couple of times, there is no point in buying the most “advanced” things with a bunch of characteristics that increase the cost.
As for brands, the variety is great, to put it mildly. Even such “haute couture” monsters as Lagerfeld and JС de Castelbajac make ski clothes. The prices for these suits, naturally, are steep. There are also less pretentious fashion-ski brands: SportAlm and MDC, but they are also not cheap. Among experienced skiers, time-tested (and not too expensive) “specialty” brands are popular. This group includes Phenix, Descente, Colmar and Spyder. You will have to spend a little less on Salomon, Völkl and Rossignol. If price is absolutely critical, pay attention to manufacturers of “sportswear in general,” for example, Columbia.
Good clothing for any level and style of riding can be distinguished by a number of characteristics of “thoroughbredness”. I will consider them in descending order of importance.
It has long been a rule of good manners to indicate the parameters of a fabric: water resistance in millimeters of the water column held by the fabric, and vapor permeability in grams of liquid that one square meter of fabric can pass per day.
Select the model according to the characteristics of the membrane. The general rule is this: for ordinary skiers who prefer moderate skiing, a water resistance of 5000 mm and a vapor permeability of 5000 g/sq.m/24h are sufficient. Of course, the higher these indicators, the more your wallet will lose weight. But the greater the chance that you will be comfortable in the snow and rain. The insulation is no less important - it should be thin and light. It consists of thousands of tiny particles and creates an “air cushion effect” around the body.
For freeride and expert skating, it is worth choosing clothes with high performance - water resistance - 30,000 mm, vapor permeability - up to 30,000 g/sq. m/24 hours. Standard indicators for middle-class clothing are 10,000 mm and 10,000 g/sq. m/24 h, respectively). Good ski clothing does not wrinkle, can withstand rain or sleet, protects from wind, and has dirt-repellent properties. This, by the way, is very important, considering that it is better to wash clothes made from membrane fabrics as rarely as possible. The most expensive and functional items are protected with a special coating from DuPont. For those who prefer speed to wildness, and ideal tracks to freeride, when choosing clothes, it is enough to buy things with a vapor permeability of 10,000 g/sq.m. m/24 and similar water resistance parameters. Even in the event of rain or snowfall, the “ten thousandth” membrane will not let you get wet.
If the main criteria when choosing clothes are the price/quality ratio and the “external characteristics” of things, then you can purchase suits or jackets from lesser-known brands, which, nevertheless, must still have a membrane of at least “5000 to 5000”.
Tech details include waterproof zippers, extra ventilation and taped seams. You need to choose according to the principle “the more (options and adjustments), the better.” Don't forget to pay attention to the presence of such pleasant little things as ski pass pockets, key holders, and half-glove cuffs.
Skiers are actively moving throughout the skiing day. Even if the last descent is already behind you, no one wants to look like a robot or a bag. Therefore, ergonomic clothing is very important. Darts and contour seams at the elbows and knees provide freedom of movement and prevent the fabric from tearing. Reinforcements along the bottom edge of the trousers would also be useful - they will protect against cuts.
An important detail is the hood. It should be adjustable to the shape of your head. Often the hood can be unfastened or tucked into the collar (convenient for those who ride with a helmet). On women's models, the hood often comes with a fur trim - if you are not ready to ride in a jacket with fur, make sure that it comes unfastened.
It is unlikely that in the near future you will defend the honor of the nation in competitions or make a living from skating. In any case, you should feel as comfortable as possible. It should be comfortable, dry and warm (but not hot!) both on the slope, and on the ski lift, and in line for it (God forbid, of course) and in the open-air cafe at the bottom station.
The best minds in the industry are just thinking about how to introduce more of this into production so that their clothes become truly unique. Some build audio players and drinking systems into their clothes, others continue to “revolve” around the essential “dry and warm”, introducing those same special technologies.
Choose bright ski suits. It is much easier to notice an athlete who has fallen on a slope if he is wearing multi-colored clothing. Moreover, even while playing sports you want to look attractive and stylish.
Be carefull
In recent years, unfortunately, in our ski markets and even in small shops you can find a fair amount of fakes that imitate (and quite skillfully) things from leading manufacturers of ski equipment. Of course, such clothes are much (sometimes several times!) cheaper than their real “analogues”. But the sensations on the track for its owner have nothing to do with the comfort mentioned above. A good jacket from a well-known brand, whose logo regularly appears in World Cup broadcasts and at international competitions, cannot be cheap.
How to protect yourself from counterfeiting? Choose the right place to buy: usually well-known brands distribute their collections through sports supermarket chains or their own stores. If you are sure that the retail outlet you have chosen has the right to sell products from well-known companies, pay attention to a few more details before you start trying on and bargaining.
You should be wary:
Absence or low quality of packaging and labels
Poor quality of the logo (uneven stitching, protruding threads, letters connected by threads)
Lack of information about the composition of materials and technologies
The presence of zippers from an unknown manufacturer (most world manufacturers use YKK zippers)
Unpresentable appearance of the fabric or the product itself
Failure to comply with the rules of brand image (changed proportions, font)
However, keep in mind that the level of execution of fakes is constantly growing, and often even an experienced skier cannot distinguish a “original” thing from a counterfeit. If you don’t want your jacket and pants to fade during the first wash, make purchases only in trusted stores.
Buying new clothes is always a joyful event. But skiing is not like walking on a clean carpet. Yokes and chairs, the need to carry skis on the shoulder, falls, “snacks” on the lift - all this does not at all contribute to the ideal cleanliness of our precious things. Sooner or later you decide that it would be nice to wash the jacket. To prevent the properties of the membrane from deteriorating, it must be treated with respect.
Clothing manufacturers recommend using special detergents for membrane fabric (they are available in almost all sports supermarkets), choosing a delicate cycle and trying to reduce the number of washes as much as possible. Sometimes, to wash away dirty stains, you just need to wipe them with a damp cloth. After each ride, dry your clothes, but not on a radiator or heater. Treat your clothes with care and wisdom - and they will last for more than one season, providing comfortable riding in any weather.
See you on the mountain!
Stepan Kuminov