As a thriving category for heritage and emerging brands alike, today’s leading ski labels are emphasizing fashion-conscious designs made out of hardwearing performance fabrics that court both the fair-weather bunny skier and the Black Diamond powder chaser.
With practicality and durability top of mind, most ski suits on the market are made of a waterproof, wind-resistant soft shell that features a zipper down the front and an optional belt buckle at the waist. Arms tend to be slim-fit—Bogner, Moncler, and Perfect Moment have perfected the silhouette—for speed and mobility, though you can also find styles that incorporate more of a puffer jacket into the look; Fusalp and Cordova have great options. For baggier fits that’ll appeal to snowboarders seeking greater range of motion, turn to Burton and The North Face for tried-and-tested suits.
All of these are meant to be worn with some kind of base layer for warmth—either a top and legging, or if the pant is already snug and fleece-lined, perhaps just a breathable, Merino wool or cashmere turtleneck. (For those curious about how soft shells compare to Gore-tex jackets and pants, the latter are better suited for wet conditions as they tend to be less permeable.) If it’s just a bib with suspenders you’re after, you’ll find both loose and fitted styles at many top brands. Either way, keep an eye out for zippers (the more the merrier!) to clip your lift ticket onto and to stash essentials like lip balm and sunscreen.
Chalet reserved and ski pass bought? Below, 34 of the best one-piece ski suits and bibs to pack for your next ski trip.
