Salopettes
Salopettes are trousers that are usually worn in tandem with a ski jacket in lieu of a one-piece ski suit. Like the rest of your ski suit, they are primarily designed to keep the wearer warm while engaging in winter sports activities. The general design of these winter trousers is akin to a unisex garment. There is generally no gender distinction in style and design, but some manufacturers have made styles specifically for men, women, and children.
Design and Construction
Salopettes are specifically designed to be water resistant. The fabric used to make them is definitely waterproofed. In case the one you bought doesn’t keep you dry then you can be sure it is substandard. The fabric of these ski pants has a non-removable lining. This lining can be made of different materials, usually taffeta, silk, or cotton. There are pants that are designed to match certain ski jackets while there are also styles that can be matched with any other type of winter clothing.
Body Temperature Regulation
Other than the style and fabric used to make salopettes, one of the major considerations you have to keep in mind when buying them is the way your body regulates its temperature. Some people tend to get hot a lot faster than others. This makes insulated ski pants quite uncomfortable for these people.
People who tend to remain cool even when wearing insulated clothing will definitely have no problem. Those who feel cold rather quickly than most should get the ones with the additional insulation. The design and fabric of your selected ski pants will depend on how your body regulates its temperature.
Insulated Designs
Some of these ski trousers will have added insulation. Some brands or designs will have an outer layer for waterproofing. Others may even be designed to be windproof as well. Other than these protective layers, another protective layer designed for insulation may be added. This additional layer of insulation can be made of synthetic fabric, fleece, or down. Some designs have removable insulation while others have them directly attached.
Measuring the Amount of Insulation
To find out how much insulation and how warm you can get in certain salopettes, you should check how many grams of insulation is used. The more grams of insulation the warmer you will get. This amount can range somewhere between 30 to 800 grams. If you’re the type that gets cold easily then you should get ski pants that offer more insulation.
Considering Shell Pants
Skiing trousers that are both wind and waterproof but don’t have the additional insulation are also known as shell pants. They are highly breathable and are more suited for individuals who can better tolerate colder temperature than others. Those who want to get additional mobility may want to consider this design instead of the ones with the added insulation. Take note that your body will depend on the trousers’ middle and base layers for warmth.
Waterproof Rating
When shopping for salopettes, you should also check the waterproof rating of the fabric. This is usually indicated in millimeters and basically determines how much water the fabric can keep out. Obviously, the higher the number you see the better waterproofing there is. The figures will range from 1,500mm to 20,000mm. The average rating you will see will be around 5,000mm to 10,000mm.
Breathability Rating
Another factor you must consider is the breathability rating of the salopettes you intend to buy. Breathability basically means how effective is a fabric at moving moisture from the inside layers to the outer layers of the apparel. This will help keep your sweat molecules moving out so that you’ll be kept warmer.
This rating is expressed in number of grams and is indicated as the apparel’s moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR). Average MVTR ratings will be from 2,000 to 3,000 grams while the high end, top of the line, and expensive ski pants will have ratings as high as 25,000 grams.
Other Factors to Consider
Other factors to consider include the durability of the fabric, additional features, and the seam construction. Side zips, scuff guards, inner leg vents, suspenders, leg lifts, and jacket to pants links are added features that will help you as you speed down the slopes. Take note that the more added features there are in your salopettes, the more expensive they will become.