Men's winter sports clothing

The three-layer system

When in the mountains, we dress according to the three-layer system. The first layer, in contact with the skin, made of merino wool or synthetic materials, wicks away sweat. The second layer, which is insulating, like a fleece Karpos or a down jacket Rab, Patagonia or La Sportiva, retains heat. The third layer, the ski jacket and trousers, protects against wind, snow and moisture. You add or remove a layer depending on the cold and the effort, from the ski lift to climbing with skins.

By type of clothing

Men's textiles come in various types:

• Ski Jackets.
• Ski Trousers.
• Ski Suits.
• Ski Down Jackets.
• Fleeces.
• Baselayers.

The women's and children's selections follow the same logic, and all textiles are gathered on the textiles page.

Jackets, trousers and down jackets

A ski jacket is judged by its waterproofness, measured in millimetres of water column, and its breathability. The Helly Hansen Sogn, jacket, trousers and suit, and the Alpha with Lifaloft insulation, from the Norwegian brand, protect on the slopes. The Spyder Bormio salopette rises high on the torso and prevents snow from getting in. The down jackets Rab Mythic and Cirrus Flex, Patagonia Nano Puff and La Sportiva Lumina, which are lightweight and compressible, fit under the jacket or can be worn alone at the lodge. The Rab Downpour and Patagonia Storm jackets, which are waterproof, are easy to carry while hiking.

Gloves, socks and sweaters

The extremities get cold first. The Reusch gloves, a specialist brand in ski gloves, including the Worldcup Warrior competition ones and the Primus with R-TEX waterproof membrane, keep your hands warm and dry. The ski socks Monnet and X-Socks, reinforced at the shins and pressure points, should be worn alone in the boot, without layers that would cut off circulation. The windproof SOS pullover and the Rab Ascendor sweatshirt are great for après-ski and mild days. The t-shirts Rab, Black Diamond and Dynafit serve as a first layer.

Good deals

Great bargains can also be found in good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year occur in a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year festivities, the winter sales, the French Days of spring, followed by the summer sales and back to school.

Frequently asked questions

What do the waterproofness ratings of a ski jacket mean?

Waterproofness is expressed in millimetres of water column: the higher the number, the better the fabric resists wet snow. Breathability, measured in grams per square metre, indicates its ability to wick away sweat.

Ski trousers or salopette: what should I choose?

The salopette, like the one from Spyder, rises high on the back and prevents snow from entering during falls or in powder. The trousers, which are easier to put on, are perfectly adequate for skiing on piste.

Down or synthetic jacket for skiing?

Down is warmer for its weight but loses its insulating properties when wet. The synthetic insulation, like that of the Patagonia Nano Puff, retains warmth even when damp and dries quickly.

What socks should I wear in ski boots?

A single pair of thin and tall ski socks, made of merino wool or synthetic materials, that rise above the shell. Two pairs or a thick sock create folds, compress the foot, and make it cold.

How do I wash a ski jacket without damaging its membrane?

In the machine at thirty degrees, with a gentle liquid detergent and no fabric softener, with zippers closed. A cycle in a low-temperature dryer or a water-repellent product then reactivates the treatment that makes water bead up.