Best Ski Suits to Test (2025): Shells, Jackets, Wool Socks

Honorary mention

During the winter, the entire wired staff almost constantly test ski clothing. Here are some other projects we like.

The Hestra Fall Line 3-finger gloves cost $165: I have long admired Hestra gloves on the entire elevator line, which was impressed by the elegant stitching and thoughtful design style of the Swedish company. This is the year when I finally wanted to try a pair by myself, and the autumn line is exactly what they look like. There are six sizes available so you can get the perfect fit in this glove. The cowhide is buttery smooth and has broken after five days of use. The straps mean you don’t have to drop gloves from the elevator when checking your phone, and they are warm and won’t make me sweat. If sweat is sweaty, the lining is removable, so you can wash it without damaging the leather. – Martin Cizmar

Outdoor Research Snow Bracers, priced at $229: These outdoor research ski pants have all the features you want (mesh footer, zippered pocket, thigh vents) without needing. They are made of a fabric called Ventia that is soft to the touch, while also breathable and relatively waterproof, and while fit loosely, they have a label that adjusts the waist, so you aren’t really re-appreciating the weak snow sports era of Lim unless you choose to choose. Khaki Adjacent’s bronze color complements almost any color on the top. I didn’t think about these pants at all for two days, which was exactly the experience I wanted for ski pants. – Martin Cizmar

Seniq Powder Puff Down Jacket and Bib

Photo: Kristin Canning

Seniq Powder Puff down jacket for $498 and bib for $398: Seniq is another all-woman outdoor brand, launched in 2024. It has a more Z-style style, tending to be interesting color barriers on monochromatic appearance. The Seniq Powder Puff Down jacket features a dry touch surface. It’s dry on the hills, but the PFC-free DWR coating and YKK Aquaguard zipper do provide waterproofness. The asymmetric front zipper helps you avoid jaw rubbing when you completely zip your jacket. It also has a cool asymmetrical seam tube, side pockets in the bag, which provides access to the bib (their bibs all have a pocket so you can do without having to pull the jacket open), an oversized removable hood, forearm pass, soft and stretched wrist wrists, and can definitely hold the clamp’s pocket. This jacket is warm, pillows and comforting, like a super soft hug.

The silky shell bib is a slightly cut barrel that makes them obnoxious in shape without installing it. The adjustable racer strap and waist back (with elastic waist) also provide great shape and breathability. The front box has two pockets, pockets on both legs, two-way zippered thigh vents and a hip zipper for bathroom rest. These are easy to stick on my boots, and the foot pedals are pretty good. With a durable triple-layer film and a 20,000mm waterproof rating, these films will contradict any weather in the mountains. When I wear them on wet snowy days, they bead and get rid of moisture. – Canned Kristen

Mammut sender wearing a hooded jacket

Photo: Kristin Canning

$260 This fluffy hoodie is a great mid-tier under a shell jacket. The insulation is made from recycled rope scrap and the exterior is coated with a DWR coating of windless PFC. The hem fell on the hips, the turtle neck and tight hood covered most of the face. I love to wear this piece under the shell for snowboarding, but I know it will also be a dual duty as a comfortable hiking and camping jacket, so it is a reliable and versatile investment. It’s very light and warm, although from a volume standpoint, it’s a bit larger in the mid-level and isn’t the easiest piece to pack. – Canned Kristen

Helly Hansen evolved the Air Half Zip for $112: This wool pullover has a waffle-like texture that attracts heat and chips. With a high zippered collar and a snap-on hem, you can adjust the fit to make it more airtight or breathable. This mid-level feels very lightweight while still keeping the toast. It wasn’t bulky at all, just a little thicker than the bottom layer, placed comfortably under my jacket, and moved along the hill with me. – Canned Kristen

The Helly Hansen Lifa Base Layer Long Sleeve Crew costs $88 and the pants are $88: These grassroots hit the point. They are not too thick or thin, but just right. They are slightly looser than the other options on this list, so they are a great option if you like something out of place (but note that they also last for a long time). These combine merino wool with Helly Hansen’s Lifa fibers, which adds more moisture absorption. They are soft, light, warm and do not grasp the smell. I love the cute designs and how much they adjust the temperature under the insulated jacket and pants. The waist is a little digging, but it doesn’t roll, they stay in place and move very well. – Canned Kristen