Wearing luxe skiwear when you hit the slopes is just as important as ensuring you have at least one apple strudel atop a mountain during any given alpine adventure, correct? Skiwear is one of those categories you simply cannot scrimp on: If you’re going to make skiing a regular part of your vacation plans, then it is wise to invest upfront, picking perfectly designed pieces that are technically up to the job and of the highest spec and look sophisticated and as far away as possible from the gigantic, Michelin Man–style padding you’d probably have to hire in (been there, done that, got the embarrassing photos).
But where to turn when you want to find salopettes worthy of a social media shot, thermals that don’t make you feel like an OAP or snow boots you wouldn’t find being worn by a kooky girl in a ’90s rave night? We have answers—and many of them come from a recent flurry of fashion moments from the influencer community. They’ve already been taking to the snowiest parts of the world and documenting their every fashion move along the way.
“Most of us have missed a few years of skiing, and so people are wanting to look stylish and wear something different for their return to the slopes” says Ernest Amoako, founder of skiwear rental site Blanqo. “In terms of brands, Poivre Blanc is my favourite for classic designs, with belted ski jackets with a fur hood and flared trousers. I’ve recently added Erin Snow, which has an elegant aesthetic and uses clever recycled materials, and Perfect Moment, which is loved for its bold prints and retro silhouettes.”
Perfect Moment certainly appears to be the number one choice for cool girls in the cold, with the likes of Linda Tol and Evangelie Smyrniotaki alerting us to the rather grown-up and flattering black jumpsuits. This Chamonix-based brand not only knows its technical stuff, but it sure can make something practical feel utterly desirable. But that’s not the only label doing good things for skiwear.
Of course, one sustainable way of procuring skiwear is by renting it. Enter Blanqo. “Skiwear can be really expensive, and then it just sits in your cupboard unworn for a whole year or longer,” Amoako says. “This is why I had the idea to launch a website where you can rent beautiful skiwear that is not only amazing when it comes to technical performance, but also looks really stylish and flattering, too. What is cool about renting skiwear, is that I’m finding my customers are also using it as a way to change their outfits and pack more than one look.” Sounds like the ideal option if you’re a first timer or if you’re keen to switch-up your existing skiwear wardrobe.
Scroll on to see the brands we think make for a chic time on the slopes, be it green circle or black diamond trails.
What I like about Perfect Moment’s range is that it’s all figure-hugging, slightly retro-looking and rendered in really neutral, chic colours.
Zeal Optics’s ski googles are far cooler than your average.
If you want something flirtier and fabulous, this is the right skiwear brand to look into.
Fusalp’s ’70s aesthetic is great for anyone who wants to make a subtle statement on the slopes. And its knits are totally wearable outside of your ski holiday, too.
Erin Snow creates beautiful silhouettes, and all the pieces are made from recycled materials.
Falke’s high-tech undergarments will serve you well on the coldest runs—and look rather snazzy once you strip off your bulky layers.
Creating premium skiwear since 1984, Poivre Blanc’s classic but practical designs will appease skiwear purests and fashion devotees alike.
If you like your skiwear to come with conspicuous branding, then Fendi is the main brand to tap. And what cooler way than with these noticeable ski gloves and jacket?
Who doesn’t love bouncing around in a pair of these? They are the original fashion snow boots and remain ultra popular to this day. Check out the classy colourways like these white and beige versions.
This Swiss brand specialises in technical pieces that are understated in their final design so you can pick up the classic basics that still feel luxe.
This iconic skiwear brand always puts a high-fashion spin on whatever it creates. The ski pants could be worn off-piste, and the jacket is exactly the kind of outerwear every London girl is wearing right now.
Kjus has reportedly revolutionised the industry with its four-way stretch technology—it means you’ll be more flexible than ever while skiing. So no excuses for trailing behind your friends…
After tying the knot on the slopes in 2014, newlyweds Jane and Cody Seim were inspired to create their own collection of ‘70s inspired ski suits and separates; Cordova has been going strong ever since.
Next up, the biggest S/S 22 fashion trends you need to know.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Opening Image: @aimeesong
