About Downhill Ski Suits
If you're relatively new to the sport of skiing, you've probably noticed that there's a lot of equipment available today. And while it's important to have the appropriate gear to get you from the top of the run to the bottom, it's almost as essential to be outfitted in suitable apparel--in this case, your downhill ski suit.
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Significance
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When you first start skiing, you may have a tendency to cut corners, so to speak, and not invest in the appropriate apparel. You may have a winter coat that works great keeping you warm as you run from your car to the office, but is it really suitable for the slopes? The answer is probably not, since it hasn't been fashioned with this particular sport in mind. A downhill ski suit is not only built to keep you warm and comfortable but also crafted to allow for optimal movement. When you're speeding down the run, you should be wearing something that affords you the flexibility that a pair of jeans and winter jacket don't.
Identification
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With all the "high-tech" fabrics used today, it's gotten easier to dress for not just the weather but also the sport of skiing. A ski suit is a one-piece outfit made to be worn over another layer of clothing, usually some sort of undergarment that is thermal in nature, and is meant to protect you from the winter elements. Ideally, you'll want a suit that is made from a fabric that breathes yet is both waterproof and windproof. This may sound like a tall order, but all the reputable brands to the sport can accommodate this need.
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Function
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A breathable fabric allows moisture to be released from the suit itself. As you move down the hill, you'll inevitably start to sweat. If the fabric doesn't breathe, you'll just get more and more wet--not the healthiest condition in which to be out in the snow. This ability for the outer fabric of the suit to breathe should also be met with an inner lining that basically absorbs the moisture. This layer essentially acts as a medium to draw the moisture away from your body and move it to the outer fabric where it will "breathe" away.
Features
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A downhill ski suit must keep you dry, warm and protected as well as allow for ample movement. There are a couple other features to keep in mind while selecting your next purchase. A number of suits available have zippers or folds under the arms. This adds a little ventilation to the apparel. You may also want to look for suits that do not have an exposed front zipper, because a covered zipper further protects you from the elements.
Considerations
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The only real issue concerning a downhill ski suit is the "layering system" most skiers use to dress for the sport. A suit pretty much limits you to wearing it for the entirety of the day. When you instead wear a pair of ski pants with a jacket and a couple of underlayers, you have the flexibility of removing the jacket when you get too hot and then putting it back on when you cool off again. This doesn't mean that a ski suit won't work for you, it's just something to consider before investing the money.
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