The Ultimate 2021 Guide to Women's Ski Thermals and Jackets

Wearing the appropriate thermals and jackets for women is key to having a positive skiing experience. When you invest in high quality winter clothing that is especially made for skiing, you will not only stay warm and comfortable while you’re out on the slopes, but you will also be able to perform at your best.

If you are new to winter sports, it can be quite difficult to figure out what ski clothes to buy. And with so many options available, deciding which ones are best for you can also be too overwhelming. In this article, we provide you with the ultimate buyer’s guide when it comes to women’s ski thermals and jackets to help you get started.

What to Look for When Buying Ski Thermals for Women

Women’s Thermal Ski Top

The best way to keep warm on the slopes is to wear a base layer that can effectively manage moisture and move sweat away from your body, so you stay dry from the inside. When it comes to thermals for women, a long sleeve merino wool base layer that provides support and breathability is ideal for high intensity activities. Women’s thermal ski top made from polyester or polyester blends is also great in terms of breathability and moisture-wicking. However, these are not as warm as merino base layers.

Women’s Thermal Ski Pants

When buying women’s thermal ski pants, there are two main options – full length thermal leggings or capri length thermal leggings. Thermal leggings that are made from lightweight merino wool are ideal for high intensity activities. Look for that which provides comfort, support, breathability, mobility, and stretches without friction. Capri leggings might be a good option if you are looking to have a great fit with your ski or snowboard boots.

Women’s Thermal Underwear

Thermal underwear keeps you warm by trapping warm air close to your body and providing added insulation. Choose thermal underwear that is form fitting — not tight but not loose. Experts recommend thermal underwear made from merino wool, as this is one of the best materials for trapping warmth. Merino wool effectively wicks moisture away from your body and it is also extremely breathable and odor resistant.

What to Look for When Buying Ski Jackets for Women

You see women’s ski jackets on sale online and you panic, not knowing which one to choose. There are a few things you need to learn about ski jackets before you start adding them to your cart. Here are a few important ones:

Insulated vs Shell Jackets

There are two main types of ski jackets for women – insulated women's ski jackets and shell women's ski jackets. When buying a ski jacket, women should decide based on several factors, such as their type of skiing and weather conditions.

Insulated women's ski jackets consist of a waterproof and windproof outer layer and an insulated inner layer that is built directly into the ski jacket to provide extra warmth. You’ll find that many insulated ski jackets, also called 3-in-1 jackets, have an additional insulator piece that can be removed. You can wear both pieces alone or together.

Shell jackets have waterproof, breathable outer layers but no internal insulation. This type of ski jacket is ideal for someone who prefers added range of motion because it is not as bulky as an insulated ski jacket. Wear this over a base layer and a mid-layer, and you can stay warm out in the slopes.

Fit

When choosing thermal winter jackets for women, there are three types of fit you can choose from – slim, regular, or relaxed. Slim fit is form fitting and tailored at the shoulders, body, and waist. Regular fit is standard fitting and tailored just below the waist. While a slim fit ski jacket sits close to the body, a regular fit jacket is true to size and provides a flattering fit that is not too tight or constricting. Relaxed fit is a larger fit with little to no tailoring and provides more room in the shoulders and chest for layering.

Waterproof Rating

This is of the most important factors you need to consider when buying thermal winter jackets for women. Waterproof rating tells you how quickly a jacket can become saturated and begin to allow water to penetrate to the layers. This rating is indicated in millimeters and the higher the number, the more waterproof the ski jacket is. Look for a ski jacket with at least 1,500mm rating.

Breathability

A ski jacket’s breathability rating tells you how effective it is at transferring moisture from the inside to the outside. It is measured and indicated in grams. The higher the number, the more effective it is to allow moisture to escape and, therefore, the more breathable it is. Entry-level breathable fabrics have breathability ratings between 2,000g to 5000g, while the highest rating is at around 20,000g.

How to Layer Women’s Ski Thermals and Jackets

Layering is the most effective way to keep yourself warm on the slopes. You will need to have all three layers – a base layer, mid-layer, and outer layer. It is important to keep a layering system that is not too hot or too cold, so you maintain a constant body temperature.

The first layer is your base layer. This will be your thermal top, underwear, and ski pants. Choose thermals that are comfortable and sweat wicking, with the right weight of fabric to keep you warm or cool as needed. The second layer is your mid-layer. This layer provides additional insulation and is usually made of warm and fleecy fabric, such as polyester or merino wool and may contain some down or insulating material. And the last layer is the outer layer. This layer is usually waterproof and with some insulation, such as with a thermal jacket, women's ski jackets come in different variations, though, as mentioned previously.

When skiing, each person has a unique style, ski level, and needs. Having the right ski wear is essential to feeling good, gaining confidence, and enjoying the sport. Keep these things in mind when you shop for jackets and thermals for women, and you can rest assured that you’ll be investing in ski wear that will not only provide you with the utmost comfort in the slopes but will also enable you to perform your best.