Sur la Piste - Sports Clothes for Children

Middle Layer - Insulate & Keep Warm!
The middle layer is the insulating layer. It allows moisture to escape, but keeps the heat in. Try and keep it lightweight; ­ Microfleece is a good fabric to choose. Remember during the spring that this layer can sometimes just be topped by a waistcoat. Polo necks are an alternative but I know from experience that if you are skiing hard and fast and then stop for lunch and allow your body to cool down it can feel very cold when you go out again. If you like a polo neck do look for a polyester mix one which does have some wicking properties. We don't sell polo necks because we have yet to find one that combines polyester and elastane with a small cotton content, at a reasonable price. From experience I do think Microfleece is more effective.

Outer Layer - Keep the Wind & Snow Out!
The outer layer must be breathable but weatherproof. The fabric for your child's jacket, salopettes or suit should have a system of microscopic holes in it that are small enough that rain and wind can't penetrate, but big enough to let the moisture out. We provide this information for all the outer clothing that we sell, and if you aren't sure 'phone us or email and we will certainly let you know.

Some final advice on layering: natural fibres are not good for skiing (especially cotton) because they absorb moisture. This means that after exercise when the body cools down it begins to feel cold because the clothing is damp. Clothing that is made from materials that are technically created to dry quickly reduces the body temperature drop when you stop being active. If you wash a cotton polo neck and a microfleece together and hang them both up to dry in the same atmosphere you will find that the microfleece dries at least twice as fast!

It is important that ski clothes are comfortable. If not they can cause irritation or restrict movement. Skiing then becomes a chore not a pleasure.