How to choose the size of your ski suit

How to choose the right size ski suit?

Discover which criteria should be considered when choosing the right size of your ski suit.

Heading to the ski slopes for your next winter holidays? For more comfortable snow sports sessions, it’s vital that you equip yourself with the most suitable gear. Although the ski suit is a key item, it’s not always easy knowing how to choose the right style. We explain how to choose the right ski suit size, right here.

freeride ski suit

Why wear a ski suit?

While the ski jacket and pants are the most commonly used outfit today, some skiers remain loyal to the famous ski suit.

Why? Ski suits are very comfortable. It is an all-in-one, so it prevents snow, moisture, wind and cold from getting inside. The fact that the jacket and trousers are joined together means that you can move more easily, with greater freedom of movement. Fully waterproof and warm thanks to a wadding padded lining, ski suits are the ideal choice for those looking to enjoy a full day of winter sports without the cold, wind or snow getting inside their outfit.

white ski suit

The right cut for a ski suit

The fit of your ski suit depends mainly on the discipline you like.

For activities such as freeride skiing or snowboarding that require great freedom of movement, go for a loose cut, which allow you to execute your movements with ease.

If you’re into downhill skiing, you can go for a slightly more fitted cut, which is more in line with the needs and codes of the sport.

In the case of racing piste skiing, the suit must offer a real second skin to make you more aerodynamic; this allows optimal air penetration, which helps to significantly increase racing speed. However, racing skiing is a competitive winter sport; it is therefore exclusively for experienced and trained skiers.

The right size for a ski suit: men and women’s guide

To allow you to choose a ski suit adapted to your specific body shape, we highly recommend that you measure your chest circumference, hip circumference and, of course, your height. This allows you to match the results to the following sizes:

➤ XS:
Women: Up to 1.55 m, maximum chest circumference of 80 cm, hip circumference of up to 87 cm.
Men: Up to 1.68 m, waist circumference less than 76 cm, maximum bust circumference of 91 cm

➤ S:
Women: Up to 1.66 m, chest circumference up to 88 cm, hip circumference less than 94 cm.
Men: Up to 1.75 m, hip circumference ranging from 76 to 81 cm, chest circumference measuring between 91 and 99 cm.

M:
Women: Up to 1.67 and 1.80 m, maximum chest circumference of 88 cm, hip circumference less than 94 cm (only the height differentiates the M from the S).
Men: Up to 1.83 m, waist circumference 81 to 86 cm, chest circumference 96 to 104 cm

➤ L:
Women: Up to 1.57 and 1.67 m, chest circumference less than 98 cm, hip circumference up to 104 cm.
Men: Up to 1.91 m, hip circumference measuring between 86 and 91 cm, bust circumference between 101 and 109 cm.

➤ XL:
Women: The XL corresponds to the same chest and hip measurements as the size L, but is more suitable for a height between 1.70 and 1.80 m.
Men: Up to 1.83 and 1.98 m, waist circumference between 91 and 96 cm, chest circumference between 107 and 115 cm

However, as your physical characteristics cannot be fully determined by set data, we recommend that you go in to the shop to try on the different styles.

The right ski suit for a child: guide for girls and boys

When buying a ski suit, choosing the right size is essential for ensuring your child is comfortable for a whole day in the snow.
At Decathlon, we offer three different size ranges, with designs to match the child's age group.
For more precision, a size guide is available to help you find the right age. Just measure your child to find out!

Children aged 1 to 3 years
Size between 77 and 97 cm
Baby ski suits are designed to be easy to open and extra warm to meet the needs of a child of this age.

Children aged 4 to 6 years
Size between 98 and 124 cm
Between 3 and 6 years old, some of our designs are patterned, and some of our styles come with integrated mittens as part of an all-in-one set.

Children aged 7 to 14 years
Size between 125 and 162 cm
Ski suits for 6-14 year-olds have a simpler design, suitable for the child’s age.

kids’ ski suit

And to complete your ski outfit, don’t forget the rest of the gear!

When it comes to winter sports, you need protection! It is therefore strongly advisable to wear a helmet. You can complement it with a ski mask, which will protect the eyes from UV rays, for both the little ones and adults. If you’re looking for even more protection, you can also opt for back protection. This will protect your spine in case of a fall on your back. Your hands should also be covered, with a good pair of warm, waterproof gloves or mittens.

Underneath the ski suit, it’s vital to slip on specific garments designed for winter sports activities. For optimal heat regulation, we recommend the three-layer rule:

Layer 1, the ski base layer: Worn directly against the skin, the ski base layer wicks away perspiration towards the other two layers, and provides an initial layer of warmth. It’s a long-sleeved T-shirt and thin legging-type pants.

Layer 2, a fleece or thermal jacket: As well as providing an extra dose of warmth, the second layer acts as an insulator, keeping warm air around the body.

Layer 3, the ski suit: You already know the third one! Waterproof, warm and breathable, the ski suit protects you from outdoor inclement weather conditions (snow, wind, rain, etc.).

As far as equipment goes, you will need ski, snowboard or snow boots, with a suitable pair of socks to ensure your feet don’t get cold. And then, of course, skis, poles, a snowboard or a sledge, depending on your preferred discipline!

Now you know how to choose the right ski suit, and specifically the right size. To complete your child’s outfit, don't forget ski base layers, a helmet and goggles for safety, gloves and a good pair of socks!

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