Ski Clothing Fabric Types

Ski clothing should always obey the three-layer system: an outer layer that is waterproof and windproof, an insulating layer that warms, and an inner layer that comforts and removes moisture from the skin. Each layer is made from different fabrics and materials but manages to keep the skier comfortable, agile and warm.

  1. Blended Cotton

    • Although an integral part of the inner layer, a 100 percent cotton undershirt would absorb moisture, make you sweat, feel uncomfortable and create an odor. Instead, manufacturers blend cotton with polyester to create what is known as a "wick" layer. This layer is adept at drying moisture from your body quickly while keeping you cool and comfortable.

    Polyesters

    • Polyester fabrics make up the middle layer of any ski combo. The job of this layer is to warm and insulate the body. Fabrics such as fleece are made up of many polyester layers and are napped on one side; this makes one side of the material tight and durable, while the other is soft and insulating. Double-napped fabrics such as bunting are more solid, while fabrics such as pile are napped significantly on one side to increase sturdiness and insulation.

    Shell Fabric

    • Usually reserved for the outer layers of ski clothing, this fabric is needed to prevent soaking, wind chill and physical damage. One trademarked shell fabric that has revolutionized outdoor and mountain wear is Gore-Tek. It is a membrane of microscopic pores that number 9 billion per inch. Each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet but 700 times larger than water vapor. This makes the material waterproof from the outside but allows the skin to breathe and perspire from the inside. The membrane is also oil-resistant (known as oleophobic), which prevents the wearer from contaminating or affecting the material's consistency and strength.