The barrier for entry into winter sports is already pretty high, from ski pass prices to proximity to good snow and mountains. One thing that should never be a barrier? Having gear that fits properly, no matter your size.
When Plus Snow surveyed more than 1,000 men and women in its first-ever, plus-size global winter sports survey, data showed that nearly 75% are active skiers. Yet, 97% responded that they have difficulty finding appropriate-fitting gear, and 60% said that this lack of gear has prevented them from heading outside for winter sports at all.
“I work to source and supply plus-size clothing, but also to advocate so that more brands make plus-size clothing options and then more people can enjoy the outdoors safely,” said Mon Balon of Plus Snow, an online winter gear shop with inclusive sizing.
“Representation is also a core foundation of what we work towards,” she said. “As we all know, you can’t be what you can’t see. Fatphobia and size bias has ruled the outdoor industry for far too long, and it’s time for that narrative to change. Everybody should be able to enjoy the outdoors safely and when clothing doesn’t fit properly, it becomes a safety issue.”
Although Plus Snow has been doing the work to source brands that have inclusive sizing since 2015, other brands are finally coming around to add not just extra sizing options, but also extra sizing options in a variety of styles and at the same price point as other sizes.
Read on for top sellers in women’s winter jackets and snow pants that will fit a variety of sizes and don’t skimp on functionality, style, or protection.
The Best Plus-Size Ski Apparel of 2022
Best Overall: L.L.Bean Rugged Ridge Parka & Wildcat Snow Pants
L.L.Bean has recently expanded its sizing assortment to be more inclusive. You’ll now find a full range of sizes — all at the same price — that range from XS to 3X, 2 to 26 for women, and S to XXXL for men in both regular and tall proportions. For snow sports, two favorites include the Rugged Ridge Parka and the Wildcat Waterproof Insulated Snow Pant.
The jacket is a constant bestseller with a relaxed fit; match it with the Wildcat snow pants for full protection — a waterproof, breathable kit with lightweight, yet warm insulation.
Rugged Ridge Parka
Specs
- Features: detachable and adjustable hood, fleece neck warmer, goggle pocket with wipe
- Waterproofing: yes
- Insulated: yes
- Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
- Colors: blue, burgundy, navy, black
Check Availability at L.L.Bean
Wildcat Waterproof Insulated Snow Pant
Specs
- Features: fleece-lined waistband, seat, and knees, waist adjusters, durable scuff guards, inner snow gaiters
- Waterproofing: yes
- Insulated: yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
- Colors: black, gray, navy
Runner-Up: Obermeyer Tuscany II Jacket & Bliss Ski Pants
Obermeyer is a classic go-to in the winter sport industry known for its durable, waterproof, and stylish gear. Some, though not all, of the brand’s winter line comes in inclusive sizing, like the Tuscany II jacket and the Bliss ski pants.
The waterproof and breathable jacket has a slightly baggier fit and is ideal for those who need midlevel warmth (think a base layer underneath, not much more). Pair with the Bliss pants, which have a slightly slimmer fit, but use a stretchy fabric for a full range of motion on the slopes.
Tuscany II Insulated Jacket
Specs
- Features: fleece chin warmer, interior electronic pocket, removable faux fur, pass pocket, powder skirt
- Waterproofing: 10K/10K waterproof breathable laminate
- Insulated: yes
- Plus Sizes: 18-22 (also available in sizes 2-16 and petite sizes)
- Colors: white, black, military green
Bliss Pant
Specs
- Features: fleece-lined and high back waistband, zippered hand pockets, reinforced hems, powder cuffs, ventilation
- Waterproofing: 15K/15K waterproof breathable laminate
- Insulated: yes
- Plus Sizes: 18-22, short, regular, and long
- Colors: white, navy, black
Best Budget: Columbia Whirlibird IV Jacket & Bugaboo Omni Heat Pants
Columbia has consistently debuted high-quality snow gear at a price that will still leave something left over for those après vibes. And, it’s one of the only brands in the industry that has been making plus-size ski apparel for over 15 years. Luckily, its inclusive sizing options stick with that more affordable value, too.
The Whirlibird IV Interchange is a classic 3-in-1 jacket — you’ll get a shell and a zip-in puffy liner that can each be worn separately or zipped together for a solid, cold-weather jacket.
Pair with the waterproof and breathable Bugaboo Omni Heat pants, and you are good to go for any weather. These options are especially great for resort skiing or snowboarding.
Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket
Specs
- Features: zip-in and 3-point Interchange System, attached and adjustable hood, pit vents, ski pass pocket, goggle pocket
- Waterproofing: yes
- Insulated: yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
- Colors: houndstooth, blood orange
Check Price at evoCheck Price at Amazon
Bugaboo Omni Heat Pants
Specs
- Features: thermal-reflective lining and synthetic insulation, reinforced hem, internal leg gaiters, adjustable waist
- Waterproofing: yes, critically sealed seams
- Insulated: yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X
- Colors: white, malbec
Check Price at REICheck Price at Amazon
Best Style: Cartel Brooklyn Ski Jacket & Lapland Pants From Plus Snow
Plus Snow doesn’t make its own gear, but the brand is in regular communication with brands that do to help both supply gear and to provide input. A top seller from Plus Snow, the Cartel Brooklyn Ski Jacket and the Lapland Pants (a fav of Mirna Valerio’s, aka, The Mirnavator!) are made for skiers with bigger bodies who want style, comfort, and protection.
Both are made from a stretchy, highly waterproof, and breathable fabric so the ensemble can move with you (not against you) while skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing.
Cartel Brooklyn Ski Jacket
Specs
- Features: pit vents, powder skirt, detachable hood, detachable faux fur, goggle pocket
- Waterproofing: 15K/15K waterproof breathable laminate
- Insulated: yes
- Plus Sizes: 18-30
- Colors: pink, black, tropic, sand, and black
Pure Lapland Softshell Ski Pant
Specs
- Features: zip hand pockets, storm cuff, high-rise waist, fleece-bonded lining
- Waterproofing: 20K/20K waterproof breathable laminate
- Insulated: no
- Plus Sizes: 18-30
- Colors: black
Best for Backcountry: Outdoor Research Snowcrew Jacket & Pants
For days spent touring in the backcountry, opt for the Snowcrew jacket and pants from Outdoor Research. Both items are waterproof, windproof, and breathable and are made from a stretchy fabric so your range of motion isn’t hindered. Plus, you’ll get some insulation but tailored in all the right places with a combination of 100g and 80g fill in the jacket and 45 g in the seat and thighs.
Currently, Outdoor Research makes both extended sizes (which are larger and smaller sizes, like XS and XXL) and plus-size women’s apparel (which is a different sizing pattern altogether). Outdoor Research has based its plus sizing on plus models and feedback from plus-size testers.
Extended sizing and plus sizing yield two pretty different fits, the brand explained. New Snowcrew Plus sizes will be added for fall/winter 2022/23.
More good news: Snowcrew bib styles will be available starting in fall 2022.
Outdoor Research Snowcrew Jacket
Specs
- Features: helmet-compatible hood, pit zips, powder skirts, ski pass pocket
- Waterproofing: yes
- Insulated: yes
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X (4X coming in the fall!)
- Colors: black, sand/naval blue
Check Price at Outdoor ResearchCheck Price at Amazon
Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pants
Specs
- Features: waist adjustment tabs, zip hand pockets, avalanche beacon pocket, thigh vents
- Waterproofing: yes
- Insulated: no
- Plus Sizes: 1X, 2X, 3X (4X coming in the fall!)
- Colors: black, naval blue, sunset
Check Price at BackcountryCheck Price at Outdoor Research
Best of the Rest
The North Face — The North Face’s current line of women’s gear does have some inclusive sizing (like its rad 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket or the fleece Osito Jacket). But its true inclusive line of winter gear hits the stores next season. Watch for women’s ski jackets and pants in larger sizes with the same high-quality construction and features that The North Face is known for.
DSG Outerwear — Although traditionally a brand that outfits snowmobilers, hunters, and fishers, DSG Outwear does sport high-quality snow gear that goes up to size 5XL. Check out the Craze 5.0 jacket and bibs for a warm and waterproof setup. Bonus: the bottoms can be worn as regular snow pants or easily convert to bibs with zip-on straps and an insulated upper bib section.
REI — REI currently offers women’s plus-size ski pants up to 3X (sizes 18 to 26). REI also offers several down puffies, parkas, and baselayers in sizes up to 3X. While REI’s existing plus-size ski pants are great (check out the REI Powderbound Snow Pants), we wish the offerings were more extensive — and that REI had a plus-size ski jacket, too.
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FAQ
What Are Plus Sizes?
“Plus sizing” has varying definitions, but essentially when it comes to apparel, plus size means anything beyond the standard XS-XL size range. Plus sizes may range from 1X to 3X, or 1X to 6X.
Sometimes called extended sizes, plus sizes usually cover sizes 18 and up. In the U.S., the general cutoff for plus sizing is size 14 and over. It also varies by brand, however — many U.S. brands won’t make anything beyond a size 12 or 14.
Inclusive sizing is another term outdoor brands are using more and more. Inclusive sizing refers not just to plus sizes, but a wider range of sizes for every body type, including short, long, petite, tall, maternity, and plus sizes (for all genders).
Which Brands Make Plus-Size Ski Apparel?
Many brands make plus-size clothes, but the market for plus-size ski apparel — and plus-size technical ski apparel — is much narrower. Brands like Columbia, L.L.Bean, Obermeyer, DSG Outerwear, Outdoor Research, The North Face, and Eddie Bauer all already offer or have started to offer plus-size ski gear.
How Do You Find the Right Size Ski Jacket?
Just like standard sizing, plus sizing varies by brand. We always recommended checking the size charts and measuring your hip and chest, and inseam if need be (for ski pants). You’ll want a ski jacket to have some room for a baselayer or light midlayer, but not be too loose (or too constricting, for that matter).
On this list, we found the Obermeyer Tuscany II Jacket to be the most accurate in terms of fit for a plus-size ski jacket, and the L.L.Bean Wildcat Insulated Pant or Columbia Bugaboo Snow Pant the most accurate in terms of fit for plus-size ski pants.
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