What to Wear Skiing
Haley Snow
Table of Contents
So you’ve decided to brave the slopes. You’ve procured your gear, your lift ticket, and your skiing companions. Now the only thing left to decide is what to wear skiing.
Whether you’re skilled on the slopes or still trying to master the bunny hill, odds are you’re going to want to look cute (and stay warm).
I took my inaugural ski trip at the age of 27. I went with my two best gals who have been avidly snowboarding for years. They hit the big girl slopes and I spent a few hours with the bunnies (all of whom were 20+ years younger than me and far superior skiers).
Eventually, I admitted defeat and dragged my bruised little bottom back to the chalet for a much-deserved cocktail.
Since I was a novice, wearing borrowed snow pants and rented gear were my only options, so I didn’t have to think very much about what to wear skiing. But, if you’re in it for the thrill, the fashion, or both, taking time to consider your ski attire is worthwhile.
While we can’t offer you any advice on how to ski, we can give you a hand in the ‘what to wear’ category. So if you’d like to know all about skiing fashion, you’ve come to the right place.
After reading this guide, you’ll understand the following info and so much more:
- What skiing is
- What to wear skiing first-time styles
- Skiing outfit ideas
- ‘What to wear skiing’ fashion tips and no-nos
- How to take care of your ski gear
- Where to buy your skiing attire
What Is Skiing?
What is skiing, you ask? It’s cold, humiliating torture. Just kidding! Skiing is actually a lot of fun if you take the time to learn how to ski, go with the right people, and don the correct gear.
The sport of skiing is ancient. The earliest known record of skis dates back to 8000-6000 BCE. With its roots tied to Scandinavia, Russia, and Norway, skiing is so old that its first historical record comes from rock carvings.
Once a means of transportation, modern skiing is more an athletic and leisure-based pastime. Basically, it’s something we do for fun during the icy winter months.
Skiing has also become a luxury activity—the best slopes are reserved for guests of elite chalets and high-end hotels. The opulence of ski culture is part of what makes the slopes a runway in more ways than one.
In the most basic sense, skiing is the act of gliding over the snow, using downhill momentum to move you forward, while using poles, your body, and ski placement to maneuver your direction.
In the more nuanced sense, skiing is a lifestyle. It’s an investment in equipment, money, time, and patience. Skiing is a skill acquired over time and, once mastered, it can be a great opportunity for physical activity, socialization, and fashion.
What to Wear Skiing
When deciding what to wear skiing, it’s important to consider your level of skill. If you’re a beginner, deciding what to wear is easy. Choose the most practical, hard-wearing winter wear you have—preferably with extra padding on the rear.
If you’re a real skier, meaning you can make it down the hill without falling, crying, or doing both simultaneously, then you can have a bit more fun with your outfit.
However, there are a few skiing essentials that even the black-diamonds among us should wear. So, whether you’re a novice, pro, or somewhere in between, keep these tips in mind when thinking about what to wear skiing.
- Bib-overalls: Yes I know, your mom made you wear these when you were a kid and you hated them. However, bib ski pants are a must-have for any skier. They’ll keep you warmer, and reduce the need to adjust mid-ski, plus they’ll prevent the snow from getting on your back and soaking your sweater if you should fall.
- One-piece snowsuit: You could also invest in a one-piece snowsuit. It’s even better than bib-snow pants and your warm skin will thank you.
- Long underwear: The key to ski wear is layers—lots and lots of layers. Don’t give the snow the chance to wiggle into your clothes. Ski layers will keep you warm, dry, and able to stay on the slopes much longer.
- Goggles: When you’re flying down the slopes, the last thing you want to lose is your sight. So invest in a pair of properly fitted goggles to protect your eyes from the snow and the sun.
- Gloves: Now obviously you need gloves, but doubling up here is a smart choice. Wear one pair of long, waterproof gloves that tuck securely into the sleeves of your coat. Then add an extra pair on top for warmth. Be sure to choose a pair with tight cuffs to keep the snow out.
- Socks: Of course, you need proper boots, but choosing the right socks is just as vital to ensure you enjoy your time on the hills. Like gloves, we suggest doubling up. Wear one thin, water-resistant pair topped with a warm wool set.
7 Outfit Ideas for Skiing
Now you might be feeling ready to hit the slopes, but first, you need to know what to wear skiing. So check out the outfit ideas below before you put together your chic skiing attire.
Here we have ski attire at its chicest. Maybe I’m most drawn to this outfit because that’s my idea of skiing (aka not skiing and having a cocktail). This is a great example of layering your more luxurious pieces underneath your ski suit.
Sure, she’s wearing ski pants, but once her jacket is removed, her Gucci belt and cashmere sweater will be revealed, making this the perfect slope-to-chalet hybrid outfit.
If you opt for a one-piece ski suit, I dare you to find one as cool as this. While totally monochromatic, the houndstooth print and black fur collar make this look as fun as it is practical.
The black and white print also makes finding matching accessories and underclothes an easy task.
Another great example of the one-piece ski suit, this one is noticeably sleek and fitted. And it’s perfect for skiing pros focused on speed.
The navy and red detailing on the shoulders and at the hem give this outfit a vintage feel, and the large shawl collar/hood is sure to keep you cozy. What’s the one thing missing? A canvas Gucci belt (pictured above).
Wild, weird, and wonderful—these colorful printed ski suits are just so much fun. Look how happy these women are. I do have to wonder where their helmets and goggles are, though, since there’s certainly nowhere to store anything in these cat-suit style one-pieces.
We obviously have a fondness for houndstooth and, honestly, you should too. This pattern is bigger and bolder, but the wearer has toned it down by pairing it with all black layers and accessories, and a big black ski jacket.
Those polarized goggles add a cool, sporty edge to an otherwise pretty, feminine ski style.
This is retro ski attire at its finest. This all-white belted ski suit accented with rainbow detailing on the shins and shoulders is giving us serious ‘80s vibes (in the best way possible).
By choosing a black helmet, gloves, and boots the wearer has brought this 1980s classic into 2022.
Just in case you forget what you’re doing out there in the snow, it always helps to have the word ‘ski’ knit into your sweater.
In all seriousness, we love the novelty aspect of this look. She’s opted to wear separates, but the sleek pants with reinforced knees and bright red jacket with a snow skirt should keep her just as dry and warm as a one-piece outfit.
And as an added touch, she’s even matched her nail color to the color of her jacket, which is very chic.
What Type of Skiing Outfits Can You Get?
What you wear skiing depends on what sort of skiing you intend to do. The more serious the skier, the more ergonomic and aerodynamic the gear must be. So keep this in mind when thinking about what to wear skiing.
If you look at professional skiers, there’s very little bulk in their outfits. Whereas the less experienced skiers tend to have fluffier clothes (in my experience this is to add extra padding for when you fall).
Here’s what you should wear skiing if you’re at the beginner, intermediate, or advanced level.
Beginners
If you’re just learning how to ski, then practicality is the name of the game. It’s important to choose pieces that will keep you warm, comfortable, and safe. So we recommend wearing something simple, such as bib overalls with adjustable straps and a waist-length coat with thumb holes.
When choosing accessories, pick inexpensive fitted items. In all likelihood, you’re going to wipe out, and you don’t want to lose your beloved hat or mittens on the way down.
Intermediates
Once you’ve graduated to the point where you can actually make it down the mountain, you can have a little bit more fun with your fashion.
Of course, there are a lot of practical aspects to choosing a two-piece outfit, but once you know you enjoy the sport, investing in a one-piece snowsuit is a great choice.
And as a bonus, they’re actually pretty cool now. So no longer will you have to look like the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man when wearing a full snowsuit.
Advanced
Once you’re an advanced skier, the object of the game sort of changes. You’ll want to invest in something sleek and aerodynamic.
Again, a one-piece suit is recommended but, at this point in your ski journey, it will likely resemble more of a catsuit than a snowsuit.
And when you’re investing in a ski suit, there are extra options. The outer shell will be wind and water-resistant (or better yet, waterproof). The inner lining can be made of anything from nylon, cotton, silk, or taffeta.
Professional ski suits can also be one piece like we previously mentioned—for instance something that resembles a jumpsuit or flight suit.
Or, you can get a matching two-piece suit, with a ski jacket and ski pants, also known as ‘salopettes.’ Salopettes is the French word for bibbed overalls.
How to Choose the Best Skiing Gear
When choosing the best ski wear, as we mentioned above, considering your skill level is important. Once that’s been determined, then there are a few other vital factors to consider, including price, quality, brand, and material.
So before you can decide what to wear skiing, you must consider these variables.
Price
If you’re an avid skier and hit the slopes regularly, investing in ski wear is a smart decision. Because ski wear is essentially just outerwear for the athletically blessed among us, it’s naturally going to be expensive.
Other than perhaps designer handbags, outerwear is the most expensive category of clothing—and for good reason—it has to be made of quality materials to withstand the elements.
Brand & Quality
Like any sportswear, quality is essential. These aren’t delicate pieces that you’ll wear gently, dry clean, and then return safely to your closet. Ski attire must be tough and practical (everything else is a bonus).
So buy your gear from reputable brands like Bogner, Montec, Rossignol, or Arc’teryx.
Material
As we mentioned, your ski attire needs to be tough. The lining of your outfit comes down to preference. If you’re feeling luxurious choose silk or taffeta. If you’re more interested in practicality, nylon or wool is your best bet. We recommend avoiding cotton.
The outer shell is less about preference and more about the requirements of the slopes. Choose waterproof or water-resistant fabrics to prevent moisture from seeping into your underlayers.
When choosing the outer shell of your ski attire, remember one word: synthetics. Scientifically manufactured fabrics like Precip, Windstopper, and the all-mighty Gore-Tex are going to give you the best results.
How to Style Your Skiing Outfit
Now that you know what to wear skiing, you need to know how to style your attire. When styling your skiing outfit, consider wearing your more fashionable pieces as underclothes. This will keep them safe from the elements and offer an easy transition from the slopes to the chalet.
Layering your beautiful knitwear and accessories beneath your snow gear will allow you to feel stylish and fresh during your post-ski cocktail hour.
When styling for the slopes themselves, we’re a big fan of monochromatic looks. Keeping your primary gear (ski suit, boots, goggles, etc.) within the same color family will allow you to easily add pops of color or print to your outfit with your accessories.
For instance, if you have all-black ski attire, adding a black and white houndstooth hat or belt will give your slope wear the fashionable edge it needs. If you’ve chosen a color for your main gear, accessorizing with a bold but complementary color can really make your outfit pop.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With Skiing Outfits
When dressing for the slopes, there are a few things that you should avoid. Refer to the list below to steer clear of any fashion faux pas. With these handy tips, figuring out what to wear skiing should be easy.
- Choose fashion over function: Of course, you want to look great during your skiing trip, but save the impractical outfits for another time. Follow fashion’s golden rule and dress in a way that reflects the event or activity that you’re partaking in.
- Don’t wear jeans: This one seems obvious but, apparently, it’s been a hotly contested debate—jeans on the slopes, yes or no? Our opinion on the strangely controversial matter is this: don’t wear jeans while skiing, it’s silly.
- Stay clothed: Admittedly, this may be more of a ski-culture faux pas than a fashion tip: don’t be one of those people who thinks it’s cool to take off your top layers and pose backless for Instagram. It’s tacky plus you’ll catch a cold.
- Consider safety: Skiing is fun, but it can also be dangerous. This isn’t a ‘fashion tip to avoid’ but a hard and fast, life-saving rule.
- Wear safety gear: No matter your skill level, do not ever go skiing without the proper safety gear. Actress Natasha Richardson and Michael Kennedy both lost their lives in skiing accidents while not wearing helmets. So, regardless of whether you’re on a beginner’s slope or a black diamond trail, wear your helmet.
How to Take Care of Skiing Gear
Because ski attire is made up of so many components, how to care for it entirely depends on what gear you’re caring for. So we’ve broken this all down for you below.
Skis: When caring for your skis in season, be sure to dry them off at the end of each day you spend on the slopes. Also, have them waxed and sharpened regularly and, whether in season or off-season, always store them in a cool, dry place.
Helmets and goggles: Wipe these clean regularly. The goggles can simply be wiped with a microfibre cloth and glasses cleaner.
Your helmet should be wiped with warm water and a mild detergent, taking special care to clean the inside. Even though you’ll be wearing a hat, you’re bound to sweat and, over time, your ski helmet could start to smell like the inside of a hockey bag.
Boots: The key to caring for your ski boots is to keep the inside of them dry. So remove the liners (and the soles) and leave them out to dry in a warm place.
If you’re a die-hard skier, there are specific boot dryers you can invest in. The outer shell of your boots should be wiped clean and left upside down to ensure any moisture hiding inside drains out.
Ski suit: Like most articles made of synthetic material, wash them in cold water using a synthetic-friendly detergent like Woolite. Tumble dry the items on low until they’re 90% dry, then hang them up to dry. Don’t use too much heat when drying, since it can damage the fibers and shorten the lifespan of your gear.
Best Places to Buy Skiing Gear
When buying your ski attire, invest your money and trust in brands that specialize in winter sportswear.
Brands like Arc’teryx, Montec, Moncler, Canada Goose, and Bogner are all tried and true ski wear brands that will keep you warm and fashionable on the slopes. All of these brands have excellent e-commerce sites where you can purchase their goods.
Also, check out their sites if you’re looking for ski gear sale items. Department stores like Holt Renfrew and Nordstroms often have boutiques featuring these brands if you’d prefer to shop in person.
If you’re looking for something more glamorous, Fendi and Gucci both make beautiful, practical ski attire (think of Lady Gaga and Adam Driver in House of Gucci).
Final Thoughts
Skiing is one of the great winter pastimes, and also one of the best opportunities to blend fashion and athletics. This creates a unique opportunity, fashion-wise.
While there are limitations due to safety, climate, and culture, choosing the right gear can help you turn the slopes into a runway.
So get out there and give skiing a try. And with our helpful tips, not only will you be safe, you’ll look fabulous, and have fun too. But, if skiing is not for you, we’ll see you in the chalet for a hot toddy.
Scouring the web for more winter layers? Check out these brands:
