What is the best fabric for skiing long underwear?

Question

I am looking for silk because it is better for the skin. But I know polyester can be warmer for avid skiers. Should silk do it? Is polyester that much better?

Answer 1

You've got three basic choices when it comes to performance quality long underwear.

Silk: It's great for activities where you will be doing alot of activity. It wicks moisture away better than any of the synthetic materials and cotton. It is not very insulating...at least to me. But if you are running, hiking a lot, or XC skiing, it is a good choice. Just be prepared to drop a few bills for the stuff...and you have to learn how to use the "gentle" cycle on your washer.

Polyester: It's pretty much the industry standard now. There are literally dozens of weaves, mixtures, and fabrics that are 100% polyester, or are a poly-blend. Stuff like Under Armor (the original version) is stretchy and contains Lycra. It was designed to keep in heat and wasn't very breathable, but to compete beyong the football field, Under Armor has developed a lot of different styles. Then you have stuff like Techwick from Eastern Mountain Sports. It too comes in various weaves. It has lots of air pockets to trap heat and it is an open weave to allow moisture to get out. I think this typw is the most versatile. Then you have stuff like Capaline from Patagonia. Like the others, it too has various weaves. The popular ones are a bit more "fleecy" and I find they work better for things like DH skiing or activities where I'm not moving a round a lot. But I haven't tried all of the stuff made by just these three companies...let alone the rest of the market.

Then you have the Wool-Synthetic blends like SmartWool. I've used the SmartWool long underwear a few times. It wicks well and is warm. Again, it's good for less aerobic activities. My buddy who really only skis uses this and loves it, but the time we took him snowshoeing he was hot when wearing it. The rest of us were wearing Techwick and were very comfy.

I don't use silk anymore and polyester has never given me any problems...as far as my skin goes.

Cotton should be avoided at all costs and I'm not a big fan of the polypropolene stuff you find in the Cabela's catalog or the Army Navy store either. Nylon, while not used much, does pop up in some weaves and fabrics..this sucks too and it get's really funky even if you wash it.

My usual base layer wardrobe for skiing is a long-sleeve Techwick (T2) shirt from EMS, Techwick (T2) boxers and Polartec 100 fleece pants (I have several from various companies...I don't normally wear long underwear pants.)

Answer 2

I use Under Armour ColdGear leggings.  They keep you really warm and you can barely tell you're wearing them.  GoreTex outer shell.