Skier in LOOW merino base layer

Guide

The layering guide for skiing

Skiing and snowboarding place high demands on your clothing. Mountain temperatures change through the day, and so does your activity level, from a high pulse on the slope to sitting still on the lift. Layering lets you add and remove warmth as you go. Here is how we combine the layers.

Go to the layers

Five reasons to choose merino for skiing

  • Temperature regulatingKeeps you warm on the lift and comfortable on the slope.
  • Less odourMerino wool develops odour much more slowly than many other fabrics, so the same shirt lasts the week.
  • Soft against the skinOur fine merino fibres are soft against the skin, also as a base layer worn directly on the body.
  • Keeps its shapeChoose the fit for your activity and follow the care instructions to help maintain the shape.
  • Good enough for dinnerSmart enough for après-ski and the restaurant, so you can pack lighter.

The four layers

  1. Base layer

    The base layer's job is to move moisture away from the skin so you do not get cold when you stop moving. Merino insulates even when damp. We recommend a long-sleeved T-shirt that fits relatively close to the body: T-OLS 135 for high activity, the 220 series for cold days. You can often wear the shirt on several days, with airing between wears.

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  2. Mid layer

    The mid layer insulates while letting the body release excess heat. The ZN-240 zip neck has a terry backside that creates vertical air channels, a thumbhole that keeps the sleeves in place under a jacket and a zip garage that protects your chin. For the legs, the P-240 sweatpants under your ski pants on cold days. Never tuck them into your ski boots: it is a common cause of shin pain.

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  3. Extra insulation

    Very cold, or a thin shell jacket? Add the FV-280 fleece vest. It warms the torso without restricting your arms.

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  4. Outer layer and accessories

    The outer layer is your shield against wind, snow and sleet and must be windproof and waterproof. The merino neckwarmer protects your face from the cold, takes no space in a pocket and converts into a headband. The beanie insulates well and is thin enough to wear under a helmet. Merino socks keep feet dry in the boots.

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Tested in the cold

From Polar Night to Midnight Sun: A Tale of a 3-Month Nomadic Journey through Spitsbergen's Landscape LOOW STORIES From Polar Night to Midnight Sun: A Tale of a 3-Month Nomadic Journey through Spitsbergen's Landscape Anna and Anders spent three months cross-country skiing around Svalbard wearing LOOW. Read the story Ski adventure in Japan LOOW STORIES Ski adventure in Japan Mathilde tested LOOW in Japan's cold ski terrain during her season as a ski instructor. Read the story Skiing the 'Godmother of all Couloirs' from a Sailboat in Lyngen LOOW STORIES Skiing the 'Godmother of all Couloirs' from a Sailboat in Lyngen A travelogue by skier Johan Giehm, who, along with three friends, charters a sailboat to access and ski remote couloirs in Norway's Lyngen Alps. Experience their week-long adventure, living aboard the boat Malika and combining... Read the story

Before the ski trip

Need personal advice? Email wool@loow.com.

Which weight should I wear under the ski jacket?

135 if you run warm or ski hard, 220 for cold days and lift-heavy resorts. Both work as a base layer directly on the skin. Add the zip neck as a mid layer and adjust from there.

Can I wear the same base layer all week?

Merino wool does not develop odour as quickly as many other fabrics. Airing the shirt overnight is usually enough between days on the slope.

Does merino wool itch?

Merino wool has finer fibres than coarse wool. They bend easily against your skin, so the fabric feels soft and supple. We select fine merino wool for our clothes so you can wear them directly on the skin.

Which size should I choose?

Use the size guide on the product page. Some models use unisex sizes 1-10. Where garment measurements are provided, compare with clothing that fits you well. All guides are collected on the size guides page.

Can I try the clothes and return them?

WOOL Club members can try clothing for 30 days, including wearing and washing. Unused items have a 365-day return policy. Returns and exchanges are free from Denmark and the EU. See our return terms.