Ski Fashion 2012 – 2013: Beautiful Baselayers, Midlayers and More!

Remember when long underwear came in black or white? Or maybe, if you were lucky, had little flowers on it? Remember when it was called “long underwear”?

Well, those days are long gone. Long underwear has morphed into technical baselayers. Even the ski sweater is no longer a “ski sweater”, but rather a “midlayer.” And reindeer prints and Norwegian designs? Well, you can still find those, but also so much more.

This season, colors are bright and designs are bold. While functionality and performance are of utmost importance, so is style. These are baselayers and midlayers you won’t want to cover up (and you shouldn’t, either!).

Many thanks to WinterWomen.com, Icebreaker and Mountain Khakis for sharing about some of their new products. As always, I appreciate their insights into the latest styles.

Additional thanks to Icebreaker for sponsoring a baselayer giveaway. Check out all the details at the end of this post and leave a comment to enter.

On and Off-Snow Styles From WinterWomen.com

Columbia Women’s Layer First Stripe Half Zip in Light Grape: This soft and comfy first layer is perfect for wearing under a ski jacket on the mountain or wearing alone with leggings on the way to a workout at the gym. It’s super stretchy (so it moves with your body), and wicks away moisture to keep you dry. It even has UPF 15 sun protection for those first springtime runs. This versatile top is a winter must-have!

Hot Chillys Women’s Micro-Elite Chamois Sublimated Crewneck in Oasis/Black: Just because it’s worn under a ski jacket doesn’t mean it can’t be stylish! This mid-weight first layer top is feminine and sophisticated, hugging the body at the right places while allowing freedom of movement. The fabric feels super soft, too, so you’ll never want to take it off!

Spyder Women’s Endure Full Zip Sweater in Black: Looking for a stylish sweater for your off-mountain look this winter? Spyder’s Endure Sweater is the perfect match for you. Classic and traditional, this zip-up sweater looks great paired with jeans and your favorite winter boots. You’ll have a sophisticated outfit for those days spent in the lodge by the fire! Or, layer it under your ski coat for extra warmth on a cold day.

Salomon Women’s XA Full Zip Hoody in Fancy Pink: Whether you’re wearing it on the mountain, over a tank top on the way to the gym, or with jeans and boots on a fall day, this fleece hoodie is a must-have for any busy on-the-go woman. This soft and comfy zip-up is easy to layer, and looks good with everything (especially Salomon’s Brilliant Ski Pant in Fancy Pink)!

Icebreaker Pushes the Performance Envelope

Last season, I did a comprehensive review of Icebreaker wool products for the entire family. I am a big fan of wool — the warmth, the insulation, the versatility and the “anti-stink” factor are unmatched in my opinion. Icebreaker offers their fine New Zealand merino wool in clothing for every pursuit from yoga to skiing, and many of their products can do double, or triple, duty. As you’ll see from the examples below, with each season Icebreaker pushes the envelope, blurring function with fashion.

Technical Style

The Women’s 200 Lightweight Oasis V Dusk, is a wool baselayer with raglan sleeves and underarm gusseting, so the sleeves never bind. It fits close to the body, but with the striking gradient design, looks to good to cover up.

Women’s Carve Zip (Shown at Top of Post): Is it a sweater or a jacket? A wool midlayer piece, the Carve is made of a terry weave, which leaves it smooth on the outside and cozy on the inside. A low bulk midlayer, the Carve can be worn underneath a ski coat or shell, or on its own (although it’s not windproof). I think it makes a great skiing midlayer and an even better winter workout jacket, for cold-weather pursuits like cross-country skiing or running, when breathability is essential.

Winter Weight Midlayers 

Although Icebreaker says these aren’t technical, performance pieces, I think the Aurora Sweater makes a perfect ski sweater. Available in either a full zip or half zip design, the Aurora is made of soft, non-itchy merino wool. The full zip model has two pockets and thumb loops. The half zip design has thumb loops and a front hand pouch.

Shoulder Season Sweetness – Mountain Khakis’ Amanda Sweater

Last spring, Mountain Khaki launched a women’s line, including skirts, blouses, sweaters and jackets to complement their ever-popular Mountain Khaki pants. This fall, they introduced the Amanda Sweater, a blend of cotton and cashmere that has quickly become my go-to layer.

A midweight piece, the Amanda sweater is perfect for fall and spring (or winter near a warm fire!). I like it unbuttoned over t-shirts, and buttoned up when the evening chills.

I wish that the sweater contained more cashmere, which would make it a bit more cozy (it contains 10%). But for fall, or temperate destinations during winter, it’s a winner. I always get compliments (What more can you ask for?)

Icebreaker Giveaway

Icebreaker has graciously offered an Oasis baselayer top to one lucky reader of The Brave Ski Mom!

Available in a full rainbow of colors, styles and prints, if you’re the winner, you get to choose the top that’s right for you.

Click on this link to see the full range of Oasis baselayers (that’s 23 of ’em!). 

To enter, leave a comment. For an additional entry, please follow @braveskimom on Twitter or “like” The Brave Ski Mom Blog on Facebook.

One winner will be chosen in a random drawing on Thursday, November 7 at 8:00 a.m. mountain time.

Good luck!

Related Posts: 

• Ski Fashion 2012 – 2013: The Hottest Looks on Snow, October 3, 2012.
• Ski Fashion 2012 – 2013: Stylish Winter Boots for Women and Girls, October 10, 2012.
• Ski Fashion 2012 – 2013: Winter Styles for Cool Kids, October 17, 2012.

Many thanks to Icebreaker for sponsoring this giveaway! Also, thanks to Mountain Khakis for providing me with an Amanda Sweater (I am an Ambassador for Mountain Khakis). As always, all opinions are my own and are exactly what I would tell my family and friends. 

This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to Emily!

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