You don’t want your ski jacket to be too tight or too loose. There is a sweet spot in the fit that is ideal for warmth and comfort. If it’s too tight, it will restrict your movement. If it’s too loose, it can let in the cold and snow.
I’m a lifelong skier with a true passion for the sport. I’ve worn many different ski clothing items over the years, and I know through first-hand experience what makes the best fit.
This post will explain the proper fit of a ski jacket. I’ll show you why it shouldn’t be too tight or loose and give you some other valuable information to help you stay comfortable and warm on the slopes.
Let’s jump in.
Contents
How a Ski Jacket Should Fit
You want your jacket to fit well, without being too tight or loose. There isn’t an exact way that a ski jacket should fit. Each skier needs to make that decision. There are a few guidelines that can help you get the best fit.
A properly fitting ski jacket shouldn’t restrict your movement. You want to have a full range of motion so you can react quickly and move your body in any and every way when you are out on the slopes. With that in mind, you don’t want a jacket that is too tight.
The primary purpose of a ski jacket is to keep you warm. This involves blocking out the snow, cold, and wind. You don’t want to let in cold air or moisture because this can cause you to get cold, which might ruin your ski day.
If a ski jacket is too loose, it can expose your torso to the elements. There might be extra material that can create a way for cold air or snow to enter. This is far from ideal, and it’s why you don’t want to wear a jacket that is too loose or baggy.
There is a pretty wide range of possibilities for getting a properly fitting jacket. You need to match the size and style to your body type and preferences. But if you always make sure the jacket isn’t too tight or too loose, you should be able to get a solid fit.
All that said, I think a slightly looser jacket is a lot better than one that is too tight. If you aren’t sure if the jacket is ideal, keep this in mind to help you make a decision. As long as it’s not too loose, you’ll get a full range of movement.
*Tip: Always try on your jacket before purchasing it, if possible. This will ensure that you get the ideal fit and that it’s not too tight or too loose. If you are buying ski jackets online, check to see that the seller has a return policy so you can return or exchange the jacket if it doesn’t fit right.
How Jacket Size Relates to Fit
A big part of getting the best fit from a ski jacket is getting the right size to match your body. This best size will vary from skier to skier, and it might even change during your skiing career if you gain or lose weight.
Generally, a ski jacket size will be the same as the size of the shirt you wear. Jacket sizes are almost always listed as small, medium, large, extra-large, etc. You can simply match this up, and you should be fine.
It’s important to know that the actual sizes can vary from one jacket manufacturer to another. This typically isn’t too drastic of a difference, but it can lead to a less than ideal fit if you are in-between sizes.
If you’re not sure exactly what size you are, it’s a better idea to go a little larger than smaller. This gives you extra room to maneuver around on the mountain. If you go too small, it can hold you back and restrict what you’re able to do on the slopes.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some common questions about ski jackets and how they fit.
Should you size up in ski jackets?
You don’t need to worry about sizing up for ski jackets most of the time. They run pretty true to size, which means you can order your normal size and get a proper fit. If you are between sizes or buying for a growing child, you might want to size up.
What should you wear under ski jacket?
A good base layer is essential to wear underneath a ski jacket. If you are skiing on a really cold day, you should wear a base layer and a mid-layer. A base layer is a lightweight layer against your skin, and a mid-layer is a lightweight sweater or jacket.
How thick should a ski jacket be?
The thicker the jacket, the warmer it will be. If you want a really warm option, go with a thicker jacket with added insulation. If you want a little more flexibility, go with a thinner jacket and match your other layers to the conditions.
Conclusion
The ideal fit for a ski jacket is neither too tight nor too loose. You always want to have a full range of motion, which isn’t possible with a tight jacket. You also want to make sure your jacket isn’t really loose because this can let in the wind and snow.
Getting a proper fit isn’t rocket science, but if you keep the advice in this post in mind, you’ll be able to find a jacket that works best for your body size.
