No matter your skiing level, kitting yourself out in the best ski wear will make all the difference to how you feel (and perform) on the slopes. Cosy under-layers, snow boots, waterproof trousers and a few chic après-ready pieces are all essential, of course—but the hardest-working piece of all? A great ski jacket.
There are hundreds of designs you can choose from, but not all were created equal. Indeed, the very best ski jackets are the ones that offer technical excellence, practicality, and style in equal measure, so that you can stay warm, comfortable and dry while also cutting a decidedly dashing figure on the slopes—which, arguably, in the smartest resorts in particular, is just as important.
So, to help you on your way, we've taken the time to trawl through the internet and bring you our official shortlist of the best ski jackets around. That includes affordable high-street options that look far more expensive than they are, excellent rental options, as well as the buzziest new styles from the likes of Jacquemus + Nike, Louis Vuitton, Yves Salomon and Perfect Moment. See you on the slopes!
Best Affordable Ski Jackets
Going skiing is already a costly business, so if you don't want to blow your entire budget on one item, opting for a high-street ski jacket is a great solution. The lower price tag doesn't mean you need to compromise on style or practicality, though. The below options don't just look the part—they're waterproof and insulated to ensure you stay warm, too.
Zara makes some of the best technical skiwear on the high-street, and offers some serious bang for your buck. Its latest line of jackets is particularly enticing, including this chic burgundy graphic number.
If you prefer a sleeker silhouette, H&M's collared ski jacket might be the one for you. It comes in two stylish colours, and is thermally insulated, waterproof and windproof to boot.
Lululemon makes much more than just excellent leggings, and the brand's outerwear is of particular note. This fun leopard-print jacket is perfect for the slopes and the city alike.
For the ultimate snow bunny vibe, opt for a simple yet stylish all-white look on the slopes—starting with this belted jacket. It'll pair beautifully with all manner of trousers too, if you're keen to change it up day-to-day.
With its packaway hood, snuggly faux-fur collar, over-the-thumb cuffs and internal phone pocket, this OYSHO ski jacket is an excellent affordable choice. It's specially designed to withstand temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius too.
M&S' new Goodmove collection is a strong contender in the affordable ski wear category, and extremely well priced. This classic black padded jacket is as versatile as they come, and features water-repellent technology and reflective details for added safety.
In plum purple, this cropped Sweaty Betty design will add a much-needed pop of colour amid all the greys, blacks and whites on the slopes.
Best Designer Ski Jackets
If you do have the cash to splash—and/or are happy to invest in an excellent ski jacket that you'll be able to wear for many seasons still to come—there are plenty of options out there that are as fashion-forward as they are technically advanced. Luxury outerwear brands like Mackage, Bogner and Perfect Moment are always safe bets, and this year, Louis Vuitton and Jacquemus have also thrown their hats into the skiwear ring to fabulous effect.
Jacquemus + Nike is undoubtedly the buzziest collab of the moment—and anyone lucky enough to secure one of the ski jackets before they sell out will surely be the talk of the slopes.
Perfect Moment might be best-known for its jazzy, bright and patterned ski jackets, but this more low-key patent plum puffer is every bit as stylish—if not more.
When it comes to luxurious coats, few do it better than Yves Salomon—so it follows that the Parisian brand make some of the chicest ski jackets out there too. And, of course, many feature hints of the brand's signature shearling for extra warmth, too.
Personally, I think that a patent silver ski jacket is one of the coolest things you can possibly wear on the slopes. It's the epitome of stylish sportswear, and I especially love Mackage's two-tone style for creating a sleek silhouette.
If you want to invest in a great ski jacket that's equal parts technical, durable and fun—without dropping thousands of pounds—Goldbergh is the name to know. This particular leopard-print style is the perfect mix of statement-making and timeless.
The new LV Ski collection is the height of luxury, and perfect for those who ascribe to a designer-only slope-side aesthetic. This subtly shimmery monogrammed puffer is the ultimate status symbol.
Net-A-Porter's Black Friday sale has brought this classic black Erin Snow jacket right down to the more affordable end of the spectrum, so it's a no-brainer if you want a luxury investment without the associated price-tag.
Moncler outerwear is the stuff of luxury legend, and for good reason. This water-resistant, down-filled Nisene jacket in a fresh rose gold shade offers a contemporary twist on a skiwear classic.
This black-and-white Bogner jacket is more funky than ultra-feminine, making it perfect for lovers of the retro skiing aesthetic.
Best Rental Ski Jackets
Rather than buying something you might not wear again—especially if you're not a regular skier—renting is a great sustainable solution. While you can rent ski wear from regular clothing rental platforms such as HURR and By Rotation, there are now also dedicated ski wear rental brands around. Blanqo and EcoSki are hands-down the best.
Jazz up your ski-drobe with this retro-style Perfect Moment jacket, that's available to rent from just £81.
Simply renting this epic Bogner jacket will save you hundreds of pounds compared with the RRP—and you'll look every bit as fabulous.
A great sporty performance jacket in a fun hot pink, this option at Eco Ski is rentable for £38 a day.
Known for its luxury shearling coats, spotting a Saks Potts puffer in the wild is a rare occurrence—especially now that the brand is sadly no longer. Luckily, however, you can still rent the brand's epic zebra-print jacket via By Rotation.
For those obsessed with all things metallic, this silver jacket is a must—and it's less than £10 to rent a day.
