Inspired by the Winter Games? Here’s the Lowdown on Your Winter Sportswear Must Haves

The Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) concept was devised in the 1980s to create a modular layering system adaptable to the harshest conditions. This, in effect, has been appropriated for daily use by most sportswear companies specialising in snow and winter sports. Layers for both men’s sportswear and women’s sportswear rule because it’s an effective way to maintain a comfortable temperature appropriate to your activities. New Zealand brand Icebreaker has been pioneering merino wool base top and bottom layers for over 25 years and is the perfect place to start a layered snow outfit. Polar fleece isn’t just trendy – it’s been an effective insulator for decades. It’s hard to look past Patagonia’s classic pieces in the Retro-X and Synchilla Snap-T for the perfect mid-layer. After that, it’s time to throw on the right shell jacket.

Cold weather jackets have come a long way since George Costanza’s puffy ‘It’s GORE-TEX’ down-filled sack. Today’s sports coats and jackets are lighter, warmer, form-fitting, and packed with tech. The Arcteryx Alpha SV is arguably the big daddy of all snow shells at the moment as the flagship performance piece from the outdoors brand. While Virgil Abloh took the SV to the runway, skiers and snowboarders have been wrapped up in its GORE-TEX PRO backing for years. Of course, Patagonia and The North Face have also been on snow-capped peaks for decades – the latter is literally named after a mountaineering term for the coldest, iciest and most arduous side of a mountain – and their offerings are perfect for Thredbo, Perisher and beyond.

Big, chunky winter boots definitely have their place in heavier conditions, but modern performance shoes are much easier to wear and just as effective in the snow. Naturally, Salomon have a complete range of waterproof and slippery surface ready sneakers, while The North Face and Merrell have been doing it for decades too. Look out for GORE-TEX liners and proprietary membranes such as Timberland’s TimberDry found in their boots. Of course, when it’s time to shred like Shawn, proper snowboard boots like those from DC Shoes are ready to be strapped in. 

This is the fun part. Accessorising can really adapt one outfit for multiple situations or complete a missing piece of the ensemble. A lot of heat is lost through the extremities of the body – think the head, hands and feet. Beanies are a snowfield staple: RVCA and Brixton are good choices, or turn the slopes into a fashion show with high-end options by Versace and Kenzo. Face coverage is also important; snow goggles by Von Zipper and Quicksilver are essential for high-speed situations, while Oakley’s larger lens designs are suitable for most snow settings. Gloves and mittens are a non-negotiable when it comes to hitting the snow and brands like Quicksilver and Billabong have you sorted with their selection of padded articulated gloves, plus mitts for extra warmth. Specialists like The North Face not only have their own DryVent lining for their gloves, but some models with Etip technology enable them to work with touch screens! As for socks, look for adequate wool content and cushioned sections to offer protection and warmth beneath the boots.