[GIRLS] It’s What’s Underneath That Counts: Skiing Underwear Essentials

From base layers and jackets to goggles and gloves, when you need to stock up for that next ski holiday it seems there is an incredible amount of choice of every aspect of ski wear. Yet we often forget about the first layer we put on – one that is perhaps most important when it comes to our comfort on the slopes. We are talking about the all important skiing underwear.

Not thermal undergarments, actual underwear; bras and pants. Everyone wears them, everyone needs them but for some reason, they are not given as much thought when it comes to ski gear. So, this week on the InTheSnow GIRLS blog, we are taking you through the best skiing underwear out there to keep you feeling fantastic on the slopes this season.

Skiing Underwear Essentials: Bras

While many people are happy and comfortable to ski in a regular underwired bra, others find the support offered is not enough for long periods of intense activity. Of course, it depends what kind of skier you are. Those who like to take it easy and are more gentle in their skiing will not need quite as much support as those who will be spending their days exploring the back country, discovering mogul fields or working on their tricks in the snow park.

If you are a more adventurous skier that likes to work up a sweat on the mountain, a sports bra may be your best option in terms of support and comfort. Not only do sports bras help to keep your chest in check, they also often boast moisture-wicking technology, which is particularly useful when you’re hot and sweaty under all those layers!

Sweaty Betty is definitely one of our favourites when it comes to comfortable ski wear, and their handy bra guide is really helpful in recommending the right bras for your size and activity level. They have a range of bras that are perfect from skiing. The ever-popular Ultimate Moulded Workout Bra is perfect skiing companion for ladies up to a C-cup. It’s made from sweat-wicking fabric, with moulded bra cups and padded shoulder straps for comfort, which we all know is super important!

For ladies with larger chests, or simply ladies that know they are going to need that little extra support, the Victory Padded Run Bra may be a better choice. Designed for more high intensity activity, this bra features mesh panels for breathability alongside the all important sweat-wicking fabric. Padded cups and compression panels offer the best possible shape and support for your size, while supportive straps, a fitted underband and seams on the outside rather than the inside (to prevent chafing) will keep you comfortable all day long.

If you’re after something a bit more funky, Skins have got some awesome sports bras on offer at the moment that look almost as good as they feel. The DNAmic Women’s Speed Sports Bra is one of these, giving good medium impact support great for general day-to-day skiing. With moisture wicking fabric and smooth elastic straps to avoid any uncomfortable digging in on your shoulders, this is a sports bra built to allow you to enjoy yourself in comfort on the mountain. Very versatile, it can also easily be worn in the gym and is perfect for those searching for a fun, good-looking yet supportive sports bra.

Also with a striking design, the Ovortex 185 Merino Rock n Wool Bra (as seen in the title image) uses 100% Merino Wool to add warmth and comfort as well as support while on the mountain. Merino Wool is beneficial across a wide temperature range, regulating moisture and keeping odours under control. This makes it an ideal material for the first layer when it comes to snow sports. For increased comfort, this bra boasts formative seams, elastic edge binding and a reinforced shoulder area. The racerback design keeps movement easy while mesh inserts at specific heat spots ensure that the bra remains breathable.

If you are more prone to getting cold on the slopes, it might be a good idea to consider a sports bra that is built into a vest top as in addition to providing support and comfort, this will also give you an extra layer of core warmth. A good choice is this Domyos option (pictured below) from Decathlon, which provides good moisture management, ventilation and stretch, and is priced at only £12.99. Alternatively, H&M offer a similar style in fast-drying functional fabric for only £19.99.

Skiing Underwear Essentials: Pants

With both tops and bottoms, the most important thing about good skiing underwear is that it is comfortable, breathable and well fitting. While small lacy garments may make you look great, they are generally not the most functional when it comes to activity and there are a lot of alternative options out there that can keep you looking and feeling great on the slopes.

Under Armour are always ahead of the game when it comes to active undergarments, so it’s no surprise that their selection of women’s pants are hugely popular. The UA Pure Stretch bikini pant is made of an incredibly soft stretch mesh fabric that not only feels fantastic, but offers great breathability. Lightweight, tagless and with a 4-way stretch fabrication, this is a pant made for women who move. At only £10.00, we can definitely see why these are such a popular choice with active ladies.

Another popular choice with female skiers and snowboarders are the Patagonia Women’s Active Briefs, which are made of a moisture-wicking synthetic fabric. Soft and stretchy, these briefs are extremely comfy, with a seamless waistband that stays flat throughout the day – none of that annoying rolling or binding that you sometimes get with this type of waistband. Designed to stay warm yet breathable, Patagonia Active Briefs have the addition of Polygiene® permanent odour control as well as a soft, single-sided binding to minimise chafing. These briefs also come in a ‘boy short‘ style, which offer that little bit more support and move very well with your body. Patagonia are also one of the most ethical companies out there when it comes to active wear, so in purchasing from them, you know you are sourcing decent, quality products.

Ibex’s Balance range uses a combination of three different top performance fibres to create the perfect active clothing. 72% Merino wool maintains breathability, durability, softness, and odour management, while lightweight spandex and nylon both enhance strength, stretch, fit, and support. A seamless brief that offers a great fit to keep you moving from sunrise to après. However, it’s useful to be aware that Ibex operate out of the USA, so if you’re ordering internationally be sure to check out the shipping charges first.

Alternatively, if you want something that’s still super trendy but Victoria’s Secret No Show Panty is a great high street option that many women choose as their active underwear go-to. Smooth, seamless and elastic-free with laser-cut edges, this pant will keep you comfortable and without risk of any VPL if you favour a super skinny salopette!