Finding the right ski wear can be a challenge, especially for plus-size skiers. This guide aims to provide information and recommendations for outerwear, base layers, and accessories to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the slopes.
Finding the right ski wear ensures comfort and performance on the slopes.
Understanding Plus-Size and Inclusive Sizing
When it comes to apparel, plus size means anything beyond the standard or extended size range. Inclusive sizing is another term outdoor brands are using more and more. Size-wise, each manufacturer has its own charts. Be sure to take your personal measurements and match them up.
Plus sizes are built from an entirely separate size block, which has different ratios than the size block used for straight sizes. This size run is designed to accommodate a fuller bicep, waist, and bust. The sections - like the torso or arms - don’t get longer or taller as they go up in size. Plus sizes are labeled 1X, 2X, 3X, 4X, etc. The L.L.Bean Rugged Ridge Parka goes up to 3X, for instance.
Straight sizes refer to sizes small to large, which are constructed from a specific size block. You’ll often see straight sizes numerically listed from 6 to 14. As the sizes go up, the length changes, but the ratio remains the same. Apparel designers take the pattern of a straight-size block - typically the medium, in the middle of the lineup - and adjust the dimensions for smaller or larger bodies. Each silhouette will be proportional and similar in shape to the next size up or down.
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Just like standard sizing, plus sizing varies by brand. We always recommend checking the size charts and measuring your hip, chest, and inseam if need be (for ski pants).
Outerwear: Jackets and Pants
Jackets:
Many brands make plus-size clothes, but the market for plus-size ski apparel - and plus-size technical ski apparel - is much narrower. Whether you’re looking for a warm, stylish coat to commute in a snowstorm, spectate a hockey game, or enjoy après-ski, we’ve got you covered with the best women’s winter jackets.
Columbia has been found to be plus-size friendly, warm, and comfortable. Some skiers have had success with the Omni-Heat ski pants and the Whirlibird IV interchange coat.
Outdoor Research is great about having inclusive sizing. Their Snowcrew pants come in lengths, short, regular, and tall, and sizes XS-XXXL. The Snowcrew jacket is a relaxed fit, roomy, and comfortable to fit lots of layers. Many other options are insulated like the Outdoor Research Plus-Size Women’s Snowcrew Jacket.
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Albeit rare, you’ll find non-insulated and technical kits like the lightweight Outdoor Research Plus Size Carbide Jacket or the TREW Gear Plus-Size Stella Jacket Primo, which is heavier but highly waterproof at 20K and loaded with pockets.
Eddie Bauer is another brand to consider. One skier's current ski coat is an XXL Eddie Bauer.
Pants:
Our women’s snow pants are insulated for warmth, with an articulated fit for freedom of movement. Smooth, comfortable women’s ski pants are featured for versatility, with multipurpose pockets, adjustable waistbands, mesh-lined vents for breathability and smooth linings for snag-free layering.
I am thrilled with the pants since I am short and heavy, they fit far better than any pants I have ever owned.
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Some have also started getting Obermeyer pants - sometimes you can find the fun prints in the larger sizes and they come in short length. Some also have Boulder Gear jackets and Killtech jackets.
Important Considerations:
- Fit: Many brands with women's larger sizes don't have room for larger busts. For a uniform coat some have had the choice of men's that had room for their busts (because classic athletic men have huge shoulders) but was too tight around their hips or women's that fit their hips but was too tight around their boobs.
- Color Options: A common complaint is that a lot of the plus-size stuff only comes in black or other dreary colors.
- Availability: At a Columbia outlet, a salesperson told one skier they can't keep the plus-size stuff in stock.
REI is just as bad, with so many extended sizes for men and very few choices for women in the stores. It's really annoying that XXL isn't a more common women's size.
Consider the fit and functionality of your ski outerwear.
Base Layers and Mid-Layers
Base Layers:
I wear Lands' End Thermaskin base layers - Lands End has the only plus-size base layers that are affordable and the tops come in a turtleneck.
Mid-Layers:
If you’re searching for a midlayer to pull on beneath an uninsulated shell, that’ll be the price-effective piece on our list, like The North Face Women’s Plus Osito Jacket ($100).
For mid-layers, consider 1/4 zip fleeces from Eddie Bauer and LL Bean. Some have closely guarded Marker men's fleece-lined leggings and some from a company called Avalanche but I'm not sure they're in business anymore. Marker doesn't make these pants anymore.
Accessories
Don’t forget the accessories. Knit beanies, reinforced gloves and spacious yet lightweight backpacks are essential for long days in the snow.
Brands and Retailers
Here's a summary of brands and retailers mentioned in this guide:
| Brand/Retailer | Notes |
|---|---|
| Columbia | Plus-size friendly, warm, comfortable, Omni-Heat technology |
| Outdoor Research | Inclusive sizing, Snowcrew line (jackets & pants), various lengths |
| TREW Gear | Stella Jacket Primo |
| Eddie Bauer | Jackets, base layers, mid-layers |
| LL Bean | Generous sizing, 3-in-1 jackets, base layers, mid-layers |
| Lands' End | Affordable plus-size base layers |
| Obermeyer | Pants with fun prints in larger sizes and short lengths |
| Boulder Gear | Jackets |
| Killtech | Jackets |
| Athleta | Tops/sports bras for large busts (1X-3X) |
| REI | Limited plus-size options in-store |
| Skis.com | Previously carried Columbia and Obermeyer, check current stock |
Additional Notes:
- Many people don't even look in ski shops - everything is online.
- Some give up and go for men's sizes for technical clothing, but that's always an expensive compromise.
PLUS SIZE OUTWEAR THAT FITS ME!!! Snow Country Winter Haul
Enjoy your time on the slopes with the right gear.