The appeal of ski fashion dates back long before Lynn-Holly Johnson hit the slopes in a Western-style cherry red one-piece, white earmuffs and a cowboy hat alongside Roger Moore in For Your Eyes Only.
While ski chic may have peaked in the 1981 Bond film, we are still spoiled for choice today when it comes to skiwear brands. No longer is the sartorial category solely functional. Oh no, it’s the pinnacle of sophistication, style and sporting prowess.
Thanks to various cinematic references such as Lady Gaga’s devilishly fashionable portrayal of Patrizia Reggiani in House of Gucci, Felicity Jones’ punkish wardrobe in Chalet Girl and Renee Zellweger’s thoroughly Noughties-inspired get-up in Bridget Jones, alpine attire has taken on a whole new sartorial cachet. Akin to high fashion, skiwear has become the height of luxury.
This run-to-runway transition has no doubt been catalysed by the celebrity endorsement of the skiwear trend. Each year without fail, we’re treated to a lesson in montainwear à la mode by Kendall Jenner and her array of designer ski jackets sourced from Lanvin, Moncler, Raf Simons et al. Sister Kylie Jenner is often spotted alongside her sibling in picturesque Aspen, donning looks courtesy of Dior, Fendi and Chanel.
The undeniable queen of the slopes, however, was the late Princess Diana. Beloved for her quintessentially Eighties slopestyle, the royal knew how to pair a colour block print with an abundance of nylon to perfection.
While the pull of the retro snow bunny aesthetic is as strong as ever, it’s important to take advantage of the technical benefits that contemporary skiwear offers today. Brands including Arc’teryx, Spyder and Helly Hensen design with both performance and fashion in mind. Features spanning durable GORE-TEX, ergonomic patterning and ventilating pockets combat the elements and offer a ski of the utmost comfort.
Browse the best skiwear brands to ensure your next slope-bound soirée is suave and swathed in warmth.
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Arc’teryx
In terms of hype brands, Arc’teryx is the skiwear one to know. The unisex label was founded in the Canadian Coast Mountain wilderness and manufactures its highly functional pieces in-house. Originally set up by local climbers in 1989, Arc’teryx has become a community of designers, material experts and product developers, all of whom create highly technology pieces using features such as GORE-TEX, a waterproof, windproof and breathable textile that offers fully protective environmental shelter, and down insulation.
Our pick: Nita Down Jacket
Buy now £800.00, Arc’teryx
Black Diamond
Black Diamond is a Utah-based mountain sports brand covering all things hiking, skiing and climbing. Founded in 1957, the heritage label crafts top-notch equipment for outdoor lovers who prefer an adventurous approach to sport. Sustainability fans will be pleased to learn of Black Diamond’s Clean Climbing ethic, which ensures that the brand’s climbing protection gear should be easily removable and not damage the landscape. Whether for skiing or walking, Black Mountain equipment is for the most technical users in the harshest environments.
Our pick: Reclon LT Pants
Buy now £320.00, Black Diamond
Columbia
Columbia offers high-quality skiwear for more affordable prices. Based in Portland, Oregon, the activewear brand has successfully adopted a streetwear-esque reputation to become a cult label. Columbia’s unwavering high standards in terms of product design can be accredited to the storied history of the brand. Founded in 1937 when founder Gert Boyle’s parents fled Nazi Germany and settled in Portland, the brand started as a small hat manufacturer called Columbia Hat Company. Survival is at the very heart of the company, hence why the activewear pieces are must-haves for skiers and hikers alike.
Our pick: Iceline Ridge Ski Jacket
Buy now £250.00, Columbia
Helly Hensen
Helly Hensen is a brand you'll spot at resorts around the world. The Norwegian brand stocks professional-grade gear for mountain masters. As the company states via its website, as the number one apparel brand for Ski Professionals, you’ll find Helly Hansen at more than 200 ski resorts and guiding operations around the world, and worn by more than 55,000 ski professionals. The stylish picks come at mid-range prices and promise to last the years.
Our pick: Alphelia Ski Jacket
Buy now £440.00, Helly Hensen
My Sunday Ski
If Bond babe is on the sartorial menu, then head to My Sunday Ski. An It-girl label for the most stylish of skiers, My Sunday Ski comes celebrity and influencer-approved. Choose from a sleek array of catsuits, cropped ski jackets and salopettes in charming shades of ice blue, ruby red and pale peach. The brand is inspired by the luxe style of Alpine skiers, so whatever you pick from the range you know your next Courchevel getaway will be chicer than chic.
Our pick: Chevron Ski Suit
Buy now £445.00, Selfridges
Patagonia
Patagonia is a pioneer of sustainable design, and of course, the brand’s environmental ethos extends to its skiwear range as well. Patagonia grew out of a small company that made tools for climbers, hence why alpinism remains at the heart of the now-worldwide business. The brand is passionate about protecting the planet, having partnered with grassroots organisations and frontline communities to restore lands, air and waters to a state of health across the globe. Patagonia donates 1 per cent of its sales to these organisations to address and combat the causes of global warming, making it the number one brand pick for sustainability supporters.
Our pick: R2 TechFace Jacket
Buy now £180.00, Alpine Trek
Roxy
Nineties babies will be well-acquainted with Roxy. The sporty-girl brand was created as a womenswear range by Quicksilver in 1990 and soon became the go-to store for all things ski and surf. Known for its fun, bold designs, the brand stocks a range of skiwear pieces spanning various price points. This makes it an attainable name to add to your winter wardrobe. Plus, the designs are aesthetically pleasing and will pack a punch as you sashay down the slopes.
Our pick: Dusk WarmLink Technical Snow Jacket for Women
Buy now £400.00, Roxy
Spyder
Founded in 1978 as a ski racing clothing brand in Boulder Colorado, Spyder is one of the world's most recognisable and outdoor sportswear brands. The label comes professional-approved and is worn by experienced skiers from the Alps to Aspen. Offering highly technical skiwear for adults and children, Spyder has continued to develop its technical vocabulary, incorporating features such as RECCO technology which makes you searchable to professional rescuers in the event of an avalanche accident.
Our pick: Vanqysh Insulated Jacket
Buy now £750.00, Spyder
The North Face
The North Face may dominate university campuses and high streets thanks to its street style connotations, but it remains at heart a sportswear brand. Boasting technical assets such as GORE-TEX and Heatseeker Eco Pro, The North Face merges breathable, waterproof fabrics with genderless designs for timeless appeal. Insulating details include underarm vents, integrated stretch-knit wrist gaiters with thumbholes and a stretch powder skirt with a jacket-to-trouser integration clip that allows you to build up the layers to stay warm.
Our pick: Dawnstrike GORE-TEX Insulated Jacket
Buy now £450.00, The North Face
