The ideal ski underwear
What could be better than starting the new year in the mountains? The first snow has fallen and the mountain landscapes couldn't be more beautiful. Up the mountains and off to the slopes. With the right equipment, it's even more fun. We have the perfect ski underwear to keep your body warm and dry even in bad weather.
15 January 2024 • 8 min reading time
Panorama of the Zermatt mountain range
Winter is here! Whether downhill or cross-country skiing, tobogganing or snowboarding: there is endless fun to be had in the snow. However, getting maximum pleasure from the snowy conditions also requires the right equipment. And the right bodywear is also part of the fun. Functional underwear is generally the first layer worn directly against the skin. This needs to keep us comfortably warm and dry, because we still sweat in winter and there is an increased risk of our body temperature dropping. With a short period of exertion in the sun followed by a rapid descent on a shady slope, you can easily get cold. And you will soon catch a cold if your underwear is damp or even wet.
Grey shirt from the "Wool & Silk" range and the ivory-coloured long-sleeved shirt from the "True Confidence" series
Good functional underwear for winter sports makes all the difference. In contrast to conventional underwear, it needs to have a number of functional properties. It will then assist your sense of well-being perfectly as you carry out your sporting activity. Ski underwear needs the following functional properties:
Body temperature regulation: breathable and temperature-regulating.
Heat insulation: not too warm, not too cold – always just right.
Moisture management: moisture control properties ensure the fabrics feel dry because they immediately release moisture into the air again, keeping you feeling warm and dry.
Fresh feeling: the fabric inhibits the growth of odour-causing bacteria. The clothes offer long-lasting freshness, have anti-odour properties and stay comfortable.
Comfort: natural materials and perfect finishing ensure a comfortable feel. Seam-free fabrics, flat seams, extended drop-tail backs or stretch fabric will ensure maximum freedom of movement.
Photo by Simon Mumenthaler on Unsplash, location: Sedrun, Tavetsch, Switzerland
Today, there is very little demand for functional underwear made from pure cotton. In fact, cotton feels comfortable on the skin, but it doesn’t keep you warm. However, the biggest disadvantage of cotton is that it absorbs moisture and only dries out slowly. The natural material retains the moisture in its fibres for a long time. As a result, it quickly feels cold against the skin. Getting a cold is therefore inevitable.
This underwear combines the best properties of two natural raw materials. Merino wool is good at absorbing moisture without feeling damp. This prevents the body temperature from dropping, while always providing a feeling of warmth and, above all, dryness. The antibacterial properties of merino wool also prevent unwanted body odour. It is also finer than conventional wool and is therefore much less scratchy. Combining it with silk makes the fabric even finer and more sophisticated.
Functional underwear from the "True Confidence" and "Wool & Silk" series
Anyone who has sensitive skin or finds merino wool unpleasant to wear should opt for functional underwear made from synthetic fibres. These are extremely soft and provide full freedom of movement. Usually, functional underwear made from synthetic fibres uses a woven blend. This means that it consists of different materials and uses the best characteristic of each component. Synthetic fibres such as polyamide and polyester quickly wick moisture away from the skin and strategically positioned zones in the underwear ensure optimal breathability. Their disadvantage, in comparison to natural materials, is their absorption of moisture. Merino wool, for example, can absorb up to 35% of its own weight in moisture. Unfortunately, synthetic fibres are more likely to cause body odour.
To keep ski underwear in good condition for as long as possible, it should be cared for properly. Basically, with all functional underwear, it is important not to wash too hot and to use the gentlest possible wash cycle. The following is a list of how the different materials should be cared for:
Cotton: 30-40° - delicate wash - air dry
Wool + silk: 30° - delicate wash - air dry
Synthetic fibres: 30-40° - delicate wash - air dry
(Depending on the clothing, also with normal laundry. Please check the label).
Long trousers in grey from the "Wool & Silk" series and ivory long-sleeved shirt and leggings from the "True Confidence" series
Having the perfect underwear is therefore essential for ensuring that you get maximum pleasure from the snow in any weather. Functional underwear should be close-fitting, warm, absorb moisture and not smell immediately of sweat – and it should look good, of course. If these prerequisites are met, there is nothing to prevent you having a great day in the snow.
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