So you’re heading to the slopes? Hope you don’t plan to go in your old snowboarding gear. Because those giant jackets and voluminous pants of yesteryear are as dated as your expired lift pass.
As fabric technology develops, skiers and snowboarders put aside their animosity, at least sartorially, to join forces on the mountaintop. New to the season are pants and jackets that, shock of shocks, actually fit the skier and boarder, cutting a sleeker silhouette on the slopes without losing any of the warmth, breathability or functionality of the clothing. This is due, in part, to new tech fabrics that stretch and form fit, yet are able to withstand colder temperatures.
New jackets, for instance, quite capably go from the ski lift to the city street with fits and styles that more easily mimic runway trends, and newer looks. Some ski pants even appear to be denim, further blurring the lines between athletic gear and street fashion.
But, for the boarder who wants the world to know he’s an extreme athlete, look for the latest patterns, which have gotten even wilder this season. A bit too vibrant for street wear, patterned ski pants and jackets keep the slimmer fit but include colors and intricacies that show off the skier or boarder’s dedication to his sport.
Look also, this season, for luxurious touches such as real fur lined hoods and cashmere-like detailing, retro 1960s skiwear looks and cool throwback logos. As far as color, neon is passé, having made way for deep blues and greens. Playing it safe in all black skiwear is definitely a thing of the past.