These ski jackets will take you from the slopes to the streets in style
Brands from Loro Piana to Canada Goose have reclaimed the style’s original swagger — and created coats that are both practical and sophisticated…
Words: Jonathan Wells
In the late 1950s, when the first true ski jackets hit the slopes, they were exceedingly stylish — if snug — propositions. With buckled belts at their waists, shirt-like collars and four large bellows pockets, they were a frost-beating extension of skiers’ off-piste, trimly-tailored wardrobes.
But, over time, technical fabrics and clothing innovations took precedence over elegance. Belts were whipped off in favour of nylon zips, hidden under polyester plackets. The sharp collars conceded to big padded neckbands and thermal hoods. And the shapely silhouettes puffed up to mighty, marshmallowy proportions.
Thankfully, recent years have seen skiwear hop back on the chairlift and return to the heady, dapper heights of decades past. Brands from Loro Piana and Canada Goose to Ralph Lauren have reclaimed the style’s original swagger — and created coats to confidently take you from the slopes to the streets. Here are six of the best…
Sease ‘Trace’ Jacket
What’s it made from? Laminated wool cashmere, treated with an innovative ‘3layer’ membrane that makes it both water and wind-resistant. It’s also doubly insulated with duck feathers and ‘Ecodown’ padding — crafted from recycled plastic bottles.
Any hidden features? Its built-in versatility. That stretch waist gaiter and protective hood may be ideal for ski sessions, but these can easily detach to create a garment perfectly adapted for an urban environment.
Where should you wear it? Given Sease’s Italian heritage, we’d go for Cortina d’Ampezzo, a bastion of sophistication and snowsports in the Dolomitic Alps. Particularly famed for its après-ski scene, it’ll give this jacket the chance to prove itself from noon til night.
Loro Piana ‘Icer’ Snow Wander Jacket
What’s it made from? Padded cashmere — but what else would you expect from Loro Piana? Featuring a handsome Scottish check design, the inside of the collar is also lined in supersoft sheepskin.
Any hidden features? Aside from the special ‘Storm System’ treatment, which affords the wool both waterproof qualities and and wind-resistance, we’d have to highlight its traditional design — with a mantelet-style back yoke and raglan sleeves cut into the coat.
Where should you wear it? Inspired as it is by the historic ‘Icer’ style, we’d head to the Monterosa Ski area — knee-deep in history, and boasting three valleys of classic snowsports and off-piste adventure.
Giorgio Armani ‘Neve’ Hooded Pea Coat
What’s it made from? Once again, largely cashmere. And yet, what stands Giorgio Armani’s jacket out from the snow-dusted crowd is its hardy technical accents — made from materials including trilobal fabric and resilient rubber.
Any hidden features? The sheer number of pockets. Perfect for hip flasks, goggles, spare gloves and second hip flasks, the coat has more than you can shake a ski pole at; gusseted chest pockets, zippered diagonal pockets, secure inside pockets and more.
Where should you wear it? In St. Moritz, where the brand’s inimitable founder fell in love with skiing — and frequently travels to launch his new season ‘Neve’ collections. Wrap up warm, and go enjoy a Fernet Branca on the Carlton Sun Terrace.
Canada Goose ‘MacMillan’ Parka Wool
What’s it made from? ‘DynaLuxe’ — a two-layer, windproof Italian wool in a military green melange. It’s woven from renewably acquired yarn, reflecting a sustainability stitched even further into the coat; it’s filled with responsibly sourced duck down.
Any hidden features? Few to speak of. But then this is a stripped-down, pared-back option. It’s a lightweight winter jacket, hip-length and quilt-through but finished with an unobtrusively-cut curved hemline. Portable and packable, it won’t get in the way.
Where should you wear it? Whistler — where else? Canada’s premier ski resort (and a past Olympic host site), this British Columbian bolthole is as stylish as it is snowy. And, whether you’re skiing the Burnt Stew Trail or drinking outside the Longhorn Saloon, this coat will ensure comfort.
Ralph Lauren Faux-Fur-Trim Down Parka
What’s it made from? 100% recycled polyester and faux fur. This design is a reissue of an archival Polo model, but it’s been given an eco-boost, thanks to sustainably-sourced fibres including 750-fill-power down.
Any hidden features? The drawcord waist with leather stoppers may ensure you cut a svelte dash on the slopes, but our favourite touch is that buttoned throat latch — highly practical and utterly unique.
Where should you wear it? Aspen. No coat will look better flying across Colorado’s Rocky Mountains than this retro-flavoured jacket (in ‘Clubhouse Cream’). And, when you head back to Denver, you’ll look just as debonair there.
Patagonia Reversible Down Fleece Jacket
What’s it made from? With 68% of the brand’s fabrics made using recycled fibres this season, this is one of our most eco-friendly options. Created using super-soft ‘Silent Down’ and high-pile fleece, it may be lighter and more basic than our other picks — but it packs a non-polluting punch.
Any hidden features? One hiding in plain, padded sight; that reversibility. It gives the jacket a level of adaptability unseen elsewhere on our list. There’s also two microfleece-lined, side-entry handwarmer pockets; welted and welcome.
Where should you wear it? We’d go for Tahoe, not far from where the brand was founded. It’s more temperate skiing, ideal for a lighter jacket — and you can turn it inside out and wear it to your Silicon Valley start-up the rest of the working year.
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