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Does Winter 2021 spell the end for boring Women's base layers? A few Winter's ago black and grey thermals were the mainstay for keeping warm on a Skiing or Snowboarding holiday. They would come out the cupboard only when absolutely necessary, usually for that annual ski trip, or on the odd occasion the White fluffy stuff would appear across British skies. This Winter attire, resembling something that would feel at home on the set of a Harry Potter movie or on the front cover of a Worst Witch book was also reminiscent of those itchy grey tights, or long socks you would be packed off to school in on Winter days. But, thankfully, we have moved on. There are a few brands now putting those days behind us and creating Women's ski base layers that can finally see the light of day!
We're writing this blog to introduce you to a few of those brands and highlight some of the most stylish base layers for Winter 2020! Whilst we are going to focus on style in this article if you would like to learn more about the different types of fabric or features that ladies thermals are made of then check out our "Ultimate Guide to Women's Base Layers." Before we kick off and for those new to skiing or snowboarding we'll take a look at why base layers or thermals are such an important part of your mountain clothing.
Every year in January huge numbers of the outdoor industry gather at ISPO, Munich. In addition to checking out new designs, products, fabrics, suppliers and brands they produce a trend report. For Winter 2021 they identified 5 colour trends: Core, Speed, Talent, Capricious and Optic We're loving Talent and Capricious, what about you? Either way, colour is back and we're excited to see what this Winter brings! You can read the full article and learn more about ISPO here.
Eivy Women's Base Layer Ivy Blossom
Eivy practically invented patterned ski thermals, created by snowboarder & fashion designer Anna Vister to challenge and expand the perception of how multiFUNctional base layers can be. Their collection of patterned base layers includes the Camo Landscape print shown above, we also love the Bloom, Granny's Couch, Zebra, Pink and if you are looking for a more simple base layer in a fresh colour check out their forest green base layer! Check out a our Eivy collection here. The Leopard print leggings are currently one of our best sellers, so if you have your eye on a pair you'd better grab 'em quick!
Style aside, the thing we really love about Eivy is they make damn good base layers. It's quite clear they are designed by skiers and snowboards and for that reason they are rapidly becoming the go to piece for both up and coming, and established athletes such as @lovisazederfeldt and @spannah_wilson.
Jam packed full of features, including long sleeves, their original design includes and integrated, soft fleece neckwarmer and longer cuffs with integrated thumb holes. New this year is also a zip top base layer too. Their base layers are made from some of the softest fabric on the market, lightly brushed on the inside, its UPF50 sunblocking, stretchy, fast drying and importantly, opaque!
Shredding the mountain, or lounging around a bar after, these are stand out pieces for 2020! You won't find any grey or black base layers in their collection!
Kari Traa is both the creator of the fastest growing sportswear brand in Europe and a freestyle ski champion and Olympian. Kari Traa runs by the motto "For girls, by girls" with a technical collection jam packed full of prints and bright colours. The ethos of the brand is very playful but they take their social responsibility seriously from using as much wool based fabrics as possible, to fair labour conditions. We admire their honest stance on packaging, not all brands are brave enough to highlight areas they need to work on.
Whilst Kari Traa have expanded their range into running, yoga and training specific clothing their foundations are built on women's ski clothing.
For Winter 2021 we love the Hjerte long sleeved baselayer with a feminine Nordic inspired design which comes in Cloud, a pale blue colour shown below and also Rose, Denim, Calm, White and Grey. Made with superfine, 100% Merino Wool this is a premium base layer that insulates whether wet or dry. Merino wool is an ideal fabric to make base layers from as its breathable, naturally odour resistant and due to its fine fibres a fantastic insulator. Kari Traa make a matching Merino Wool thermal leggings also in Cloud.
Kari Traa Hjerte Women's Base Layer Top £59
For a slightly more technical piece, take a look at the Kari Traa Rose base layer, a half zip base layer top. With thinner side panels under the arms allowing for extended movement in these areas. This also comes with matching high waist, 100% Merino Wool Pant.
Kari Traa Rose Base Layer Top £79
The French brand Picture Organic blasted onto the mountain apparel scene back in 2008 with a clear brand concept "the best possible environmentally friendly product design" their aim is to source products that are 100% recycled, organic or made from responsibly sourced materials. Known for their use of bright colours and statement logo pieces you can't look too far in the Alps these days without spotting a Picture Organic customer, the brand is becoming a hot favourite.
Picture Organic Milita Base Layer Top EUR69.99
Brand new for Winter 2020, you won't go unnoticed in the Picture Organic Milita base layer top! With seam free Xina leggings in the matching print we love this new style from Picture Organic. This first layer is made from 93% recycled polyester and 7% elastane giving the top some stretch making it a great skiing or snowboarding base layer. Flat lock seams and thumb loops add to the technical features of this top.
Envisioned and founded by Scottish Fashion designer Alex Feechan, FINDRA was born in the small textile village in Scotland. Much of the FINDRA collection uses Merino wool with its fantastic properties that make it a great fabric for sportswear. They have a great range of women's Merino wool base layer tops and bottoms. It's interesting to see the brand branch out into using a synthetic fabric for the leggings below.
Findra Tiree Printed Leggings £70
Made from a polyester / elastane mix these leggings have a 4 way stretch allowing proper freedom of movement for whatever outdoor activity you enjoy. We love the new print in grape wine and it comes in a grey called 9 iron too. We also like the addition of a seamless centre front panel for added comfort plus the handy angled side pocket. A great, versatile option for lots of sports - running, biking, skiing, hiking!
The Merino Wool brand from New Zealand was founded in 2009 bringing well designed, fun and functional Merino wool base layers to the market. With its routes firmly in mountain sports including skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking they now make a year round collection. Mons Royale are proud of their environmental credentials, using only certified ZQ Merino for the highest standards in animal welfare and Merino wool is a great choice for base layers.
Mons Royale Yotei Base Layer £99.99
Classic styling from Mons Royale, their ladies base layer is a staple in our wardrobe and we love the updated colour palette for Winter 2021. This is a light weight base layer made from 100% Merino wool, a slightly relaxed fit provides movement when you need it. The Yotei is available on our website in Pink and Turquoise. This is a really technical base layer, the Merino fabric wicks away sweat, and regulates your body temperature, we love the dropped tail giving a bit of extra length at the back.
Mons Royale have really nailed the work hard, play hard design with a collection that is perfect both on and off the Mountain.
Burton, founded in 1977 by Jake Burton Carpenter is an established Snowboard brand, recently we've been impressed with their efforts to incorporate sustainability into their business model including closing their stores on two Fridays in September 19 in support of the Global Climate Strikes. You can read more about their sustainability approach here.
Women's Burton Midweight Base Layer Crew £48
Burton's Winter base layer top comes in 6 different designs and is made with their "DRYRIDE Ultrawick Midweight 200 fabric that's scientifically engineered to pull heat-robbing sweat away from your skin and propel it through your outer layers." So if you are looking for a warm base layer then this is a great option. As well as a cool design, this top is packed full of technical features such as the thumb loops, UPF50 sun protection and 4-way stretch. The fit is long, so perfect to tuck into your ski or snowboard pants and it is designed to be fitted, so if you want a more relaxed look we'd suggest you size up. And if you are looking for a base layer set then they also do the matching base layer leggings too!
We hope you've enjoyed reading about this season's ladies thermals! If there are any you think we have missed off the list, or would like us to stock we'd love to hear from you - drop us an email at hi@thelatitude.life. With some snowfall already hitting parts of the Alps and N. America its gearing up to be an awesome Winter - see you on the slopes!
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