Winter will come very soon, which means that the time will come for winter entertainment, nature walks, skiing, ice skating and sledding. Fans of outdoor activities try to go to the mountains or, at least, are content with artificial tracks. Recently, skiing has gained unprecedented popularity. Even those who know little about skiing tend to the mountains.
The most important attribute that you need to bring with you is your ski suit. Half of success depends on how comfortable you feel. If you can rent skis on site, then the suit is more complicated. You need to know how to choose equipment. In this article we will talk about ski suits.
Features
Ski suit is significantly different from ordinary winter outerwear. Its main task is to protect against cold, wind and rainfall.
Ski clothing has its own specific features:
- Fully taped seams;
- Removable hood;
- Ventilation in the armpits, and sometimes on the back;
- Snow-protective skirt and cuffs on sleeves that prevent snow from getting inside;
- Skipass pocket on the sleeve;
- Secret and external pockets for documents, phones, keys;
- A piece of material in the outer pocket to wipe the 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 paid no less attention than at the top. For everyday wear, optimal underwear is made of natural fabrics. 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.
Models
Modern designers are paying more and more attention to ski suits, as the demand for them is constantly increasing. Today you can find men's suits, women's, as well as unisex.
All ski suits can be divided into two groups - one-piece and separate.
Merchants are chosen mainly by professional athletes. They are made in such a way that make it easy to move and keep warm. The special cut of these clothes even helps to increase speed. One piece suit has many advantages. It is waterproof and windproof.
Separate models are bought, for the most part, amateur athletes. They consist of two parts of a jacket and pants. This kit can be worn in the city. However, like other ski clothing, it is equipped with all the necessary technologies. Often trousers and a jacket are interconnected by fasteners or laces.
Varieties by appointment:
- Racing. This type of costume is designed for skiing competitions and training. For its production, the most wear-resistant materials are used. Due to their elasticity, they completely fit the figure. A distinctive feature of the racing suit is that when it is created, windproof fabric is not used. Its task is to quickly drainage and high-quality thermoregulation.
- Trigger This type of overalls is designed to participate in various tournaments. It has a special tight fit that increases speed when running. Trigger suits are chosen not only by professional athletes, but also by beginners. In this model, you can see how the arms and legs are located, which allows the coach to put the right technique. Downhill overalls, among other things, have a protected back, forearm and lower legs, which is simply necessary in skiing.
- Running. This suit is recommended for non-professional skiers. It is characterized by a free cut. The jogging suit is slightly insulated and reinforced in front with special wind protection. In its qualities, it is similar to training.
- Walking. As the name implies, these overalls are used for outdoor recreation. They are free, comfortable, wear-resistant and insulated.
- Training. This type of suit is designed for sports workouts. They are also often bought by amateur athletes. Typically, this kit includes a jacket, elongated at the back. The bottom is on her elastic band. Sleeves are wide, do not restrict movement. Pants are narrowed here, may have straps. There is an additional windproof fabric in front, and the fabric stretches well behind, providing free movement and good ventilation.
Big sizes
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 and at the same time stylish model of overalls in a non-standard size. Be that as it may, the designers try to please all the customers and develop clothes for every taste and complexion.
A practical solution for skiing is the practical, spacious membrane models. These costumes do not restrict movement and prevent the penetration of wind and cold. Large ski suits can be found both in classic colors and in bright colors. They can also have a variety of prints. Such products are made of durable materials and accessories and are no different from standard size models.
Materials
Ski equipment includes 3 layers of clothing. Each of them has its own purpose.
- Inner layer.
Its task is to remove moisture from the body. Usually this is thermal underwear that adheres to the skin.
- Insulation.
This layer is designed to retain heat. This can be either a layer of the overalls themselves, or different sweaters or sweaters.
- Protection.
This layer is directly the costume material. Its functions are protection against rain, wind and snow.
Let's talk about each in more detail.
Thermo-linen good quality should rid the skin of sweat, "passing" 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 golfs. They themselves do not get wet and give all the moisture out. In addition, they struggle with an unpleasant odor. Quality socks are usually insulated and sealed in the area of the fingers, heels and lower leg. There are socks with a massage effect that enhance the blood circulation of the legs.
If we talk about the insulation, then it is better to buy it separately. A suit that has a heater in it will be uncomfortable and too hot.
The third layer is a jumpsuit or a set consisting of a jacket and trousers. This clothing is waterproof and vapor permeable. The first position - reflects the pressure of the water, which can hold the material to a leak. The second - talks about the amount of steam per square meter that the material releases per day.
The highest quality models are considered, in which there is a membrane layer.
Three types of membranes are known:
- Hydrophilic (non-pore)
They work by the example of diffusion. At the top of the membrane, enough condensation is collected to impregnate the tissue and remove moisture to the outside. In non-pore membrane clothing, it is usually "slightly damp." It is better to buy it for medium temperatures. It is practical, flexible and does not need special care.
- Pore
They function thanks to the small pores through which the vapor molecule passes and do not pass water at all. A suit made of this material should not be worn in warm and humid weather. In addition, he is known for his fragility. Although, it is worth noting that it is well suited for cold weather, when the body heats up.
- Combination membranes
Currently, this is the most optimal option. Although it contains not only the positive qualities of previous types of membranes, but also negative ones. Of the advantages of this material can be noted excellent wear resistance, water resistance and stretch properties. Its disadvantages include a high price and poor performance with high humidity and low temperature.
How to choose?
Ski suits are different. The choice of a particular model depends on the purpose of its application. So, a suit for ordinary ski runs is absolutely not suitable for downhill skiing. So, first of all, you need to decide what you need this clothing for.
When choosing ski equipment, you should pay attention to such indicators as material, membrane specifications and additional details. Quality tissue should be hypoallergenic and provide good ventilation. The lining of the suit should displace the collected moisture to the outer layers of the fabric, and heat should reflect inward. The best option is mesh or fleece lining fabric.
Another important criterion is the strength of the product. On the knees, elbows, shoulders must be seals, which in case of a fall will help soften the blow.
All seams of the product must be glued. This indicates its tightness.
It is important to have a hood on the jacket. It must 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 review. Some models are equipped with a detachable mask, which can be pocketed if necessary.
When choosing a ski suit, do not go around the details.
- All snakes should be serviceable and "ride" without problems.
- The zipper on the jacket must be protected by a flap to prevent drafts.
- The more pockets - the better.
- The cuffs on the sleeves should be easily and securely fastened so that snow does not get inside.
- The inside collar should be covered with fleece. This will save the face from chapping.
- Ideally, buy suits with the "RECCO" sign. It is a reflector for emergency responders.
- Ski suit shoes
- The best shoes for a ski suit are ski boots. Buying them is as difficult as it is with a suit.
- There are two main rules that you need to use when choosing shoes.
- Shoes should fit your foot tightDo not squeeze or hang anywhere. In order to understand whether this or that model suits you, walk about ten minutes in it. During the ascent to the toe, the heel should not be torn off the insole.
- The stiffness of ski shoes is chosen depending on the riding style. For beginners, skis made from less rigid plastic are more suitable. In it you can switch from walking to skating and vice versa. These shoes give more freedom at the time of bending the legs in the lower leg. Also, these shoes will be comfortable while waiting in line for the lift. For more experienced athletes, tougher models of shoes are suitable.
Women's ski boots are softer and lighter than men's. They also have another block, designed taking into account the peculiarities of female legs.
Where can one buy?
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, and choose its size correctly. In addition, you will be sure that you are buying a quality item, as they usually sell clothes directly from the manufacturer. Trusted and bona fide stores are a sportsmaster, Colombia, roxy, stayer, kerom, azimuth, salomon, witgen and so on.
For those who want to save money, sports online stores are a good option. As a rule, prices are lower than market prices. However, no one can vouch for the quality of the goods. And you can try on your favorite model only 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 money away.
How much is?
A high-quality suit for skiing is not a cheap pleasure. It is worth noting that you do not need to save on it. Otherwise, you run the risk of riding in unpleasant conditions, getting sick, buying a suit for one season, or at least looking ridiculous. True, beginners should not buy expensive high-tech models. They just do not need them!
Depending on the materials used and various bells and whistles, the prices for ski suits are very diverse. Men's jacket can cost from 30 to 90 thousand rubles. Women's 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 need from 20 to 70 thousand. Jumpsuit is usually a little 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 only in trusted places - brand boutiques or in a network of sports supermarkets.
If the costume does not have a tag and packaging, if the logo is neglected (there are irregularities or threads sticking out), if there is no data on the technology and composition of the thing, if the product has ordinary zippers, and not YKK zippers), if in general the product has an unpresentable appearance - then this is a fake. In a store selling such models, it is better not to buy anything.
Fashion trends 2017
Ski clothing is not influenced by fashion. However, there are some general trends that have affected her.
- This season, pay attention to soft shades, without excessive acidity. It is peach, eggplant, purple, brown and so on.
- As a picture, select a cell, strip, zebra, abstraction. Ethnic motifs are especially interesting.
- You should give preference to models of a simple cut, with a minimum number of seams and without unnecessary details.
- Rhinestones and excessive jewelry are not popular this season.
- You should not buy short or narrowed styles, as well as jackets with fur trim. In the mountains they will look out of place.
- Today, high stand-up collars are in fashion.
- Membrane fabrics made under canvas, velveteen or jeans look interesting.
Care Tips
Over time, membrane products become clogged due to sweat salts. This also applies to fluff. For this reason, the product must be washed once a year. However, this cannot be done in the washing machine. You cannot use regular powder either. This must be remembered well, otherwise you just ruin the thing. Such products must be washed using special tools. It is best to find out the washing methods from the seller at the time of purchase.
There are not membrane, but impregnated models. So they generally can not be washed by any means. Under the influence of chemicals, the impregnation rolls down and the moisture protective effect disappears.
After each use, dry the suit. It’s better to do it in a natural way. Do not use heaters or batteries!
Dry cleaning is also not an option. Naturally, you will get rid of dirt, but spoil the membrane.
As you can see, the purchase of ski clothing is not an easy task and requires a responsible approach. Take your time, weigh and consider everything and then your choice will please you for a long time.