Should ski clothes be tight or loose?
Particularly when someone is looking to buy ski apparel for the first time, a question that ski gear experts in the UK – such as our own team at Ski Exchange – are commonly asked, is: “how tight or loose should this type of clothing be?”
It might seem a cop-out answer for us to say that ski clothing shouldn’t be too light or too loose – but of course, it’s true.
As a general rule, you should be aiming to buy ski clothing that gives you a comfortable, but slightly snug fit. You will want your chosen ski clothes to allow for a full range of motion, at the same time as giving you effective warmth and protection against the elements.
A loose fit is broadly preferrable – but you should bear a few things in mind
As we stated above, you will need to take care to avoid an overly tight fit that could restrict your movement on the slopes.
But to reiterate something else we said earlier, there’s definitely such a thing as “too loosely fitting” ski clothing. If your chosen clothing is too baggy, it could compromise your balance or get caught on things, bringing a risk to safety and performance.
Here are a few other factors you should bear in mind:
- The specific ski activities you expect to be doing
This is a vital factor. In the case of off-piste skiing, for instance – also known as “freeriding”, and involving skiing across natural, ungroomed terrain – it is generally advisable to opt for a slightly looser fit than you might otherwise choose, to allow for greater flexibility.
- The need to allow for additional layers underneath your outer clothing
Don’t forget to account for the space those inevitable additional layers will take up underneath your outer ski jacket and pants.
This aspect is why, ideally, you should aim to try on a number of ski jackets while wearing your base layer and your mid layer. You should be able to comfortably fasten the jacket over these clothes, in addition to reaching your arms overhead.
- The importance of comfort and protection in the snow
Whatever ski garments you choose, you should be sure that they will enable you to carry out jumps, turns, and rapid movements – basically, all the body motions associated with skiing.
Ski clothing that is too loose, however, may move uncomfortably while you ski. So, you should still be investing in attire that properly fits. Features such as stretch fabric can help ensure your chosen apparel caters to both comfort and freedom of movement as priorities.
The standard of protection given by your favoured ski clothing will be another major factor. The jackets and pants that you purchase for skiing should offer good thermal insulation and other features to shield you from the adverse effects of low temperatures.
An adjustable hood and adjustable cuffs on your ski jacket, for example, will protect against snow entry. Meanwhile, ski pants that are reinforced on the knees and back will offer better resistance and durability. In short, it isn’t just the fit of your ski clothing to which you should be giving serious thought as you compare your options.
Don’t look to any other store for high-quality and suitable ski apparel
Whether you pay an in-person visit to our trusted ski gear experts in the UK at our site on Scotland Road, Dry Drayton near Cambridge, or you shop online, we really are a comprehensive and dependable source of ski equipment and clothing.
If you have questions about any aspect of our service, or if you would appreciate advice and guidance as you seek to make the right buying decisions, please don’t wait to contact our team today.