What kind of snowboarding fashion should I choose?
"I want to enjoy fashionable snowboarding, but what criteria should I use to choose?"
For those of you with questions like these, this article will explain the following:
- The basics of stylish snowboarding fashion
- Essential functionality for snowboarding fashion
- Recommended international and domestic brands
Specifically, we touch on the key points to determining style, how to keep up with the trends, and functionality such as water resistance and breathability.
Please read this article as it will help you choose your snowboarding fashion.
Reference: https://owloptical.net/blogs/column/12
The basics of stylish snowboarding fashion
We will explain the following two points regarding the basics of stylish snowboarding fashion.
- Decide on a style (back parade, bib pants type, jumpsuit)
- Buck the trend
Decide on a style (back parade, bib pants type, jumpsuit)
When it comes to snowboarding fashion, there are three main elements that determine your style.
| type | overview |
| Separate (top and bottom) type | The advantage of having separate top and bottom sections is that it is easy to regulate the temperature and use the toilet, but you should be aware that snow can easily get in. |
| Bib pants type | The overall style prevents snow from getting in around the waist, but it can be a bit of a hassle when going to the toilet. |
| Joint type | Because the top and bottom are one piece, it has excellent heat retention and you don't have to worry about coordinating outfits, but it can make it inconvenient to regulate the temperature and use the toilet. |
Each style has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose one that suits your snowboarding style.
Buck the trend
The trends for snowboarding apparel in 2023 will be military style and color-block designs.
Vivid colors are especially popular, with blue, yellow, and orange being particularly eye-catching.
Additionally, street fashion-influenced clothing is also gaining attention.
These design elements make for a unique look at the snowboard park.
When choosing colors, keep the following two points in mind to help you avoid mistakes.
| Principles for choosing colors | overview |
| Tone in Tone |
Tone-in-tone is a method of combining different brightnesses and saturations of the same color to create a coordinated and calm look. For example, combining light blue with dark blue brings out the depth of the color while maintaining overall harmony. This method is effective when you are aiming for a simple yet dimensional look. |
| Tone on Tone |
Tone-on-tone is a styling technique in which the same color is layered on top of each other, changing only the brightness and saturation while keeping the hue the same. This allows for more subtle color variations and creates a sophisticated look. For example, by combining different tones of gray, you can create a monochromatic effect. It also adds movement and interest to your home. |
Earth colors (colors reminiscent of nature) are also popular if you want to create a mature and calm atmosphere.
If you want to stay on trend, choose popular brands like Burton or Volcom.
Essential functionality for snowboarding fashion
Here are five essential features for snowboarding fashion:
- Water resistance of 10,000mm or more is required
- A moisture permeability of 5,000g or more is also required.
- Presence or absence of ventilation
- Powder guard
- Does it have more than five pockets?
Water resistance of 10,000mm or more is required
When enjoying snowboarding, water resistance of clothing is an important feature.
Clothing with a water resistance of 10,000mm or more prevents water from entering even in heavy rain or heavy snow, allowing you to continue skiing in comfort.
Water resistance is a number that indicates how much water pressure a piece of clothing can withstand, and 10,000mm is the minimum standard considered basic for snowboarding.
In particular, on snowy mountains, you often encounter unexpected weather changes and it is inevitable that you will come into contact with snow if you fall, so it is recommended that you choose clothing with high water resistance.
Even beginners should consider price and functionality and choose clothing with a water resistance of 10,000mm.
However, water resistance decreases with use, so if you plan to use the jacket under more severe conditions, we recommend considering clothing with a high water resistance of 15,000mm or more.
A moisture permeability of 5,000g or more is also required.
Breathability in snowboarding wear is essential for maintaining comfort during a sport that involves active movement.
Clothing with a breathability of 5,000 g/m² or higher efficiently releases sweat and water vapor trapped inside, regulating the humidity inside the clothing.
This prevents your body from getting sweaty even during intense exercise, allowing you to stay comfortable.
In particular, clothing made from high-performance materials such as GORE-TEX provides excellent waterproof and breathable properties, making it perfect for long periods of activity in the snowy mountains.
The higher the moisture permeability, the easier it is for heat generated by the body to escape, thereby protecting the body from the cold.
For beginners, people who sweat easily, and those who enjoy backcountry skiing, we recommend clothing with a breathability of at least 5,000 g/m².
Presence or absence of ventilation
The ventilation function in snowboarding wear is important for effectively controlling the sudden rise in body temperature that occurs during active movement.
The ventilation function works by opening and closing zippers in specific parts of the clothing, such as under the armpits or behind the knees, to release heat and moisture from the inside and keep the inside of the clothing comfortable.
When you unzip it, the mesh material is revealed, allowing air to flow and dissipate heat.
It allows you to quickly regulate your body temperature, especially when enjoying snowboarding in warm seasons such as early spring and autumn, or when your body temperature rises due to intense movement.
Ventilation is also an important feature that snowboarders who are active during the preseason should check.
This feature allows for more comfortable and longer snowboarding in a variety of weather conditions.
Powder guard
Powder guard is an important feature in snowboard wear that greatly affects comfort on snowy mountains.
This Powder Guard function effectively prevents snow from getting inside the clothing, especially when skiing or falling on powder snow.
The powder guard on the inside hem of the jacket is secured to the pants with buttons and hooks to prevent snow from entering.
Jackets that allow pants to be docked together provide even greater snow protection, keeping snowboarders dry and warm.
Having a powder guard is important for snowboarders who enjoy backcountry and powder snow.
This feature makes your experience on the snowy mountains more comfortable and keeps you comfortable inside your clothing even during long periods of activity.
Does it have more than five pockets?
When it comes to snowboarding wear, the number and placement of storage pockets greatly affect functionality and convenience.
In particular, when snowboarding, there are many small items that you need to carry with you, such as your cell phone, car keys, and money.
So, having five or more pockets on your jacket will allow you to carry these essentials safely and conveniently.
The chest pocket is ideal for storing valuables, while the pockets around the abdomen are useful for storing handkerchiefs and warmers.
The pocket on the sleeve is also convenient for storing your lift ticket.
Checking the number and placement of pockets in this way can be one criterion when narrowing down your snowboarding apparel options.
Trend-leading international brands
We will explain the following overseas brands that are leading the trends.
- Volcom
- Roxy
- Six Eight Six (686)
- THE NORTH FACE
- Burton
- Airblaster
Volcom
VOLCOM is an apparel brand founded in the United States in 1991 that offers lifestyle wear focused on skating, surfing, and snow.
The brand also equips its snowboarding wear with features such as powder guards and ventilation, allowing the wearer to enjoy the activity in comfort.
In addition to layering clothing such as hoodies and fleeces, there is also a wide selection of accessories such as goggles and beanies.
Volcom is one of the most well-known brands in the industry thanks to its highly unique design and functionality, but as it is still not widely worn in the freestyle world, it is a hidden gem for those who don't want to look like everyone else.
Roxy
ROXY is a women's apparel brand founded in the United States in 1990.
We offer a wide range of products for active women, from surfing to snowboarding and everyday wear.
Roxy's snowboarding wear in particular is characterized by its unique pop and colorful designs, which look great in photos and are perfect for sharing on social media.
Furthermore, the snowwear range is not only fashionable but also highly functional, with slim silhouettes tailored to the female figure, high levels of padding suitable for cold climates, and features such as rechargeable heaters.
In this way, Roxy can be said to be a women's brand that focuses on developing its own unique technologies.
Six Eight Six (686)
686 is a snowboarding wear brand that was founded in Los Angeles, USA in 1992.
The brand is known for rejecting mediocrity, based on founder Mike Akira West's philosophy of exceeding expectations.
686's clothing is made with high-performance materials such as GORE-TEX PRO and features thoughtful details such as key clips and water-resistant zippers.
The brand also offers a number of unique and innovative items, including collaboration wear with NASA, and its distinctive and fashionable designs are popular with many snowboarders.
686 outerwear, which combines art rooted in Los Angeles street culture with a passion for snowboarding and skating, is loved by snowboarding enthusiasts not only in the United States but around the world.
THE NORTH FACE
THE NORTH FACE is an outdoor brand founded in San Francisco, USA in 1966.
We offer a wide range of products, from mountaineering, snow sports, training, and camping equipment to baby and maternity products.
Our snowboard wear in particular combines fashion and functionality, offering high-performance models that are suitable for backcountry and harsh mountain environments.
The company features a wide range of unisex models (suitable for both men and women) and a product lineup that meets a wide range of needs.
The skiwear, featuring the brand logo, is suitable for activities in a variety of environments, and there is also a wide selection of gloves and accessories.
With its high functionality and sophisticated design, THE NORTH FACE is popular not only with outdoor enthusiasts but also with urban users and artists.
Burton
Burton is a pioneering snowboarding brand founded in Vermont, USA in 1977.
We offer all snowboarding related items, including snowboard wear, boards, boots, bindings, goggles, etc.
Burton, in particular, is known for combining functionality and fashion, and offers products that meet a variety of needs, including:
- The AK collection can handle even the toughest conditions.
- Highly waterproof model using GORE-TEX
- Retro design anorak jacket
Burton is a brand loved by all snowboarders, offering not only snowboarding but also items that fully support outdoor life, with a lineup that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Airblaster
AIRBLASTER is a snowboarding apparel brand founded in the United States in 2002.
Based on the concept of the fun and freedom of snowboarding, we offer clothing with unique and humorous designs.
Pullover-style clothing is especially popular, and its unique colors and designs are popular among women in striped clothing, but also among men.
Airblaster is known as a brand that develops products that combine high durability and functionality and pursues the essence of snowboarding.
Recently, the style of women wearing men's clothing has become popular, and you can enjoy the comfortable, baggy fit and cute appearance of the big sizes.
Airblaster is a recommended brand for people looking to wear trendy clothing.
A domestic brand with excellent cost performance
We will explain the following domestic brands that offer excellent cost performance.
- Double A Hardware (AA HARDWEAR)
- Scape Outerwear
- Mont-bell
Double A Hardware (AA HARDWEAR)
AA HARDWEAR is a Japanese snowboarding apparel brand that emerged on the scene in the early 2000s.
This brand has become so popular that it is used by famous riders both in Japan and abroad.
In particular, the wide range of colors and unisex items make it ideal for snowboarders who want to pursue their own unique style.
In terms of functionality, we offer a wide range of clothing that boasts high water resistance and breathability, and is designed to keep you comfortable even in harsh winter conditions.
In addition, many of their designs are suitable not only for the slopes but also for everyday use in town (when going out into urban areas), making them popular with a wide range of snowboarders, from beginners to advanced riders.
The company offers clothing with functionality comparable to GORE-TEX, while remaining within an affordable price range, making it a great choice for those looking for value for money.
Scape Outerwear
Scape Outerwear is an apparel brand that was founded in Japan in 1997.
We offer items that are perfect for everyday use around town, with a focus on snowboarding wear.
This brand offers a wide range of styles of clothing, from basic designs to unique items, and one of its attractions is the wide range of colors available.
It is popular for its versatility, as it can be worn not only on snowboarding but also in everyday life.
Escape outerwear is chosen by a wide range of users, from snowboarding enthusiasts to beginners, thanks to its cost-effective quality and design.
Mont-bell
Mont-bell is an outdoor brand founded in Japan in 1975.
The company's founder, Isamu Tatsuno, was a mountaineer who, at the age of 21, became the second Japanese to climb the north face of the Eiger. He has used this experience to develop products based on the brand concepts of "Function is Beauty" and "Light & Fast."
Montbell skiwear is designed to keep you comfortable even during long ski trips thanks to its excellent heat retention and waterproof/breathable properties.
Another attractive feature is its simple yet fashionable design.
The company has earned high support from outdoor enthusiasts around the world by offering products for a wide range of outdoor activities, from mountain climbing to skiing, cycling, canoeing, camping, and fishing, at user-friendly prices.
Explaining how to wear snowboarding wear and coordination examples
We will explain how to wear snowboarding wear and provide examples of coordination for both men and women.
- Key points for men's outfits
- Coordination tips for women
Key points for men's outfits
When coordinating men's snowboarding wear, it's important to strike a balance between functionality and fashion.
Beginners in particular are less likely to make mistakes if they choose a set (matching top and bottom).
In terms of functionality, it has convenient features such as a helmet-compatible hood and plenty of pockets.
Highly designed clothing is popular, but even simple clothing can be made to stand out even more by adding accents with accessories such as goggles and neck warmers.
When it comes to size, choosing a size larger than your usual size will allow you to create a casual and cool look.
Pants should be slightly longer, with the bottoms just barely touching the ground.
Also, if you want to keep up with the trends, choose popular brands like Burton or Volcom.
Examples of outfits include monochrome outfits, using patterned jackets, color matching that deliberately avoids using black and white, and bib pants outfits that are recommended for early spring.
By keeping these points in mind, you can create stylish snowboarding wear that will stand out both on the slopes and in town.
Coordination tips for women
When coordinating snowboard wear for women, it is important to emphasize femininity and style, while not forgetting functionality.
By choosing clothing that is sold as a set, you can easily create a coordinated look.
You can also create a unique snowboarding fashion by cleverly incorporating accessories such as knit hats and gloves.
An outfit that uses similar colors has a unified color scheme, so even bright colors can look cute.
Coordinating patterns on top of each other allows for the flashy style that is unique to the slopes, and you can enjoy styles that would be difficult to try on a regular basis.
You can add contrast to darker colored clothing by adding bright colored accessories as an accent color to your outfit.
Also, by choosing larger sizes for men's clothing, you can create a cute, baggy look.
This type of oversized clothing accentuates femininity and increases your presence on the slopes.
You can enjoy a modern look by incorporating uniquely designed clothing, such as brands popular among female striped girls and Airblaster pullover styles.
How to choose snowboard accessories and small items
We will explain the following two points regarding how to choose snowboard accessories and small items.
- Effective use of accessories
- Enhance your style with snowboard accessories
Effective use of accessories
Using effective accessories when snowboarding not only keeps you warm and safe, but also adds a lot to your style.
| accessories | How to use |
| knit cap | It is recommended to choose a tightly woven blanket that provides excellent wind resistance, and to increase its water resistance with a waterproof spray. |
| goggles | These are essential items to protect your eyes from snow and UV rays and ensure visibility. Choosing impact-resistant glasses will also help protect your eyes in the event of a fall. |
| neck warmer | Not only does it keep the neck warm, it also protects the face in strong winds. By choosing the long type, it can cover the nose and keep the heat in. |
| Gloves | It is important to choose gloves that are highly water-resistant and consider ease of movement when selecting gloves, such as five-finger or mitten types. |
| protector | It protects you from the impact of a fall, provides you with a sense of mental security, and also leads to improved performance. |
By incorporating the above accessories, you can enjoy snowboarding safely and stylishly.
Enhance your style with snowboard accessories
To enhance your style with snowboarding accessories, it is important to choose the right accessories such as goggles and knit caps.
These accessories not only enhance your snowboarding performance, but also add a finishing touch to your outfit.
During peak season, you can combine stylish looks with functionality by wearing a jacket over the bib pants.
Also, during hot weather, you can wear water-repellent hoodies and shirts to stay comfortable and stylish at the same time.
Neck warmers and gloves also play an important role in finishing off your outfit.
When choosing colors, the key is to use the color of your clothing as a base to create a sense of unity.
For example, by choosing a color from the pattern used in your clothing and incorporating it into your hat and gloves, you can achieve a sophisticated look without looking cluttered.
Furthermore, wearing a helmet not only improves your safety but also your style.
Many snowboarders overseas are incorporating helmets as fashion items, and this trend is spreading in Japan as well.
When choosing a helmet, you can establish your own unique style by paying attention not only to safety but also to the design and brand.
From Beginner to Intermediate: The Evolution of Snowboard Fashion
We will explain snowboarding fashion for beginners and intermediate riders.
- Points to note for beginners
- Style-up strategies for intermediate players
Points to note for beginners
When choosing snowboarding wear, beginners should pay attention to the balance between functionality such as water resistance, ventilation, powder guard, and breathability, and a style that suits their body type.
Loose-fitting clothing is the norm, but slim or tight fits are also an option if you want to show off your body lines.
You can choose between a full-zip or pullover jacket, and bib pants or a simple style pants, but bib pants are especially recommended for beginners.
Choose the color and design according to your preference, and aim for a coordinated look by matching the colors of your jacket and pants.
Rather than investing excessively in high-performance clothing, it is important to choose clothing with basic functions and enjoy snowboarding.
Style-up strategies for intermediate players
Snowboarding fashion for intermediate riders is evolving into a more stylish look with the introduction of street style.
By incorporating casual shirts and sweatshirts from everyday wear, you can achieve a free style that goes beyond the boundaries of sportswear.
Lines like REVOstyle blend street casual with snowboard wear, offering designs that combine functionality and fashion, making them suitable for both on the snow and in the city.
The key layering consists of three layers: first layer, second layer and outer layer, each of which maximizes functionality.
When choosing a color, it is important to choose one that suits your style and body type, and you can avoid coordination mistakes by matching the top and bottom with the same brand.
This approach allows intermediate snowboarders to enhance their fashion sense while also deepening their enjoyment of snowboarding.
Summary of Snowboard Fashion
As snowboarders progress from beginner to intermediate level, the key to fashion is expressing individuality and pursuing functionality.
Beginners should start by choosing basic clothing that is water-resistant, ventilated, powder-resistant, and breathable, and it is important to pay attention to choosing a size that suits your body type and a consistent color coordination.
On the other hand, intermediate skiers pursue a freer style by incorporating street style elements and blending everyday fashion items into their snowboard wear.
The best part of snowboarding fashion is that you can maximize functionality by utilizing layering techniques, and find a style that suits you best while balancing fashion and functionality.
Incorporate what we have explained here and enjoy snowboarding to the fullest.