Fashion that fits from lifts to lodge

By Matt Boxler

It wasn’t long ago that a conversation about snowboarding fashion started and ended with a dissertation on the jacket and pants. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty to talk about in this area (still is) with the variety in styles, colors, textures – and attitude.

Beneath it all, however, there really wasn’t much more to say. Underneath their shells everyone and their kid brother simply wore long-sleeve cotton t-shirts and hoodies – the unofficial snowboarder’s uniform. Well, riders have been wanting more options and apparel manufacturers have responded in 2007-2008. Now, conversation about fashion may still end with the outerwear, but it certainly starts with the “underwear.”

“We took a hard look at what was relevant; decided it was a time for a change,” said Stephen Cleary, founder of Waterbury, Vt.-based eesa (www.eesa.com), an apparel company that specializes in “lux-layering.” Cleary, a former Burton Snowboards anon optics category manager, and his team of designers developed their collection with style – and function – in mind.

“No longer will you be confined to wearing your favorite cotton T and hoody, because let’s face it, we know after a long-hard day on the hill no one wants to be seen in public wearing ‘underwear,’” Cleary said. “Our concept is simple, we make lux-layering you can wear from-lift-to-lounge, as a matter of fact it’s so simple, we often hear from the team when they gear-up it’s ‘first on, last off.’”

The eesa layers are more than glorified and stylized T’s and hoodies. Every garment comes with “M.A.Q.,” – moisture wicking fabrics, anti-microbial washes andquick dry technology. So not only do they look good, they are more apt to smell good after a day on the hill ... and who wouldn’t support that concept?

Men’s lines include the “black is the new black” collections to “loungewear” collections. Offerings include short and long-sleeve polo styles, rugbys, boxers and track pants, all designed to perform on the mountain and, afterwards, in the lodge.

New for women this year are “intimates” and the “black is the new black” collections that join the popular “loungewear” garments. Products include short and long-sleeve polos, T’s, man-beaters (tank-tops), camis, bras, panties, boy-shorts, Capri’s and track pants.

The Arko Technical Compression Wear line (TCW) also emphasizes the change in the way base layers are seen in winter sports. The company’s seamless garments are articulated with padding in all the right anatomical places to “move” with the body while isolating certain muscle groups. Dryarn fibers help maintain body temperature while wicking away moisture.

Outerwear

Industry-wide there’s a solid emphasis on women’s fashion in 2007-2008. Kim Goldstein, founder and owner of northeast-based ShreddingBetty (www.ShreddingBetty.com), a fashion-forward online snowboard boutique, helps women find exactly what they’re looking for, even if they have no clue.

“The biggest trend in women’s outerwear this season is a shifting toward a ‘streetwear’ look, what you would wear out on the town,” Goldstein said. “Girls are really looking for a more tapered style. What’s ‘in’ in snow pants is denim, with a rocker-style, tapered look,” Goldstein said. “In jackets, we’re seeing a lot of tweeds and herringbone, and a lot of neutral earthtones.”

According to observations made by Snowsports Industries America, snowsports designers are rolling out jump suits, skinny pants and below the hip, chunky sweaters. Designers are offering a variety of prints, plaids and pop art – creatively choosing fabrics and textures such as metallics, linens, leather, faux fur and distressed denim.

More hot looks this season will include an old throwback – one-piece suits – and a new twist on that old look with jacket-to-pant interface systems that create the illusion of a one-piece suit. Strong jumpsuit statements are being made by Burton, Salomon, Helly Hansen, Columbia and Roxy.

Other designers on the cutting edge include Ride, Nils and Fera with stretch pants and leggings; Nikita, Erin Snow, Columbia and Skea with leather and fur looks; and Cappel, 686 and Holden with original street art graphics, graffiti tags, tattoos and cartoons. Also, look for embroidery from Mountain Hardwear, Fera, Ride, Salomon, Meister and Spyder.

“Greens and oranges will be seen this year as the most popular colors,” said Stephany Murphy, buyer for Darien Sport Shop in Darien, Conn. “Plaids are doing very well too. It’s all about color. Striped pants. Pants with suspenders. Colorful patterns and solids together. The fit is a functionally loose fit. Not too tight, not too loose.”

Murphy said customers are asking for plaid jackets and suspender pants, and solid bonded fleece. “They want lightness and comfort so they don't feel restricted when they ride.”

Strong textures and patterns including plaid, houndstooth, herringbone, check, tweed, corduroy and linen can be found in lines from Orage, Quiksilver, Scott, Sunice and Vans.

Socks

Socks have come a long way in the fashion world too. Designers are offering not only the most technical fabrics, but ones that look good too. Eurosocks, an Italian specialty gear company with U.S. headquarters in Rhode Island, offers “Board Supreme,” “Board Grafica,” and specially for women, “SnowRide” and “SnowDrop.”

Each line features padding under the forefoot, over the instep, up the shin and on the calf to absorb shock and eliminate friction. Ventilation channels are strategically placed between the padding to encourage breathability and moisture transport away from the skin. Elasticized arch band and ankle brace, smooth toe and flat knit construction ensure both a wrinkle free fit and maximum support without bulk.

Accessories

Electronic apparel and “wearable audio” products continue to make consumers look twice. Backpacks with MP3 pockets, helmets with wireless audio features, Blue-tooth compatible sunglasses and even sunglasses that have built in MP3 players will be seen in abundance in stores and on slopes this season.

Loud patterns and funky paint jobs will cover goggles this year, but technical advances continue to stand out including helmet compatibility and fog-clearing technology. Brands like Uvex, Spy, Scott and Smith are leading the charge.