Snowboarding outfit ideas for your next winter trip. In this article I’ll get you prepared for everything you need for snowboarding.
I’m going to cover everything you need for your snowboarding outfit besides the actual equipment.
How Should I Dress for Snowboarding?
This is a common question I’ve seen for people who have never been or done any winter sports.
Here’s a quick list of everything you need. I’ll get into more detail on each item below:
- Snowboard Jacket
- Snow Pants
- Gortex Mittens/Gloves
- Liner Gloves
- Base layer
- Snowboard/Ski Socks
- Mid-Layer (Sweater/Sweatshirt)
- Goggles
- Helmet
- Hand Warmers (optional)
- Battery Pack (optional)
- CamelBak (optional)
Snowboard or Ski Jacket
The first item you will need is a jacket specifically made for winter sports, this can be a snowboarding jacket or a ski jacket. This jacket should be waterproof.
Lots of brands will say their jackets are waterproof, but you need to really look at the label. I recommend at least a 15,000 mm waterproof rating. This is probably the most common rating I’ve seen. The higher the number the more waterproof the item is and the more expensive it will be. Also the higher the number the longer it will stay waterproof with constant exposure to water.
I have an Oakley jacket from 20 years ago with a rating of 30,000 mm and during an hour long down poor water just glided off of it. A 15,000 mm waterproof rating probably will not be able to withstand that much water. It will likely be damp on the outside but you probably won’t feel it.
Gortex is typically the most waterproof and will also be the most expensive.
Snowboard jackets are also divided into shells or insulated jackets. Shells are just a waterproof layer with no insulation. If you choose a shell for your snowboarding outfit, you will need more layers underneath to keep you warm.
If you choose an insulated jacket you may not need more than a base layer underneath.
I own both types of jackets, and personally, I don’t have a huge preference either way. This is because my insulated jackets all have removable insulation layers that I will wear with my shell jacket.
Where to buy a jacket for your snowboarding outfit?
Burton is possibly the most popular brand, but I tend to buy everything from Columbia or Amazon.
I have a snowboarding outfit from Amazon that I love because it’s a matching set. Get it here.
Wearing it all day in the snow, it didn’t get wet. The set is a shell I wear my thicker base layer with it.
Snowboarding Outfit: The Pants
Waterproof pants are super important in snowboarding because you will be spending a lot of time on your butt!
You will sit in the snow to bind up or to wait for people, so having waterproof pants is key in staying dry. The waterproofing for pants is the same as for jackets, as I went over before.
There are tons of brands selling snowboarding pants; again, I tend to buy from Amazon or Columbia.
In terms of fit for your snowboarding outfit, baggier pants are going to be more comfortable because you have to sit down to bind up and stand. Unlike skiing, there’s going to be a greater range of movement, so baggier is better.
Another option for snowboarding pants is snowboarding bibs! These have suspenders and are great for keeping snow out of your butt and inner layers. When I first started snowboarding, I wore a bib!
Can You Wear a ski suit for snowboarding?
Ski suits have become increasingly popular over the past 5 years or so. And I love them, they are absolutely perfect for the gram.
However, they are not the most convenient for snowboarding. I have snowboarded in my ski suit and it is slightly more difficult to get up after binding in because it’s one piece; there’s just less range of motion.
There are also baggy snowsuits for snowboarding specifically, which may offer more range of motion, but I have not worn any of them.
Additionally, going to the bathroom is kind of a pain!
Snowboarding Outfit: Mitten or Gloves?
If there’s one item I suggest splurging on for your snowboarding outfit it’s a pair of Gortex mittens or gloves.
As a snowboarder, you are going to use your hands quite a bit to push yourself up from a sitting or kneeling position. This means your hands will contact the snow quite a bit. Keeping them dry will be a top priority.
Gortex mittens or gloves are the best way to do this! The mittens below are what I personally wear and have worn for the past 10 years.
Gloves or mittens?
Personally, I have always worn mittens for the last 10 years. My hands tend to get cold, and keeping the fingers together tends to keep them warmer. This is, of course, personal preference.
Snowboarding Outfit: Liner Gloves
There will be times you’ll want to remove your mittens or gloves, but it’s super cold out, and you don’t want your hands to freeze!
This is where liner gloves come in. I used to buy the ones from The North Face because they were the only brand that had touchscreen gloves. But these days, you can buy the same ones from Costco or Amazon. I have this pair from Amazon.
Base Layer Snowboarding Outfit
A base layer should keep you warm and dry. You are going to sweat when you are snowboarding, but it will be cold outside, so a good base layer will keep your core warm while wicking sweat.
Historically, merino wool has been the gold standard for base layers in snow sports and also the most expensive. But with newer fabric technology, synthetics make great base layers too.
If you are buying synthetic base layers, make sure it’s made specifically for skiing and snowboarding.
My favorite brands are Under Armour if you have the budget or Uniqlo Heattech if you want something affordable. I also own a set for AE. Amazon is also a good choice if you are on a budget, although I’ve only worn my leggings from Amazon as a base layer (running leggings for cold weather).
There are tons of ski brands making cute base layers, such as Sweaty Betty, but in my honest opinion, they don’t perform any better than what you can get from Amazon.
Whatever you choose for your base layer, though, avoid cotton at all costs. Cotton doesn’t wick sweat and will make you cold on the mountain from your own sweat!
Snowboard or Ski Socks
The same reason you don’t want to wear cotton socks for your snowboarding outfit is the same reason you don’t want it for socks.
Again, merino wool socks are the way to go. I have both synthetic and merino wool socks, and both work well. The thickness of the socks will depend on the fit of the boot. I have a few pairs of socks that just fit my boots perfectly.
Snowboarding Outfit: The Mid-Layer
On icy days or if you have a jacket without insulation, you will need a mid-layer. This layer can be almost anything. I’ve worn sweatshirts, t-shirts, or sweaters.
What I would avoid as a midlayer is polyester or anything that doesn’t breathe. I also tried a sweatshirt once just to see if the cotton would hold up as a mid-layer, and it was fine.
However, my favorite base layers are merino wool sweaters or the inner liners of my insulated jackets. They are designed to keep you warm while breathing, so you will stay more comfortable. Other options include winter running jackets. I have one from the North Face that makes a great mid-layer. Again, sports wear designed for cold weather will be your best bet when putting together your snowboarding outfit.
Snowboarding Goggles
You need goggles. I used to snowboard without them, and what a difference they make.
I used to buy the really expensive Oakleys, but now I get the more affordable ones from Amazon.
Helmet
I know you want to wear a cute hat for your snowboarding outfit, but just get a helmet. I’ve had the same one for 10 years now. I got it because I fell so hard once I saw stars when I didn’t have a helmet on. If you don’t want to buy one, most places rent them.
Hand Warmers (optional)
Hand warmers are optional, but for me, they are essential. My hands tend to get really cold, so I like to put them in the warmer pocket of my mittens.
Also, I like to tuck one into the pocket where I’m keeping my phone so the battery doesn’t drain as quickly in the cold.
Power Bank
A power bank isn’t really part of the snowboarding outfit, but I usually carry it because phone batteries die really quickly in the cold. I always keep one in one of my pockets for CamelBak just in case.
CamelBak
If you are snowboarding on the East Coast, you will likely not need a CamelBak for hydration. The mountains aren’t that big. If you are snowboarding on the West Coast, you may need one because the runs are just longer.
I don’t use mine to drink water from; I actually use it as a slim backpack for extra hand warmers, my battery pack, sometimes a small water bottle, and my tripod.
On most ski lifts, you cannot keep a backpack on your back; you have to switch it to the front of your body. But the CamelBak is so slim that operators will let you keep it on your back, which is why I use it as a backpack.
Snowboarding Outfit FAQ
Here are some common questions I see asked about what to wear when snowboarding.
How should I dress for snowboarding?
This is exactly what I’ve covered in this article!
Can I wear ski clothes for snowboarding?
Yes, you absolutely can! However, there are some differences; many of the fitted ski pants you see are not designed for sitting in the snow. These stretchy ski pants, which resemble flared leggings, are not truly waterproof. Skiers don’t have to sit in the snow; they spend the majority of their time standing if they are not skiing. Snowboarders, on the other hand, need to sit on the snow to put their bindings on, or sit on the snow to wait for people, as you can’t stand on a snowboard on a slope (well, you ca,n but it is difficult to maintain while not moving). But ski jackets, socks, base layers, helmets, mittens/gloves are generally the same for snowboarding.
What should I wear as a beginner snowboarder?
Everything I’ve listed in this article is what you would need as a beginner snowboarder. I would look for more waterproof jackets and pants than normal, though. As a beginner, you will be spending a lot of time on your but and falling, this leads to lots of contact with snow, which means wetness. The more waterproof your outerlayer is, the more likely you will stay dry and comfortable. Also, I would buy a jacket and pants as separate pieces instead of going for a snowboarding suit or ski suit. It’s easier to get up and down in two pieces. Plus, it’s easier to use the bathroom, one less thing you have to think about as you learn to snowboard.
What if I get cold easily?
If you get cold easily, then I would recommend you wear a merino wool sweater as your mid-layer in addition to everything I’ve listed in this article. You should definitely keep hand warmers in your pockets. Choose mittens instead of gloves and slip a hand warmer into the mitten. For your snowboard jacket and pants, buy insulated ones instead of shells. This way, your outermost layer will keep you warm as well. Here’s a quick list for reference:
- Insulated Jacket (not shell)
- Insulated Pants (not shell)
- Merino wool sweater for mid-layer
- Base Layer (preferably Under Armour)
- Snowboard Socks
- Gor Tex Snowboard Mittens
- Liner Gloves
- Hand Warmers
- Helmet (Insulated to keep your head and ears warm)
- Goggles
Can I wear normal socks for snowboarding?
No, I do not recommend wearing your everyday socks for snowboarding, especially cotton socks. Snowboarding socks are meant to keep your feet warm and dry all day. Your average sock will not be able to do this. Wet, cold feet will lead to frozen toes and a miserable time on the mountain.
Can I buy my snowboarding outfit from Amazon?
Yes, you can! I have several snowboarding outfits from Amazon, and they are pretty decent quality. I would definitely read the labels carefully to check the waterproof rating. Also, look for items especially made for snowboarding and skiing or for some sort of sports, because these items will wick sweat.
Can I wear a t-shirt as my base layer?
No, I would not recommend wearing a t-shirt. Cotton t-shirts do nothing but soak up sweat and will make you cold. Even t-shirts meant for working out in are sometimes not warm enough. And lose t-shirts will just give more space for your sweat to stay on your skin and make you cold. I highly recommend you wear an appropriate base layer that’s made for winter sports. These items are meant to keep you dry and warm.
Are thermals good as a base layer for snowboarding?
This depends on what they are made of. If the thermals are made of merino wool, then they should be okay. If you have cotton thermals in that waffly pattern, then no, I would not wear those for snowboarding because they won’t wick sweat. Polyester is okay as long as it has moisture-wicking ability, not all thermals do.
Does the inside layer of the snow pants go in the boots or on the outside?
Snowboarding pants, whether insulated or just shells, will have an inside layer with elastic around the bottom edge. There is debate as to if this layer should be tucked into your boot or left out. It is supposed to be left out to prevent snow from getting into your boot. The elastic goes over your boot and keeps snow from getting it if you fall or are in super deep powder.
Is Dope Snow a good brand to buy a snowboard jacket and snowboard pants?
I’ve seen Dope Snow advertised a lot on Google, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok! Although I’ve not personally used their clothes, looking at their website, they look overpriced. Their waterproofing rating is only 15,000 mm, but their items are more expensive than Amazon. For the price they are charging, I’d buy something from Burton, Columbia, or North Face instead. If you are just looking for aesthetics, then get jackets and pants from Amazon.
If you are in the Washington DC area, read this article on Maryland Ski Resorts.
Snowboard Outfit Ideas
Here are some snowboard outfits I’ve personally worn over the years!
Snowboard Outfit 1: Matching Set + Baggy Pants
Last year I really got into the whole matching set vibe and bought this super baggy set from Amazon for snowboarding. It’s not insulated, but it is waterproof. After layering up, I didn’t have any problems in 12 degrees F weather!
Snowboard Outfit 2: Ski Suit
About 2 years ago, I decided I wanted that ski suit vibe!
The ski suit is actually not bad for snowboarding, but definitely not as comfortable as two pieces (jacket and pants). I also wore it in Iceland when exploring a waterfall cave; it held up much better than expected, and I wasn’t wet at all.
I also got another ski suit the following year, but just putting it on I knew this was not one I could snowboard in! I could barely bend over, but it looks great for apres ski or just running around in the snow!
Snowboard Outfit 3: Super Waterproof
This outfit is from 20 years ago, when I first started snowboarding!! This jacket is still in great condition, and I just wore it a few years ago. Back in Y2k, crazy patterns were super in, and so were really fitted styles! The jacket is rated at 30,000 mm waterproof and has a removable liner! I wore it in the pouring rain before, and it did not soak up any water.
Snowboard Outfit 4: Columbia
This snowboard outfit is completely from Columbia! I bought a few sizes bigger just to get that baggy look, but it ended up looking a bit dated, unfortunately. The pants look a bit funny because they are meant for skiing and not for snowboarding so they don’t quite fit over my snowboard boots. But the good news is I was super comfortable and dry. Columbia has great quality and insulation!
