Features of men's and women's sportswear for winter sports
Whether you are a fan of alpine skiing, snowboarding or cross-country skiing, or enjoy Nordic walking, tobogganing or snowmobiling, choosing the "right" winter clothing is the key to enjoying any outdoor activity during the cold season.
By "correct" we mean the kind that will: protect from bad weather, keep you warm without disturbing your body's thermoregulation and keep you dry, even during very high activity. Such clothing differs from everyday clothing by a number of unique technologies that make it special.
Requirements for clothing for winter sports.
Winter sports clothing should be functional and comfortable, protect from cold, snow and wind, while providing freedom of movement. Here are some basic requirements:
- Thermal insulation. Clothing should provide sufficient thermal insulation to retain body heat on cold days. For this, various insulation materials are used, such as Hollowfiber, Thinsulate, natural down or a combination of these materials.
- Protection from wind, rain and snow. High activity leads to increased sweating, so it is important that ski clothing provides good ventilation and does not retain excess moisture, which can lead to hypothermia. In addition, the top and bottom should reliably protect from wind, snow and water. The use of membrane fabric completely solves this problem. It has a special structure that allows you to stay dry in precipitation without trapping moisture inside. At the same time, it provides sufficient ventilation so that the body does not overheat due to lack of air. The membrane fabric also protects well from wind and snow, which helps to maintain warmth and comfort in cold conditions on the slope.
- Freedom of movement. Clothing should not restrict movement. This is especially important for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, skating. The membrane with 4-way technology has high elasticity - it stretches perfectly in four directions at the same time and recovers quickly. Pants and jackets made of such fabric have an excellent fit with a full range of motion.
- Convenience. Winter clothes should have an ergonomic cut - for maximum comfort when wearing such clothes. The fittings should be durable and comfortable. There should be all sorts of adjustments that allow you to fit the clothes to yourself.
- Brightness and visibility. Winter clothing should have a bright design and reflective elements. The first will ensure good visibility of the athlete on the slope, and the second will make him more visible on the road in the dark.
- Functionality. Additional features such as: removable hood, snow skirt, additional ventilation zones, adjustable cuffs on sleeves and pants, pockets for mask, ski pass and personal items, as well as other elements, significantly increase the convenience and functionality of winter sportswear.
- Durability and wear resistance. Clothing must withstand significant mechanical loads: resist deformation, friction, tears, punctures. For example, rip-stop fabric has these parameters. Its structure contains reinforced threads made of polyester or nylon. It is almost impossible to tear such fabric.
Features of men's and women's sportswear for winter.
Men's and women's winter sportswear have many common features, such as: the use of waterproof and breathable materials, the presence of insulation, protection from wind and snow, as well as functional pockets and zippers. However, there are also some special features - this is the cut and design.
Men's and women's sports kits are made taking into account the anatomical features of the sexes. Winter sportswear for the stronger half usually has a straighter cut. Women's sportswear for winter, on the contrary, is often narrower and tighter, emphasizing the shape of the body.
Many models of men's winter sports jackets and pants use darker and more neutral colors, such as black, blue, green or gray. Women's winter sportswear is usually bright and colorful. The color scheme is dominated by lively colors, such as: pink, red, purple, light green, yellow, blue. Many decorative details. Fur trim is often present.
Recommendations for choosing materials and styles.
When choosing clothes for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, Nordic walking, running, etc., the following recommendations should be taken into account:
- Avoid cotton and other materials that, when very active, quickly absorb moisture and lose their ability to protect against the cold. Instead, choose high-tech knitwear made of polyester or a blend of polyester and merino wool. Such material retains heat well, even when wet.
- Wear several layers of clothing. The inner layer should be thin and breathable to avoid discomfort from sweat. The middle layer should provide moisture removal and insulation, and the top layer should wick moisture away and protect from wind and external precipitation.
- The optimal style of clothing should provide protection from wind and snow, a comfortable fit and not restrict movement. Please note: the bottom of the pants and the sleeves of the jacket should have double cuffs, and the presence of an adjustable hood, drawstrings on the waist and hem of the jacket will allow you to adjust the fit to suit yourself. Articulated knees and elbows provide the necessary freedom of movement and allow the garment to fit snugly around the body, creating a compact and comfortable silhouette.
- Footwear should be warm and comfortable, while providing reliable protection from cold and moisture. It is recommended to choose boots or winter sneakers with a high sole, which provide stability and support for the foot when moving in deep snow.
- Finally, when choosing clothes and shoes, pay attention to their quality and reliability.
Examples of stylish and functional winter sports kits.
When it comes to choosing stylish and functional winter sports kits, it is important to consider several key factors such as comfort, insulation, wind and moisture protection, and breathability. Here are some examples of kits that combine all of these qualities.
Skiing kit:
- Jacket with Gore-Tex membrane for protection from moisture and wind.
- Pants made of the same material, providing maximum protection from cold and moisture.
- Thermal underwear for additional warmth and comfort.
- Gloves with membrane and insulation.
- Mask for protection from UV rays, wind and precipitation.
- Helmet for head protection.
Snowboarding kit:
- Jacket with water-repellent impregnation and insulation.
- Pants made of the same material for maximum protection from cold and moisture.
- Thermal underwear for additional warmth and comfort.
- Insulated gloves with moisture protection.
- Elbow and knee protection.
- Protective glasses.
- Helmet.
Skiing kit:
- Ski suit made of waterproof and breathable material.
- Thermal underwear for extra warmth and comfort.
- Warm gloves.
- Fleece-lined ski cap.
- Goggles to protect against bright sunlight and wind.
Winter jogging kit:
- Windstopper windbreaker.
- Fleece tracksuit.
- Knitted or crocheted hat.
- Fleece gloves.
Of course, the equipment will depend on the specific needs and preferences of the athlete, as well as the weather conditions of the area where active recreation is expected. However, in general, these kits provide the necessary protection and level of comfort. If you are looking for quality winter clothing for sports and outdoor activities, pay attention to the FREEVER collection. Clothing of the popular Ukrainian brand combines advanced technologies, rich functionality and modern design.