If you're lucky enough to be heading for the slopes this season, you're guaranteed to need some of the best ski clothes. As well as stocking up on winter coats and boots for all those city-based adventures you embark upon, you should be looking to invest in actually practical outfits (AKA the best ski wear) for the snow, too.
Skip to: Ski jackets | Ski trousers | Ski suits & snow suits | Ski thermals | Snow boots & ski boots | Ski accessories | Après-ski clothes | How we tested the best ski clothes | What you shouldn't wear skiing | How ski clothes should fit | What beginner skiers should wear.
Whether you've been skiing before or you're a total newbie, you'll also need to know exactly what to pack before you hit the slopes and learn the hard way. It's cold (and wet) out there, folks, and the last thing you want is to fall over (it happens to the most experienced skiers though, don't worry) and find yourself soggy and miserable sooner than expected.
The good news is that you can look stylish and stay dry. Yep, the ski outfits women wear these days are not only technical – i.e. waterproof and protective – but they actually look chic. Less Chalet Girl more magazine photo shoot. Speaking of which, if you feel like channelling your inner '80s model, we suggest going all out with a vibrant ski suit and statement goggles.
The women's ski wear brands to bookmark? The North Face, Perfect Moment, Goldbergh, P.E. Nation, Moose Knuckles and Moncler are some of our favourites. While we're all for buying once and wearing again for years to come, these brands can be spenny, so if you're wanting to save as much money as possible for all that après-ski fun, you can pick up some great alternatives from Mountain Warehouse and Superdry.
We could go on about what to wear skiing, but perhaps it's best you see for yourself. Keep scrolling to see all the women's ski clothes and accessories you'll need, whether you're headed for the green or red run.
What kind of coat is best for skiing? Ski jackets
When it comes to choosing the best ski jackets/women's ski jackets, you're going to want something with a lot of pockets (preferably ones that are easy to open with gloves on) as well as something cosy and protective. Down-filled puffer jackets, insulated jackets or duvet coats with faux fur trims and pit zips are often the most recommended, but any outerwear that's padded, wind-resistant and waterproof will do the trick. Keep in mind, there's a difference between high-end and high-performance/high-quality too – so always read the specs so as to avoid wasting your money.
Look for something that's helmet compatible and that has a specific pass pocket for your ski pass, too, as this will make it easier when travelling around your ski resort.
Descendit JacketStated Technical Snow Jacket for WomenLiquorish Ski Waterproof JacketGoldbergh Track Hooded Faux Leather-Trimmed Recycled Ski JacketErin Snow Diana Hooded Belted Recycled Ski JacketASOS 4505 Ski JacketSave when you shop for women's ski clothes with these The North Face discount codes and Selfridges discount codes at checkout.
The women's ski jackets to be seen wearing on the slopes this season – tried and testedGallery15 PhotosSki trousers
Ski trousers (or salopettes) are some of the most important ski gear you can buy. Pick something softshell that's easy to move around in while skiing or snowboarding - we recommend doing some in-store lunges as a test - and that's warm enough without the need for base layers or midlayers but still roomy in case you want to wear any. It's also wise to pick a pair with built-in gaiters if you really want to keep the snow out when you go off piste on your next ski trip.
Shei Mamona, our soon-to-be snowboarding pro, recommends the Rideout Technical Snow Bib Pants and the Chloe Kim Woodrose Technical Snow Pants from Roxy, plus the Padded Corduroy Ski Pants from Colmar. (Read her ski jacket reviews here).
Rideout Technical Snow Bib Pants for WomenSave when you shop for women's ski clothes with these Mountain Warehouse discount codes – where you can shop Arc'teryx, Columbia, Helly Hansen and more – and The North Face discount codes at the retailers' checkouts.
How do I look more stylish skiing? In ski suits and snow suits
Bear the same specifications as the above in mind when buying a ski suit. It needs to be as warm as your down jacket or parka, though perhaps slightly more fitted, with loads of functionality, practicality and breathability. Leave enough room for your ski base layers (a thermal T-shirt or vest, at the very least), and slip a gilet on over the top when it's really cold and you'll be good to go. Below are some bestselling ski jumpsuits and all-in-ones, from versatile minimalist styles to bold ones that'll stand out while freeride skiing or backcountry skiing.
Sand Palms Paradise Ski JumpsuitFusalp Kira Softshell Quilted Color-Block Ski SuitBalmain + Rossignol Belted Printed Ski SuitSummit Snow Boiler SuitPerfect Moment Star-Print Ski SuitTopshop Sno Ski Suit with Funnel Neck & BeltASOS 4505 Curve Belted Ski Suit with Slim Kick Leg and Faux Fur HoodJulien Macdonald Women's Supremacy SnowsuitWhat do good skiers wear? Ski thermals
Arguably the most important thing not to forget when you go skiing, thermals are your saving grace both on and off the slopes. You can pick up everything from thermal sweatshirts to headbands and thermal socks, but you'll definitely need at least one thermal top and a pair of temperature regulating leggings to protect you from the cold weather whether it's Aspen you're going to or the Alps.
Half Zip Base Layer TopBase Layer LeggingsEasy Long-Sleeve TopWinter Warm Essential LeggingsHeatgen Plus™ Thermal Long Sleeve Top2pk Heatgen™ Thermal LeggingsSave when you shop for women's ski clothes with these Superdry discount codes and Marks & Spencer discount codes at checkout.
Ski boots and snow boots
Want to really look the part? When you're not wearing your ski boots, you'll want a pair of snow shoes or boots to keep your feet dry to and from your chalet. Luckily there are some pretty luxe options to choose from on the market, so you'll find something to match your snowboard jacket in no time. In terms of ski shoes, you'll want to invest. Look to Salomon or Atomic for designs that'll last you for years.
Moon Boot Shell and Faux Leather Snow BootsMoncler Gaia Quilted Snow BootsSorel Caribou Fleece-Trimmed Nubuck and Rubber Snow BootsAdiroam Hiker BootASOS DESIGN Alaska Puffer Snow BootsSalomon Womens S/Pro Alpha 90 On-Piste Ski BootsAtomic Womens Hawx Prime 95 W GW Ski BootsSave when you shop for ski outfits women with these Snow and Rock discount codes and UGG discount codes at checkout.
Best snow boots for women 2023: I'm a fashion writer and these are, hands down, the most stylish pairs you can buyGallery15 PhotosSki accessories
From mittens to proper ski gloves and everything in between, make sure you're stocked up on ski accessories as well as the basics. We recommend a good pair of light-reflecting and/or polarised goggles to protect you from the bright white glare of the snow at the very least.
Shei Mamona recommends Oakley's Radar EV Path Polarized lenses and Ace & Tate's Eddi Ski goggles when it comes to eyewear. They're just as technical as they are stylish.
Radar® EV Path® Polarized LensesEddie Ski GogglesHigh Tech BalaclavaMontana Utility Etip GlovesSummit Patrol GORE-TEX GlovesTherma Run EarwarmerMOD1 - MIPS Ski HelmetAnon Raider 3 Ski & Snowboard HelmetAprès-ski clothes
The best part about après-ski is that there are no rules; you can wear what you want unless you go somewhere with a strict dress code (i.e. no hoodies/loungewear). For the most part, people go straight from the slopes to the bars in all their professional ski gear (mitts and all), but, if you want to get changed, you can't go wrong with any of the below. You can also re-wear all of it back on good ol' United Kingdom soil - especially the hat and scarves set.
Rowan BootsPolo Bear Wool-Blend JumperRipstop Longline Puffer CoatErin Snow Peri Stretch Ski LeggingsChunky Rib Knit Beanie SetPrada Nylon Gabardine Après-Ski BootsNicce Mount Puffer JacketLoro Piana Coarsehair Cashmere-Jacquard HeadbandJacquard Hood with CashmereMerino Ski SweaterSave when you shop for women's ski clothes with these Office discount codes at checkout.
15 best walking boots for women with serious style credentialsGallery15 PhotosHow we chose the best women's ski clothes in this guide:
As a team of 30+ people here at GLAMOUR UK, there's a fair few of us who have been skiing and/or snowboarding in our lifetimes. While some of us have only been once or twice and others are considered mountain regulars, we're definitely qualified to pass judgement on the best ski clothes for women either way. Just see our in-depth feature on learning to snowboard with an Olympian if you don't believe us! We've tried and tested a decent amount of ski wear while taking things like cost, sustainability, wearability and style into consideration along the way, enabling us to give you advice on where to invest. Thank us later!
What should you not wear while skiing?
Save everything that's not moisture-wicking/waterproof or thermal for after you've been skiing, or wear it underneath the items that will protect you from the elements. Avoid stiff fabrics like denim as you'll find you can't move or navigate the slopes properly, and don't be tempted to double up on your socks - this can actually cause your feet to overheat and/or give you blisters if they bunch up. Buy proper ski socks that'll last beyond a ski season instead.
Should ski clothes be loose or tight? Should you buy ski clothes a size bigger?
Everything should fit you well and be snug enough to keep you warm, but not tight. It's important you have room for base layers, should you need them, and enough mobility to actually ski properly. When it comes to what size you should buy, it's recommended you opt for a size bigger than usual for your trousers. This is to make sure you're comfortable and, again, aren't restricted.
What should a beginner skier wear?
See our above recommendations, plus ski socks, ski poles and, of course, the skis themselves of course.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
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