Fitting children for ski and snowboard pants is not nearly as difficult as fitting them for a jacket but is equally important to get a good fit. Layering properly is one of the corner stones of winter comfort. This is particularly true when it comes to layering under ski and snowboard pants. It isn’t even worth having a discussion about ski and snowboard pants without discussing the layers that should go under them. It is important to keep in mind that children are particularly susceptible to the discomfort of bulky layers. It is also important to remember that children do not develop the ability to sense cold properly until they are physically mature. This safety mechanism can cause problems for parents who hear their children say “I’m not cold!” when they really mean to say “Excuse me mother, the clothing you have chosen for me feels bulky and awkward and restricts my movement making me feel hindered and uncomfortable.” The key is to choose layers that provide warmth without bulk. It is important to have quality thermal underwear (no, cotton waffle weave underwear dose NOT count) and the option of a fleece pant to layer under an insulated pant. Shell pants should be reserved for teenagers and adults as even in the spring children can get quite cold even if you are overheated. Plus it is easier to decrease layers for the torso to maintain body temperature than it is to increase layers under a shell pant when it is cold.
To properly fit insulated winter pants it is not necessary to have the other layers on but do not try them on with street wear pants. Street wear pants will fit entirely differently under a ski or snowboard pant then any thermal layers will. It is better to try the insulated pants on with regular underwear, if the pant fits properly there will be plenty of room for thermal underwear and a typical fleece pant.
With the pant on there should be 1 to 2 fingers space around the waist regardless of the style of pant. Some styles have Velcro or snap side size adjusters. This feature is worth its weight in gold as it will help to accommodate a variety of layering options. The pant should fall loosely around the buttocks and thighs without being baggy and there should be room in the rise to pinch about and inch of fabric. The length of the pant is critical as if it is too short you will not get much time out of it but if it is too long it will be damaged possibly beyond repair. The cuff should hit just below the anklebone without hitting the ground. If the pant is a bib or suspender pant make sure that the straps can be adjusted for maximum comfort in the rise and the appropriate length in the leg. Many children’s pants come with grow cuffs which, when released will give as much as 1 – 2 inches more length but you don’t want to buy a pant knowing you have to release the cuff right away. Some pant styles can be easily taken up to be let down later but this should be done by a tailor experienced with skiwear as working with performance fabrics presents unique challenges.
There have been so many advances in fabrics and insulation that gone are the days when your little one has to be round as a snowball to be warm. Invest in a quality pant with a good fit, reduce bulk by layering with thermal underwear and/or a fleece pant depending on the weather and your child will have enough freedom of movement to generate the heat they need to stay warm on the hill.
See ya out there!
Kjerstin
To properly fit insulated winter pants it is not necessary to have the other layers on but do not try them on with street wear pants. Street wear pants will fit entirely differently under a ski or snowboard pant then any thermal layers will. It is better to try the insulated pants on with regular underwear, if the pant fits properly there will be plenty of room for thermal underwear and a typical fleece pant.
With the pant on there should be 1 to 2 fingers space around the waist regardless of the style of pant. Some styles have Velcro or snap side size adjusters. This feature is worth its weight in gold as it will help to accommodate a variety of layering options. The pant should fall loosely around the buttocks and thighs without being baggy and there should be room in the rise to pinch about and inch of fabric. The length of the pant is critical as if it is too short you will not get much time out of it but if it is too long it will be damaged possibly beyond repair. The cuff should hit just below the anklebone without hitting the ground. If the pant is a bib or suspender pant make sure that the straps can be adjusted for maximum comfort in the rise and the appropriate length in the leg. Many children’s pants come with grow cuffs which, when released will give as much as 1 – 2 inches more length but you don’t want to buy a pant knowing you have to release the cuff right away. Some pant styles can be easily taken up to be let down later but this should be done by a tailor experienced with skiwear as working with performance fabrics presents unique challenges.
There have been so many advances in fabrics and insulation that gone are the days when your little one has to be round as a snowball to be warm. Invest in a quality pant with a good fit, reduce bulk by layering with thermal underwear and/or a fleece pant depending on the weather and your child will have enough freedom of movement to generate the heat they need to stay warm on the hill.
See ya out there!
Kjerstin
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