The New Wave of Skiwear: Fashionable & Functional Gear for the Slopes

The ski slopes have become a runway for fashion, with a new wave of skiwear brands blending performance with style. Gone are the days when ski attire was solely about function. Today, it’s an expression of personal style, and top fashion houses and emerging designers are vying for a place on the mountain.

From Heritage to Innovation: A New Era of Skiwear

Traditionally, skiwear was dominated by established brands with a long history in the sport, like Rossignol, Bogner, Fusalp, and Moncler. These names have built their reputations on technical expertise, craftsmanship, and durability. However, the direct-to-consumer market and the influence of high fashion have shifted the landscape, ushering in a new era of skiwear.

The Rise of Fashion-Forward Ski Brands

This shift is evident in the increasing number of luxury brands venturing into the skiwear arena. In 2014, Net-a-Porter launched a dedicated ski shop, and in 2020, Dior made its debut with its first-ever ski collection. The collaboration between Aspen X and Prada, as well as Miu Miu’s Fall/Winter collection hosted in the Italian Dolomites, further solidified the connection between high fashion and skiwear.

Sustainability and Style: A Perfect Blend

Emerging brands are also making their mark, prioritizing sustainability and conscious practices. Shoreditch Ski Club, founded in 2018, exemplifies this approach, using recycled materials and designing pieces that seamlessly transition from the slopes to the city streets.

The Best Ski Labels to Shop Now

Ready to upgrade your winter wardrobe? Here’s a curated list of brands that cater to every style and budget:

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Fusalp:

This French brand, founded in 1972, has a history of outfitting Olympic ski champions. Their technical expertise meets fashion-forward designs, with a playful color palette that sets them apart.

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Cordova:

For those seeking a glamorous ski look, Cordova is the brand to watch. Founded in 2016, they’re known for their second-skin ski suits that emphasize the waistline, perfect for making a statement on the slopes.

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Perfect Moment:

This brand, launched in 2017, is a favorite among fashion girls. Their signature star motifs, bold houndstooth checks, and merino turtlenecks with ski-themed words are essential pieces for any ski wardrobe.

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Bogner:

A long-standing leader in skiwear, Bogner has been pioneering slope style since 1957. Their Fire + Ice collection features high-performance outerwear with cool and warm color combinations and versatile silhouettes.

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Moncler:

Founded in 1952, Moncler brings luxury and style to the mountains. Their focus on mountain sports and their unique fashion point of view have made them a go-to for skiers seeking both technical performance and timeless elegance.

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Arc’teryx:

Known for their innovative designs and technical gear, Arc’teryx offers skiwear that’s both functional and stylish. Their lavender set with perfectly placed pockets and sleek all-black looks are perfect for those who prioritize performance and a minimalist aesthetic.

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Goldbergh:

This Dutch brand, founded in 2009, approaches skiwear with a focus on fashion, trend, and practicality. Their craftsmanship is evident in the details, like belt details, zippers, and lined hoods, adding a touch of luxury to their pieces.

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Erin Snow:

Founded in 2003, Erin Snow caters to the minimalist fashion girl. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of recycled materials, creating sleek and chic ski pieces that are both stylish and environmentally conscious.

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Jetset:

Relaunched in 2018, Jetset brings a free-spirited vibe to skiwear with bold patterns and playful details. Their leopard-printed ski suits, separates with tropical bird prints, and metallic silver legging-style pants are perfect for those who want to stand out on the slopes.

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Halfdays:

Designed by women, for women, Halfdays offers well-priced ski clothes with extended sizing. Their solid-colored separates that can be mixed and matched are perfect for creating a personalized ski look.

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Shoreditch Ski Club:

This brand, founded by Wil Beedle, fuses downtown street style with the technical requirements of skiwear. Their puffers and leggings are designed to be worn both on and off the slopes, seamlessly blending fashion and function. Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their use of recycled fibers, making them a responsible choice for eco-conscious skiers.

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Ienki Ienki:

This Kyiv-based brand, founded in 2016, incorporates the heritage of the Evenki people into their designs. Their quilted pants are a standout piece, combining comfort and style for the slopes.

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We Norwegians:

Founded by two Norwegians in 2014, We Norwegians specializes in base layers, an essential component of skiwear that’s often overlooked. Crafted from natural fibers, their merino wool and blended leggings, turtlenecks, and more offer comfort and warmth, both on and off the slopes.

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Aztech Mountain:

This New York and Aspen-based brand, founded in 2013, caters to the cool crowd with their high-performance outerwear featuring streetwear-inspired patterns. Their marbled composition notebook-like pattern and pale lilac puffers are perfect for those who want to stand out on the slopes.

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Mackage:

While Mackage is a Canadian cold-weather outfitter founded in 1999, they’ve recently amped up their ski offerings. Their ski suits, belted puffers trimmed with shearling, and snow-friendly footwear offer a slick and sporty look for those seeking warmth and style.

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Gucci:

Gucci has returned to the ski scene with a capsule collection that caters to the skier who has it all. Their monogrammed goggles, base layers with double G logos, and quilted faux fur mittens add a touch of luxury to the slopes.

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Vuarnet:

Founded in 1957 in the French Alps, Vuarnet has a long history of creating high-performance mountain eyewear. Their new collection of apparel complements their eyewear, offering sport-forward designs for the slopes.

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Fendi:

Since launching their skiwear line in 2016, Fendi has become a go-to for both slope and après-ski wear. They bring their signature monogram print to the mountains, creating stylish ski suits and puffer jackets that are both fashionable and functional.

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Polo Ralph Lauren:

Known for their heritage and outdoor-inspired designs, Polo Ralph Lauren offers classic and timeless ski pieces. Their cobalt blue ski suit and stark white set are perfect for those who want to make a statement with a touch of traditional elegance.

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Balenciaga:

Balenciaga has debuted their first-ever skiwear collection, showcasing their signature style with all-black designs, hints of red, and futuristic silhouettes. Their parkas and cargo pants are made from high-performance materials, ensuring warmth and comfort on the slopes.

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Prada:

Prada has been selling skiwear since the 1990s, with their puffers and ski suits becoming a classic choice. Their current skiwear collection features technical wear that looks stylish on and off the slopes, carrying on their mountain legacy.

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Louis Vuitton:

Louis Vuitton’s new combined men’s and women’s ski collection offers a modern sport appeal. Their technical trousers, half-zip ski sweaters, and puffers adorned with the LV Flocon logo are perfect for skiers who want to make a statement with a touch of luxury.

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Loro Piana:

Known for their luxurious cashmere, Loro Piana also offers a skiwear line that’s not to be overlooked. Their reversible puffers and quilted shell down jackets are made from the finest materials, ensuring both warmth and comfort on and off the slopes.

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Alps & Meters:

Founded in 2014, Alps & Meters blends traditional Alps-inspired wares with technical performance. Their use of color and graphic prints brings a playful vibe to skiwear, while maintaining warmth and ease of movement.

The Future of Skiwear:

With so many innovative brands pushing the boundaries of skiwear, the future is bright for this category. Expect to see even more sustainable practices, bold designs, and collaborations that blur the lines between fashion and function. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a first-timer, there’s a brand out there for you, ready to help you conquer the slopes in style.

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