Buy ski clothing cheaply online: Consumer tips
Comfort is important because skiing requires a great deal of freedom of movement. A suitable material for winter sports is, for example, the well-known fibre Gore-Tex.
What is included in a complete ski clothing outfit?
In principle, clothing should be chosen according to the layering technique, i.e. ski underwear, ski shirt/roll neck, sweater, and ski suit. Depending on the temperature, one part can be worn less or more. The ski underwear should be made of Trans-Tex materials to prevent the body from cooling down and keep it dry. It should fit snugly without being constricting and should not absorb sweat but rather wick it away from the body. The ski roll neck should be made of breathable fabrics (e.g. Trans-Tex, Fleece Polartec, or similar high-tech fibres) and be soft and comfortable to wear. Ski suits come in two variations: two-piece combinations of jacket and trousers (sometimes bib trousers) and one-piece ski overalls. The latter is actually the better choice in terms of functionality, as no snow can get under the jacket or trousers in the event of a fall. However, for example, when approaching the ski resort, it is not so easy to remove the jacket if one is warm. In this respect, the two-piece combination is more practical. For ski jackets, there are various options, either one made of two jackets (outer jacket made of windproof, waterproof, breathable Tex membranes plus inner jackets made of fleece), a very light and windproof jacket made of soft-shell material, a very warm padded thermal jacket, or a jacket made of Gore-Tex with thermal lining, which is very warm, highly breathable, and waterproof. Ski trousers are available in the same materials. They often have integrated snow gaiters and are offered with or without suspenders. The suspenders prevent the underwear from slipping out of the trousers and keep the back and kidneys warm. Additionally, ski socks, gloves, a hat, and a scarf are, of course, part of a complete ski clothing outfit.
What should be considered when purchasing?
For the jacket or overall top, you should look for many pockets that can preferably be closed with a zipper and a flap with Velcro. An inner pocket should also be present. The zipper of the jacket should be able to close all the way to the top and not touch the skin, as this could lead to unsightly frostbite in the cold. A hood that can be worn in addition to the hat in windy conditions is practical. Furthermore, the jacket should not be too short, as otherwise, snow can quickly soak the underlying non-water-repellent textiles (sweater, underwear) in the event of a fall. For beginners, attachments on the jacket that prevent or slow down sliding in the event of a fall are advantageous. The trousers should have at least two pockets, be high-cut, or have a short bib at the back to prevent snow from getting into the trousers quickly in the event of a fall. A cut-resistant attachment at the trouser legs in the area of the ski boots is good, as it prevents the trousers from being worn through by the boots or ski edges. Pre-shaped knees are very beneficial to avoid impairing freedom of movement. The ski gloves should be padded and have grippy palms.
