Ski and Snowboard Style and Fit Explained (2024)

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Finding the best fitting ski and snowboard clothing is important. Well-fitting clothes provide more warmth and comfort in extreme conditions, and increasingly varied ski and snowboard styles allow individuals to combine fashion and function on the mountain. But with such a huge range of styles and fits available it can be hard to know what is best for you

In this guide, we will help you decode the best ski styles to help you find the best fitting ski and snowboard clothing.

The type of snow sport you do will affect the most suitable gear when on the mountain.

Traditionally Ski styles have a slimmer fit for better heat retention and improved speed. Ski pants tend to be more reinforced at the ankle to prevent wear and tear from skis and ski boots. Ski fashion also tends to go for simpler block colours.

Snowboard clothing usually has a looser fit to enable a wider range of movement in the arms and legs. Jackets tend to be longer to provide more coverage when sitting. Snowboard pants are also looser to allow more varied leg motion and have more padding in the knees and rear for increased protection/durability.

From a style perspective, Snowboard fashion has a more urban style, with fun and bold patterns being common.

There is now increasing crossover with ski and snowboard fashion, with looser snowboard style becoming more popular. Both types offer a great range of patterns, meaning you have a lot of options to hit up the slopes.

• Arm length-Make sure the arms are long enough. They should finish at the wrist allowing you to use your hands when you’re out and about.
• Shoulders- Ensure that you have mobility in your arms when trying on jacket raise your arms to test the flexibility. The best fitting ski clothing should give you a good range of motion.
• Waist length- This is down to your preference, think about whether you want more coverage with a longer jacket or more flexibility with a shorter jacket that finishes at the hip. Typically snowboard jackets are longer, and ski jackets are shorter.·
• Features- Depending on the jacket you can have lots of features like hoods, snow skirts, wrist gaiters and vents. Think about what is most important for you, such as protection or versatility to help make an informed decision.

• Length-When buying trousers make sure that you can walk comfortably in them. Longer trousers may get caught in your bindings, causing increasing wear and tear. It is best to try them on with your boots to see if they go over easily and don’t restrict your movement.
  
• Width-Trousers should fit around the waist comfortably, but should have some room for layers underneath. When trying on trousers it is best to have leggings or thermal underneath so you can get an idea of fit. Lots of trousers now come with adjustable waists for optimum comfort.
  
• Waistline-Depending on your preferred style there is everything between bib pants to lower rise trousers. High rise provides more coverage and protection, whereas lower or mid-rise trousers offer more flexibility.
• Seams-It is recommended to have covered seams so that moisture cannot penetrate your clothes. Make sure your trousers and jackets are critically or fully taped so you have some level of protection.
  

• Slim: Jackets with a slim fit have a more tailored style, being more fitted around the shoulders and waist. Slim fit is recommended for people who want a more flattering cut and want something less bulky and is popular in ski fashion. There are variations in length with some finishing at the hip and others finishing mid-thigh.
• Regular: A nice compromise between slim and loose fit, regular jackets are straighter through the body and usually finish at the hips for maximum comfort and manoeuvrability. This is a good general all-rounder style for both ski and snowboard style.
• Loose: Loose jackets are larger and longer with minimal tailoring. Very popular in snowboard fashion, particularly freestyle and park riders, it allows more freedom of movement in the arms. Looser styles are increasing in popularity, making this a very trendy choice.

• Slim: A slim fit is more flattering and aero-dynamic as it is fitted at the waist, hips and thigh. Slimmer fit trousers can come with a higher waist which prevents snow and debris from getting in. More tight fitting than other designs these are good for those with the need for speed.
• Regular: The perfect in-between, regular fit trousers are tailored at the waist and the hips with a straighter or flared leg that allows you to wear some layers underneath it, and will fit easily over ski boots. Coming in both mid-rise or high waisted options these are the most versatile style of ski pant.
• Loose: These are straight and usually mid-rise for ultimate comfort. Designs in this category usually combine great urban styles making them a staple amongst boarders and seasonaires looking for comfortable street style.
• Salopettes: Salopettes/Bib pants are classic skiwear items, defined by the over the shoulder straps and high waist. They provide great coverage for your legs and torso. This provides greater protection from the elements and increased warmth. It is also good for freestyle boarders who want to prevent snow getting in after wipe-outs.