Many ski enthusiasts believe that ski pant size does not matter. They wear what feels comfortable and fits them perfectly. This is not entirely true. There are specific measurements that can be used to determine the perfect ski pant size.
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The Rise Of The Mid Winger
One of the most recognizable styles of ski pants is the “winger” style. These are the pants that ski legend Tony Hawk is often seen in. They feature two vertical panels that run along the outside of the pant, with another panel that connects the two front quarters. The style was developed to trap heat and keep the skier warm while skiing. Tony Hawk himself has said that the ideal pant size is between a size medium and a large.
The problem is that over the years, a lot of men have tried to emulate Tony Hawk’s style only to cause themselves trouble. These pants are tight around the waist and legs and it’s not unusual for individuals to experience discomfort. If you’re looking to emulate Tony Hawk’s style, it’s best to select a pair of large ski pants that are a bit looser fitting around the waist.
Find The Perfect Fit
The best way to make sure that your ski pants fit perfectly is to find the perfect tailor. When you’re in a hurry to get skiing, it’s not always easy to find a quality tailor. But, if you want to look your best on the mountain, it’s worth the effort.
The perfect tailor will be able to take in the pants just enough so that you don’t feel like you’re going to burst. If you put the garment on and it’s too big, you’re going to look like a giant. And, if you put the pants on and they’re too small, they’re going to look like those embarrassing stretch pants that the women wear around the house. So, do what you can to find the perfect fit before your ski trip.
If you’re on your own, you might want to start with the waist. Take a measuring tape and measure the smallest part of your waist, usually around your belly button. For most men, this will be around the middle of the pant, above the waistband. Once you have that measurement, check the inside of your pant leg. The ideal waist size is around 45-55 cm, while the inside of the pant leg should measure 55-65 cm. If you’re between a size medium and large, choose the larger size so that the pants don’t pinch around the waist. If you’re between a size medium and small, choose the smaller size so that the pants don’t look baggy around the legs.
Once you have the measurements taken, your tailor will be able to make the appropriate adjustments and send the pants back for you to try on before you make the payment.
Choose A Dark Color
Another way to make your ski pants look better is to select a dark color scheme. When you ski, you’re going to be warmer, so you should select a color that’s going to keep you warm. Ideally, you want the color to be near black, so that it absorbs and retains heat better than any other shade. If it’s too cold where you are, you can always pull off a black jacket or vest over your outfit to complete the look.
For those looking to emulate Tony Hawk’s style, it’s best to select a pair of black ski pants. These will keep you warm on the mountain and look great next to any ski outfit or clothing item. If you want to go for a more classic look, white or light blue are perfect choices.
Stretched Out
For most men, the biggest issue with ski pants is that they tend to shrink a lot after the first wash. To prevent this from happening, you need to lay the pants flat after you’ve washed them and let them air dry. While this is not ideal, it’s better than having the pants shrink a ton once you wear them a couple of times. The best way to avoid this problem is to select a pair of big, comfortable pants that will not shrink too much after the first wash, or air dry.
Once you have the right pair of ski pants, it’s time to equip yourself with the necessary items to make your ski trip unforgettable. From the ski equipment to the ski attire, there are numerous items available that you might need. Before hitting the slopes for the first time, make sure to have your equipment cleaned and tuned up so that it works properly.
Ensure that you have enough fuel in your gas can and that your ski tires are properly inflated. Make sure that the area where you’ll be parking is clear, especially if it’s a popular one. Parking in a no parking area can result in a hefty fine or even arrest. Once you’ve done all of that, it’s time to hit the slopes and enjoy yourself.