14 Ski Jackets That Will Make You The Envy Of The Piste
Dreaming of crisp Alpine air? Us, too. Well, if you are lucky enough to be hitting the slopes this winter, one of the essentials you’ll need is a ski jacket (alongside salopettes, thermals, goggles etc). But then comes the hard part – with the sheer volume of outerwear available, it can be hard knowing which will suit your needs best.
Accomplished skiers might need a jacket that can contend with extreme weather conditions – something waterproof with extra coverage. However, if you’re a fair-weather skier, you could get away with a coat that’s less weatherproof, such as a cropped puffer. Or, maybe you simply want to look the part – if that’s the case, you’ll want Princess Diana on your moodboard.
Either way, you’ll want a jacket that balances technicality with design. The good news? Here at Vogue we know a thing or two about the kind of protection you’ll need in the mountains as well as the jackets that look best, so we’ve pulled together the top alpine outerwear across luxury labels, performance wear experts and high-street stores – as well as a guide on how to choose the right jacket for you.
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What are the best ski jacket brands?
It depends on what you’re looking for. Of course, the best ski jackets need to protect you from the cold, the wet, and, most importantly of all, will ensure you look great on the mountains – but there’s a few different categories to choose between.
First of all, you could go for a specialist jacket by the leading brands in the skiing space like Perfect Moment, Bogner or Moncler – they tend to boast superior warmth and weatherproof credentials which means they’ll keep you cosy in even the harshest of weather conditions. And they tend to look the chicest, too, with elevated details like a nipped waist or shearling collar.
Then, there’s outerwear experts like The North Face or Salomon which also hit the mark from a weatherproof perspective. These, though, are more for the gorpcore-inclined, with cool-girl functional details which suit those who prefer no-frills ski jackets. If you’re partial to the luxury brands, Gucci and Dior both have strong skiwear collections, while H&M and Free People are the best on the high street.
Keen to try out styles before making an investment? Try renting your ski wear from platforms such as Hurr, Blanqo and Selfridges Rental.
How should a ski jacket fit?
As a general rule, your ski jacket should feel a little relaxed. That means you’ll have room for extra layers beneath and your movement won't be restricted while you’re making your way down the slopes – and you don’t want anything so bulky it feels cumbersome on the chairlifts.
Then, there’s length to think about. Longer styles will offer you more protection – they’re best for deep powder and cold conditions – while those that are waist length tend to be better for casual or park skiing when you’re not likely to encounter anything too extreme – and they also look the most stylish. Or you could choose the happy medium: a hip-length jacket which offers the perfect balance of the two.
Our top tip? Try on a few options with your full outfit (thermals, salopettes and all) to make sure you’re choosing the one that both looks and feels the best.
Should you size up or down in ski jackets?
Generally speaking, no. The best women’s ski jackets should be made with sufficient room to accommodate all the extra layers you’ll inevitably be wearing underneath. Sizing can vary depending on the brand, so make sure to leave plenty of time to try several styles before your holiday.
What is the difference between a hard-shell and a soft-shell ski jacket?
A hard-shell jacket will give you maximum weather protection – they’re waterproof and windproof, often featuring membranes like Gore-Tex and taped seams – but they don’t come with much built-in insulation. That means you’ll need to layer up with insulating layers like a fleece or thermals if you’re up against sub-zero temperatures.
Soft-shell jackets, on the other hand, are a little more flexible and breathable. When it comes to skiing, they’ll usually be insulated with foam, fleece or down, so they keep your body temperature higher, but they’re not the best choice if you want a layer with full weather protection.
