To go skiing in plus size, you need four layers that fit: a thermal base layer, a warm mid layer, waterproof ski pants or bibs, and an insulated ski jacket, plus gloves, a hat or helmet liner, goggles and warm socks. Snow Country Outerwear makes the outerwear and base layers in true plus sizes 1X to 6X, including 4X, 5X and 6X. Here's the full head to toe checklist for your first ski trip, and what to look for in each piece.
The plus size ski checklist
| Layer | What to wear | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Thermal top and bottom | Moisture wicking, not cotton. It should fit close without squeezing. |
| Mid layer | Fleece jacket or a light quilted layer | Warm but thin enough to fit under your ski jacket. |
| Bottoms | Ski bibs or ski pants | Waterproof shell, snow cuffs at the boot, and the right inseam length. |
| Jacket | Insulated ski jacket | Waterproof shell, a snowskirt, vents and a hood that fits over a helmet. |
| Hands and head | Waterproof gloves or mittens, a helmet or warm hat, goggles | Mittens are warmer than gloves. Rent a helmet if you don't own one. |
| Feet | One pair of thin wool or synthetic ski socks | One pair only. Two pairs or cotton socks make feet colder in ski boots. |
Base layer: start with what touches your skin
Cotton holds sweat and gets cold fast, so skip leggings and t-shirts made of it. A thermal base layer wicks moisture away while you ski and keeps you warm on the chairlift. Our plus size thermal base layer set comes as a top and bottom in 1X to 6X.
Bottoms: bibs or ski pants
Most plus size skiers are happiest in bibs. The higher front and back keep snow out when you fall or sit on the lift, and adjustable suspenders hold everything in place without a tight waistband. Our Vertex snow bibs are insulated and waterproof with taped seams, rated 4.8 in more than 180 reviews, and come in Short, Regular, Tall and Wide Calf. Prefer pants? Our insulated ski pants come in Short, Regular and Tall. Not sure which? Read plus size ski pants vs bibs.
Get the length right: the hem should cover the top of your ski boot when your knees are bent. In our snow pants and bibs, Short is a 29 to 30 inch inseam, Regular 31 to 32 and Tall 34 to 35.
Jacket: insulated and waterproof
A ski jacket is built for moving: a waterproof shell, a snowskirt that seals at the waist when you fall, and vents to let heat out on the way down. All of our plus size ski jackets in the main line come in 1X to 6X. The Aspen, our all time bestselling ski jacket, has an oversized hood that fits over a helmet. The Tempest is waterproof with taped seams and comes in Tall in 1X to 4X.
What to skip
- Jeans and cotton leggings. They soak up snow and stay cold.
- Two pairs of socks. They cut off circulation in tight ski boots.
- Sizing up to fit layers. Buy outerwear in your size, cut with room for layers, instead of a bigger size that slides around.
Plus size skiing questions
Can I rent plus size ski clothes?
Some ski shops rent jackets and pants, but plus sizes are hard to find. Buying your own bibs and jacket means they fit, and you can wear them all winter, not just on the mountain.
Do you make plus size ski clothes in 5X and 6X?
Yes. Our snow pants, bibs, ski jackets and base layer set all come in 1X to 6X. Most outdoor brands stop at 3X (see which outerwear brands make 4X, 5X and 6X).
How do I pick my size?
Check the size chart on each product page and measure over the base layer you'll wear. In our snow pants, 1X fits a 16/18 and 6X fits a 34.
Snowboarding instead?
Read our guide to plus size snowboard pants and bibs.
Skiing with a big and tall partner? We make big and tall ski jackets and snow bibs in 2XL to 7XL.