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19 Best Ski Jackets For This Winter: From Budget-Friendly to Boujie
#1 is ahhhmazing ❄️
If you're in the market for a new ski jacket, you've come to the right place. Gone are the days when women’s ski jackets had about as much appeal as your mum’s old anorak (sorry, mum) – there are now some seriously stylish options out there and the good news is you don’t always have to splash the cash to get one that looks great and performs well. Look for: waterproofing (obvs – no one wants to be soggy on the slopes); wind protection; plenty of insulation; and pockets for your ski pass and valuables.
First time buyer? It’s hard to know where to start when shopping for a ski jacket that fits the bill (and fits your budget). So, we asked an expert – Sarah Hoefflin, a Swiss Freestyle skier and Columbia Sportswear athlete who took the Gold medal at the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang in 2018 in Slopestyle – what you should look for when shopping for a ski jacket.
What’s the most important thing to look for in a ski jacket?
'If you intend to ski during the coldest months of winter, you should go for a jacket that is thick, warm and waterproof. Comfort and style are also extremely important. Going for bright colours and patterns allow your family and friends to recognise you more easily on the slopes, so this is another point to take into consideration when choosing a jacket,' says Hoefflin.
Is it better to size up or size down when shopping for a ski jacket?
'In my opinion, it is better to size up when shopping for a ski jacket. Bigger jackets tend to be more comfortable, and they will also allow you to layer up under your jacket. When shopping for a jacket, it’s a good idea to try it on with a thick jumper so you know how it will feel when you wear it during the chilliest days.'
What’s the difference between a ski jacket and a normal puffer coat?
'A ski jacket will usually be more waterproof than a puffer coat, allowing you to wear it when it’s dumping with snow or when it’s really wet outside,' she explains.
'I usually use puffer jackets as a layer under a waterproof shell jacket, and I can take off if I get too warm. A ski jacket might be slightly more versatile than a puffer jacket since you can generally wear it in any weather, but a puffer jacket allows you to regulate your temperature better on warmer days since you can take it off and stuff it easily into your bag or pocket, without it taking too much space or being too heavy.'
How long could you expect to have a ski jacket for?
'You could keep your ski jacket your whole life if you pick the right one and you take good care of it. Picking a style that you like and colours that don’t go out of fashion are a good way to improve your jacket’s life and allow you to rock the same jacket year on year,' Hoefflin finishes.
So, whether you’re jetting off for some apres-ski action ASAP, or just want to be extra prepared for a potential Beast from the East 2.0, read on for the WH edit of the best ski jackets to shop now.
Maddy Alford is the Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK, covering fashion content online and in print. Maddy specialises in shopping galleries and first-person reviews of the best fashion buys, from jeans and jewellery to wedding dresses, gymwear, and winter coats. She also writes op-eds on on pop culture, viral fashion moments, travel journalism, fitness, and the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with style. Maddy is also a fashion stylist who has worked on over 100 photoshoots at Hearst, including those starring Raye, Niall Horan, and Lena Dunham. Previously, she has worked in fashion PR and e-commerce, including stints at ELLE US and UK, Net-a-Porter, InStyle, and Time Out New York. Maddy has ten years of experience in the fashion industry in both London and New York City, after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She is passionate about second-hand shopping, inclusive fashion, running on Regent's Canal, and finding London's cosiest pubs.
Abigail is WH’s former fashion assistant who joined the team after graduating with a MA in Journalism at City, University of London. She’s a journalist and activewear enthusiast who takes the quest to find the perfect pair of high-waisted gym leggings very seriously. While she's not working, she can usually be found attempting over-ambitious recipes on a weeknight and planning how she could become the next Nigella (in her dreams).
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