Best Fabrics for Snow Sports

What Types of Fabrics are Best for Snow Sports?

If you are planning to go skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing or participate in any kind of winter activity, it is crucial to wrap up warm with the right kind of clothing. If you want to keep your body dry and at the right temperature, it is worth investing in some quality winter fabrics!

Unfortunately, doing snow sports isn’t like going on a walk to the store. You can’t throw on a thick jumper and coat and be on your way. 

How can I use different types of fabrics?

You might be wondering why it’s worth considering more than one type of fabric. After all, surely you can only wear one type at a time, right? This is where ‘layering’ comes in. Wearing layers of multiple fabrics can help to keep warmer air closer to the body. Also, sweat can be allowed to escape through high-tech fibers in order to keep the body dry.

• When layering, your inner layer should be a moisture-wicking material that helps expel excess moisture away from your body. 

This could be in the form of a fleece insulator. Polartec and Coolmax are examples of fabrics that make for great inner moisture-wicking layers. A synthetic, wicking base layer can also be made from polyester fabric, which is lightweight. This is a great thing if you are looking to be active in the snow!

If you are on the lookout for more options, silk makes for a relatively luxurious fabric that pulls moisture away from your body.

• Your middle layer should be a layer designed for warmth.

Pullovers, jumpers and hoodies all make for acceptable mid-layers. Merino wool is a highly-insulating material that is a great option for a middle layer. This layer will do its job by trapping warm air close to your body, keeping you warm during your snow sports. Smartwool uses merino wool in their products and makes for great base layers.

• Your outer layer should be weather-resistant, but be breathable.

Your outer layer, or ‘shell’, needs to be large enough to cover your other layers. A snow guard is also a great addition. These layers are often made from tightly-packed fabrics such as Gore-Tex, renowned for its ability to shield the wearer from the elements.

Important note: Avoid cotton at all costs! Although cotton is well-known as a warm material, it retains moisture. If you wear cotton for snow sports, you will only end up feeling cold, wet and unhappy with your experience!

Another thing to note is that you should only wear one pair of warm, breathable socks. These could be made from merino wool, for example. Resist the temptation to pile on layers of socks, as this will only have the opposite effect and make your feet colder by restricting air flow.

Men’s Snow Socks

Women’s Snow Socks

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Jack Vale is a writer from Happy Writers, Co.