Ski suits

Winter will come very soon, which means that it will be time for winter fun, nature walks, skiing, ice skating and sledging. Fans of outdoor activities try to go to the mountains or, at least, settle for artificial tracks. In recent years, alpine skiing has gained unheard of popularity. Even those who know little about skiing tend to the mountains.

The most important attribute that you need to take with you is a ski suit. Half of the battle depends on how comfortable you feel. While skis can be rented locally, the suit is more complicated. You need to know how to choose your outfit. In this article, we'll talk about ski suits.

Ski clothing has its own specific features:

• Fully taped seams;
• Detachable hood;
• Ventilation in the armpits and sometimes on the back;
• Snow-resistant skirt and sleeve cuffs to prevent snow from entering;
• Pocket for ski pass on the sleeve;
• Secret and external pockets for documents, phones, keys;
• A piece of material in the outer pocket for wiping glasses;
• Reflective inserts.

It must be remembered that a ski suit is not only outerwear. It is also underwear and socks. This detail needs to be given as much attention as the top. Underwear made from natural fabrics is considered optimal for everyday wear. But for sports, on the contrary, you need to choose synthetic underwear. Such material will allow moisture to evaporate quickly and the skin to breathe. It is better to buy thermal underwear from well-known manufacturers and then there will be no problems.

Modern designers are paying more and more attention to ski suits, as the demand for them is constantly increasing. Today you can find suits for men, womens, and also unisex.

The solid ones are chosen mainly by professional athletes. They are made in such a way that they are easy to move and keep warm. The tailored cut of this garment even helps to increase the speed. The one-piece suit has many benefits. It is waterproof and windproof.

Separate models are bought mostly by amateur athletes... They consist of a two-piece jacket and pants. Such a kit can be worn in the city as well. However, like other ski clothing, it is equipped with all the necessary technology. Often, the pants and jacket are connected by fasteners or laces.

Varieties by purpose:

1. Racing. This type of suit is designed for competitions and training in alpine skiing. The most durable materials are used for its production. Due to their elasticity, they completely fit the figure. A distinctive feature of the racing suit is that it does not use windproof fabric. Its task is to quickly remove moisture and high-quality thermoregulation.
2. The trigger. This type of jumpsuit is designed for participation in various tournaments. It has a special form-fitting cut that increases your running speed. Running suits are chosen not only by professional athletes, but also by beginners. In such a model, you can see how the arms and legs are located, which allows the trainer to deliver the correct technique. Jumpsuits, among other things, have protective back, forearms and lower legs, which is a must for cross-country skiing.
3. Running. This suit is recommended for non-professional skiers. It features a loose fit. The jogging suit is slightly insulated and reinforced in front with special wind protection. In terms of its qualities, it is similar to the training one.
4. Walking. As the name suggests, these jumpsuits are used for outdoor activities. They are loose, comfortable, durable and insulated.
5. Training. This type of suit is designed for sports warm-ups. Also, they are quite often bought by amateur athletes. Typically, this set includes a jacket that is elongated at the back. She has an elastic band on the bottom. The sleeves are wide and do not restrict movement. The pants are tapered here, they can have straps. There is an additional windproof fabric in the front, and the fabric stretches well in the back, providing free movement and good ventilation.

Often, women who wear large sizes of clothing are faced with the problem of buying a ski suit. Indeed, it is not easy to find a practical yet stylish jumpsuit in a custom size. Be that as it may, designers try to please all customers and develop clothes for every taste and body size.

Practical spacious membrane models are the perfect solution for skiing. These suits do not restrict movement and prevent the penetration of wind and cold. Plus size ski suits can be found in both classic colors and bright colors. They can also have a variety of prints. These products are made of durable materials and fittings and are no different from standard sizes.

Ski equipment includes 3 layers of clothing. Each of them has its own purpose.

• The inner layer.

Its task is to wick moisture away from the body. Usually it is thermal underwear that is close to the skin.

• Insulation.

This layer is designed to keep warm. This can be either a layer of the overalls itself, or different sweaters or sweaters.

• Protection.

This layer is the actual material of the suit. Its functions are protection from rain, wind and snow.

Thermal underwear good quality should rid the skin of sweat, "transferring" it to the next layer. The material for winter thermal underwear is modern synthetics, which allows the skin to breathe. It should be noted that it dries quickly and prevents the growth of bacteria.

Socks must also be special. Many manufacturers make socks. They themselves do not get wet and give all the moisture out. Plus, they fight bad odor. Quality socks are usually padded and insulated around the toes, heels and shins. There are socks with a massage effect that increase blood circulation in the legs.

The third layer is a jumpsuit or a set consisting of a jacket and trousers. This garment is characterized by waterproofness and vapor permeability. The first position reflects the water pressure that can hold the material before leaking. The second - speaks about the amount of steam per square meter that the material produces per day.

Three types of membranes are known:

• Hydrophilic (non-porous)

They follow the example of diffusion. Enough condensation collects at the top of the membrane to saturate the fabric and move moisture out. Pore-free clothing is usually "slightly damp". It is better to buy it for medium temperatures. It is practical, flexible and does not need particularly gentle care.

• Porous

They function thanks to small pores through which a vapor molecule is passed and water does not pass at all. A suit made of this material should not be worn in warm and humid weather. In addition, it is known for its fragility. It is worth noting, though, that it works well in cold weather when the body is warming up.

• Combined membranes

Currently, this is the most optimal option. Although it contains not only the positive qualities of the previous types of membranes, but also negative ones. Of the advantages of this material, one can note excellent wear resistance, water resistance and stretch properties. Its disadvantages include the high price and poor performance at high humidity and low temperatures.

When choosing ski equipment, you should pay attention to indicators such as material, membrane characteristics and additional details. Good quality fabric should be hypoallergenic and provide good ventilation. The lining of the suit must displace the accumulated moisture to the outer layers of the fabric, and reflect the heat inward. The best option is a mesh or fleece lining fabric.

The strength of the product is also an important criterion. There must be seals on the knees, elbows, and shoulders, which, in the event of a fall, will help soften the blow.

It is important to have a hood on the jacket. It should be adjustable in two planes. Its task is to protect from wind and snow, and at the same time it should not interfere with the view. Some models are equipped with a detachable mask that can be stowed away in a pocket if necessary.

When choosing a ski suit, do not bypass the details.

1. All snakes must be serviceable and "ride" without problems.
2. The zipper on the jacket should be protected by a flap to avoid draft.
3. The more pockets, the better.
4. The cuffs on the sleeves should be easily and securely fastened so that no snow gets inside.
5. The inside of the collar must be covered with fleece. This will save your face from chapping.
6. Ideally, buy suits with the "RECCO" label. It is a reflector for emergency responders.
7. Ski suit shoes
8. The best shoes for a ski suit are ski boots. Buying them is just as difficult as buying a suit.

• There are two main rules to follow when choosing shoes.

- Boots should fit snugly around the leg, do not squeeze or dangle anywhere. In order to understand whether this or that model suits you, walk around in it for ten minutes. During the climb to the toe, the heel should not come off the insole.

- The stiffness of ski shoes is selected depending on the riding style... For beginner skiers, shoes made of less rigid plastic are more suitable. In it, you can switch from walking to skiing and vice versa. Such boots give more freedom while bending the leg in the lower leg. Also, these shoes will be comfortable while waiting for their turn on the lift. For more experienced athletes, stiffer shoe models are suitable.

Today, ski equipment can be found anywhere. But, so that the suit does not disappoint you and does not turn out to be fake, it is better to contact special sports stores. There you can find out the necessary information from the seller, try on a suit, choose the right size. In addition, you will be sure that you are buying a quality item, since they usually sell clothes directly from the manufacturer. Verified and bona fide stores are sportsmaster, columbia, roxy, stayer, kerom, azimuth, salomon, witgen and so on.

For those looking to save money, online sports stores are a good option. As a rule, prices in them are below market prices. However, no one can guarantee the quality of the goods. And you can only try on the model you like at home. Therefore, since you have decided to make a purchase in an online store, choose well-known and popular sites so as not to throw your money down the drain.

A quality skiing suit is not a cheap pleasure. It should be noted that you do not need to save on it. Otherwise, you risk skating in unpleasant conditions, getting sick, buying a suit for one season, or at least looking ridiculous. True, beginners shouldn't buy expensive high-tech models. They just don't need them!

Depending on the materials used and the various bells and whistles, the prices for ski suits are very diverse. A men's jacket can cost from 30 to 90 thousand rubles. Womens are usually more expensive. The minimum price is 45 thousand and it can reach 190 thousand rubles. Pants for men can be bought for 20-50 thousand rubles. For women, you will need from 20 to 70 thousand. A jumpsuit is usually slightly cheaper than a suit.

During the purchase, you need to be careful not to run into a fake. Imitations of famous brands can be found for 5 thousand rubles. Another question is that there is no question of any convenience, reliability and durability in this case. You need to buy ski suits exclusively in trusted places - brand boutiques or in a network of sports supermarkets.

If the suit does not have a tag and packaging, if the logo is negligently executed (there are irregularities or threads sticking out), if there is no data on the technology and composition of the item, if the product has ordinary zippers, and not YKK-zippers), if the product as a whole has an unpresentable appearance - then it is a fake. It is better not to buy anything in a store that sells such models.

• Look for soft shades this season, without excess acidity. These are peach, eggplant, purple, brown, and so on.
• As a picture, choose a cell, a strip, a zebra, an abstraction. Ethnic motives are especially interesting.
• Preference should be given to models of simple cut, with a minimum number of seams and without unnecessary details.
• Rhinestones and excessive jewelry are not popular this season.
• Don't buy short or tapered cuts or jackets with fur trim. In the mountains, they will look out of place.
• High stand-up collars are in fashion today.
• Membrane fabrics made under canvas, corduroy or jeans look interesting.

Over time, membrane products become clogged due to sweat salts. This also applies to down. For this reason, the product must be washed once a year. However, this cannot be done in a washing machine. Ordinary powder cannot be used either. This must be remembered well, otherwise you will just ruin the thing. These items must be washed using special detergents. It is best to ask your retailer about washing methods at the time of purchase.

There are not membrane, but impregnated models. So they cannot be washed at all by any means. Under the influence of chemicals, the impregnation will roll off and the moisture protection effect will disappear.

Dry the suit after each use. Better to do it naturally. It is impossible to use heaters or batteries!

As you can see, buying ski clothing is not easy and requires a responsible approach. Take your time, weigh everything and think it over, and then your choice will delight you for a long time.