Ski jackets & anoraks for men

What Ski Clothing Do I Need?

The 3-layer system is designed to ensure that you are dressed warmly enough to hit the slopes. These three layers apply to your upper body. The air layer that forms between each layer helps maintain your body temperature. The first layer, also known as the base layer, consists of thermal clothing. Except for underwear, this layer is worn directly against your skin. Thermal clothing should fit snugly and is designed to keep your body warm and dry. It retains the heat generated during your activity and wicks sweat away to the second layer.

A ski pullover is suitable to wear as the second layer, also known as the insulating layer. An air pocket forms between the first and second layers, which helps to retain heat. Additionally, this layer wicks sweat further away from the first layer to the next. You can adjust this second layer depending on the weather. It’s the layer that you remove first when the temperature allows it. You can also add an extra layer if it’s extremely cold.

The third layer, also known as the outer layer, consists of a ski jacket. A ski jacket provides protection against snow, rain, and wind. It also wicks sweat from the previous layers to the outside air. Some ski jackets feature zippers for extra ventilation. Additionally, most ski jackets have a pocket on the sleeve where you can store your ski pass. This allows you to pass your arm along the ski lift scanner to get through the gates without having to remove your pass from the pocket.

What Should You Wear Under Ski Pants?

Your legs need only two layers. To maintain body temperature, wear thermal pants as the first layer, with ski pants on top. Make sure you can move freely in the ski pants, so they don’t restrict your performance on the slopes. Additionally, dry and warm feet are crucial. Wearing ski socks reduces the risk of injury. Ski socks support your feet and keep them warm and dry.

Well-Prepared for Winter Sports

When going skiing, you want to wear clothing that is warm and waterproof. The waterproofness of ski clothing is measured in water columns, and the meaning of the different values is explained in the overview below.

• From 0 mm: The ski clothing is water-repellent but not waterproof.
• From 1,000 mm: The ski clothing resists water but is not pressure-resistant. For example, if you sit on a wet chair, the clothing will eventually start to leak.
• From 2,000 mm: The ski clothing remains waterproof during prolonged snow showers but will still leak under pressure.
• From 5,000 mm: The ski clothing withstands long and intense weather conditions and remains waterproof even under high pressure. However, with very long-lasting high pressure, the product may eventually leak.
• From 15,000 mm: The ski clothing withstands heavy snowstorms and will keep you dry even underwater.

Make sure the ski clothing you bring is breathable and offers good ventilation. This will initially prevent you from overheating, and when you do get warm, sweat is wicked away to the outside air. In short, the waterproof layer should allow moisture to pass from the inside out, but not the other way around.

Tip

Taped seams in ski jackets and ski pants ensure that no snow or rain can seep in through the seams.