Evolution of Ski Style
Looking good on the slopes means more than just perfect athletic form, and 2024 is bringing us more options than ever to express ourselves in the winter wonderland. Gorpcore…quiet luxury…chic après ensembles…retro inspired onesies…the list goes on. Before diving in to the latest and greatest, let’s take a moment to reflect on the evolution of cold weather apparel that paved the way for our modern day fitchecks.
1900 - 1920s
image cred: skinewgen.com
In the early years, skiers commonly wore long, heavy wool skirts, pants and jackets in muted colors. These outfits were designed for warmth, layering numerous pieces of bulky clothing to combat the winter weather.
1930s
White Stag advertisement from 1939
By the 1930’s wool trousers for women were all the rage. Zippers were invented and Eddie Bauer introduced the first goose-down jacket. Exciting times!
1940s - 1950s
image cred: emiliopucciheritage.com
Skiing fashion took a giant leap forward in the post-World War II era due to the popularity of couture clothes and significant advancements in materials and technology. Bogner designed the first stretchy pants for a feminine look that was comfortable for skiing and trendy for the après scene, while Emilio Pucci produced the first one-piece ski suit, which was colorful and form-fitting. This trendy chalet-ready look ended up in Harper’s Bazaar launching ski style into the public eye.
1960s - 1970s
image cred: tarashakti.com
image cred: Moon Boot
1960’s ski style was inspired by the glamorous mod looks of the runway. The invention of spandex gave rise to even more slim-fitting onesies and bell-bottom ski pants. Jackets with oversized collars were trending as well as neon colors, psychedelic prints, leg warmers, moon boots, and faux fur. Fleece fabric was introduced in 1979 for more effective layering, taking cozy fits to the next level.
1980s - 1990s
image cred: skinewgen.com
Ski style became increasingly focused on functionality moving into the 80’s and 90’s with modern fabrics and technologies that allowed skiers to stay warm and dry. Gore-Tex, Thinsulate, Polartec and other high-performance materials were invented in the 1980’s to provide functionality and protection from the harsh winter elements. The onesie became a popular staple for both men and women and bib overalls were also introduced for the first time.
2010s
image cred: vogue.com
During the 2000s, mainstream brands created more ski wear, and showcased them through advertisements and celebrity endorsements. A new sector of ski-centric luxury brands such as Canada Goose and Moncler catapulted puffy coats with loud logos onto the scene. Additionally, luxury brands including Chanel, Christian Dior, and Prada started designing more ski wear practical for on the slopes as well as lounging in the chalet.
2020 and beyond
image cred: cordova.co
Today we find ourselves with more options than ever before. Brands such as Flylow, The North Face, Strafe , Picture , Patagonia Helly Hansen and Arc’terx are dominating the technical gear space behind the surge in Gorpcore. Leaning into muted tones and a minimal athletic approach to outerwear designs far from the loud prints or wool trousers of the past. These brands produce similar jackets and snow pants often bought in matching sets, developed with all the technical advances while maintaining the “quiet luxury ” aesthetic on the mountain. In response to this rise in utilitarian garments, brands such as Perfect Moment , Halfdays, Hoohah, Farm Rio, The Great Outdoors, Cordova and MadHappy have taken a more playful and accessible approach, shaking up the monotone landscape. There have also been a plethora of collabs between outwear brands and ready-to-wear fashion labels further evolving ski style and blurring the line between streetwear and alpine apparel. Some of our favorites include Perfect Moment x DL1961, Cynthia Rowley x Roxy, LoveShackFancy x Bogner and the iconic Pucci x Fusalp puffer.
Pro tip- Find some of these brands and more at Parks & Recreation within our NYC Brand Assembly Show, February 19-21!