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For many of us, skiing stands for fun, enjoyment and freedom. However, all of the above can quickly be cut short if you wear the wrong ski outfit. After all, we all know the feeling of being too hot, too cold or too wet under our ski clothing.
So how do you avoid these unpleasant sensations? The winter sports experts of INTERSPORT Rent have put together a list of useful tips regarding ski clothing. Because it takes the right outfit to make the most of your day in the snow!
When it comes to choosing your ski wear, you should always stick to the principle of “form follows function”. This doesn’t mean you have to aim lower in terms of design though. Nowadays, the choice in ski wear is so vast that it’s easy to find the perfect outfit for every taste.
Whether it’s a ski jacket, a pair of ski trousers or gloves: Winter sports clothing has two jobs to do – keep you warm and keep you dry. That’s why your ski wear should check the following three boxes:
It’s snowing, you had a fall or are riding in deep powder? Then it’s vital that your ski clothing keeps out moisture. Because as soon as your clothes get wet, you will start to feel cold. What’s more, your ski wear should protect you from the wind, making taped seams and waterproof zips an absolute necessity. Wrist and leg gaiters and trousers with suspenders or a bib are also nice to have.
A breathable garment allows air to pass through and vapour or moisture to escape. Sweat is wicked away, leaving your skin dry. This quality is particularly important for ski underwear. Being soaked in sweat on the slopes should definitely be a thing of the past!
Insulating materials such as down protect you from getting too cold. That’s why a good insulation is particularly important when you go skiing in sub-zero temperatures. You can also wear several (thinner) layers of clothing on top of each other, as this keeps you warmer than wearing one single thick layer. Plus, you can take off or put on individual layers as needed – another benefit of the three-layer principle.
A good layering outfit consists of at least three different layers. Underwear, sweater, jacket – that’s it? Well, almost. Make sure that your layers have the right fit and functionality, because the point of the three-layer principle is to ensure optimum air circulation and moisture management.
If you do it right, you should neither get too hot nor too cold during skiing. If you get warm, you simply remove one layer. If you start to feel cold, put on an additional layer. This helps you to feel comfortable at all times and lets you make the most of your day in the snow.
Your first layer – also called base layer – refers to your functional or ski underwear. Its main job is to wick away sweat from your skin. That’s why it’s important that your underwear is tight-fitting.
Your base layer should be made from polyester or other synthetic fibres. Merino wool is also an excellent choice for functional underwear as it is particularly soft to the touch.
The mid layer, or insulation layer, protects you from the cold and regulates moisture management. It can consist of several garments, for instance a long-sleeve top and a fleece jacket.
Apart from fleece, wool also has great insulating properties. Alternatively, Primaloft® synthetic down is an environmentally friendly choice based on an innovative recycling technology.
Your outer layer protects you from the wind and weather and other elements. It should be breathable and allow for moisture and excess warmth to escape.
The most wide-known material for weatherproof clothing is the Gore-Tex® membrane. Sympatex and Primaloft® are also great third-layer materials for mountain sports. Waterproofing it on a regular basis helps to maximise the performance of your shell layer.