Which brand, size and model of ski outfit should I order?
A ski champion measures the success of their competition in milliseconds, the success of your ski holiday can hinge on having the right gear…
Oxygene’s ski clothing rental service is designed with speed and simplicity in mind but can lose some of its appeal if you need to call us to change the size of the outfit you ordered and then wait for delivery. To ensure the smoothest of starts to your ski trip read our advice and size guide and choose your outfit with confidence.
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ADULTS SKI SUITS: EACH TO THEIR OWN SKI BRAND
You have the option to choose from three top ski and snowboard brands (Volcom, Scott and Dare2b) each with their own distinctive style. Amongst them you will find various jackets and pants that correspond to a variety of requirements and skiing / snowboarding styles. For your comfort on the slopes we have prioritised outfits with a minimum waterproof rating of 10k (maximum 28k). For more information about waterproof ratings check out this article. The three brands do size slightly differently so read on to work out the best brand, size and model adapted to you and your ski holiday activities.
If you are in any doubt which size to choose, we would advise that you choose a size larger than usual rather than smaller. If it is particularly cold and you want to add a warm mid-layer you will be sure to be comfortable and warm. Wearing an outfit that is too tight can result in making you feel cold).
About Volcom Snowboarding Outerwear
Volcom is a brand generally associated with freeriding. In this respect, the Volcom Goretex jackets for men and women (which appear in our Gold range) are perfectly adapted for off-piste enthusiasts, thanks in part to their waterproof rating of 28k. Advanced skiers and snowboarders (and those looking to advance their skills) will love these jackets and pants combinations. The silver range is a more affordable option and with their 10-15k waterproofing are ideal for beginners looking for style and quality.
We have also unearthed some simple, chic jackets and pants from the Volcom range that will suit skiers and snowboarders searching for a more understated look, notably the ladies Eva jacket (in the gold range). The false fur trim around the hood gives the jacket a touch of femininity. This means it looks great on and off the slopes and will keep you warm and dry equally well on a chairlift, during a slopeside apres-ski session or on a walk around resort.
Volcom cut and size advice
Volcom ski and snowboard clothing generally suits tall and slim frames better. Ladies take note, the Volcom jackets have a longer than usual cut and style meaning they come down well below hip level. The sizing of the ladies’ jackets themselves is a little on the small side on the shoulders and hips so if you are between sizes we recommend you choose the larger of the two, if not choose your regular size. Mens and womens pants are cut straight offering good mobility around the knees. Volcom say they have a slightly baggy cut and whilst this is the case for men, the ladies pants are a pretty regular/slim cut. For the jackets, we recommend men to choose their usual size for a loose cut and a size smaller for a fit cut. The mens jackets are broad across the shoulders (and long on the arms) for good ease of movement of the arms and rotation of the trunk.
Heads up: Snowboarders will be particularly comfortable in Volcom pants. They are all highly waterproof (minimum 10k for ladies and 15k for men) and which are reinforced around the buttocks for those moments when (whether on purpose or not) you are sat on/in the snow!
About Dare2b ski clothing
Dare2b is a British brand, the silver range of which will suit beginner skiers looking for a quality outfit in a variety of colours to keep them warm and dry on the slopes. The Embargo jacket for men and the Indestruct jacket for women will do just that with an excellent waterproof rating of 20k. The gold range of Dare2b outfits includes stylish outfits including the Slalom jacket for men and the Surpass and Affluence jackets for women from the collection designed by fashion designer, Julien MacDonald. These outfits have 10k waterproofing and are cut in soft and flexible material proving that fashion doesn’t have to be without comfort. If you’re at home in a chic, trendy outfit on and off the slopes, these jacket and pants combinations are perfect for you.
Dare2b cut and sizing
As a general rule Dare2b jackets and pants are designed for Anglo-Saxons so they come up slightly larger than other French brands like Scott. That said, you should be ok to choose your regular size to be comfortable. Mens jackets are quite wide at the waist whilst womens jackets are a regular fitted cut. For those who usually take a size XL or XXL, Dare2b outfits are better as they will mean you can be warm and comfortable and even fit an extra layer underneath if it is very cold.
About Scott Sports
Scott combines performance and sport style. If you’re likely to venture into the powder, we recommend a Scott Ultimate DRX jacket from our Gold range. It is available for men and women, has 20k waterproofing and the most technical finishing touches of all of our jackets. Our ski instructors have been dressed head to toe in Scott skiwear for many years and they really do test their outfits to the limit 8 hours a day, 6 (sometimes 7) days a week across a whole season. Not a bad test of how robust these outfits are, right?
Scott Sports cut and sizing
Scott ski outfits have a sporty, fitted cut, are generally sized a bit smaller than Dare2b and Volcom but are made with material containing stretch for comfort and ease of movement. The pants are straight and flexible allowing the wearer to ‘bend ze knees’ with ease.
FOR CHILDREN: THE FUN CONTINUES ON SKIS WITH OUR FUN SKI SUITS TO RENT
With our premium brands for children – Reima, Legowear and Dare2b, there is no risk of your children being cold and wet after several hours in the snow.
Reima, a finnish skiwear brand created by parents
Reima is a brand that specialises in eco-friendly children’s products. Their clothing is conceived with movement in mind. For skiing to be fun, children need to stay warm and dry. Well thought out (parents are, after all, best placed to know the needs of their children), resistant and eco-friendly, their ski outfits will guarantee the comfort of your children in the snow. Reima offers a complete collection for a successful ski trip that includes jackets, salopettes and warm merino base layers that won’t itch or smell. Have a look at the Frost ski jacket available for rent.
About Legowear snowsuits
Legowear is the clothing brand of world renowned Danish brand, Lego. Synonymous with quality, Lego has been making skiwear for scandinavian children for several years and is just now launching on the French ski scene. Warm, highly waterproof and breathable (10k waterproof rating for Bright and Play models, 15k waterproof rating for the Urban models), Legowear is a great option that your kids will love. Their kids gloves are excellent too, clipping onto the jackets to avoid them getting lost, and highly waterproof to keep their little hands warm and dry. Their outfits are regularly sized and represent one less worry for you, their parents, as well as their ski instructors… They know only too well that skiing can only really be enjoyed if kids are comfortable and warm. And you’ll love the choice of colours and styles.
About Dare2b kids range
Dare2b is part of the British group Regatta, a specialist in wet weather gear (the British weather makes this a necessity). With our selection of Dare2b skiwear for children, which has a minimum waterproof rating of 20k, your kids will be happy and dry. The sizing is standard and easy to work out using our size guide. We recommend children wear leggings/long johns under their ski pants and a technical base layer on top. It helps regulate their temperature. You will find base layer sets available to buy on our website in snow leopard print or camouflage. All that is left to remember are socks (also available on our site), a mid-layer to keep them warm and a buff (which we offer as a free gift whenever you rent an outfit) and your child is ready for their ski lesson.
Thanks to our rental and delivery service, skiwear for the whole family can be delivered ready for your arrival in resort. Your little explorers / snowmen builders / sledging champions can make the most of their ski holidays and stay warm and dry, no worries.
If you need or would like more information don’t hesitate to give us a call.
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