One-and-Done! 16 Ski Suits and Bibs Perfect to Wear On and Off the Slopes

If Slim Aarons were to recreate his 1969 photograph of Skiers at Gstaad today, chances are he’d find mountain-goers sporting much of the same attire: one-piece ski suits, stretchy stirrup pants, Fair Isle knits, and plenty of faux fur coats (the latter perhaps best paired with a glass of Glüwein at après ski). Zoom in on the photograph, and you’ll find at the center, a woman in a vibrant red one-piece ski suit that looks as stylish then as it did on Princess Diana in the ’80s, and would be on any resort base this season.

Vogue’s Favorite One-Piece Ski Suits

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The Versatile Salopette

Halfdays Isabel snow bib overalls

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First introduced in 1948 by designer Emilio Pucci (who, fun fact, was an Olympic skier before embracing fashion), the one-piece ski suit redefined mountain attire when it debuted—in the ’20s and ’30s, most women would ski recreationally in ankle-length skirts and chunky, woolen sweaters. Another pivotal breakthrough in women’s ski wear arrived in the early ’50s, when German fashion designer and professional skier, Maria Bogner, conceived the brand’s now-legendary stirrup pants in bold, bright colors that were adopted—and popularized—by the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly. They featured sharp creases down the leg and were made from a nylon stretch material that hugged the figure in a uniquely flattering way. (Aarons’ 1964 work, Verbier Skiers, captures the look perfectly.)

As a thriving category for heritage and emerging brands alike, today’s leading ski labels are emphasizing fashion-conscious designs made out of hardwearing performance fabrics that court both the fair-weather bunny skier and the Black Diamond powder chaser.

With practicality and durability top of mind, most ski suits on the market are made of a waterproof, wind-resistant soft shell that features a zipper down the front and an optional belt buckle at the waist. Arms tend to be slim-fit—Bogner, Moncler, and Perfect Moment have perfected the silhouette—for speed and mobility, though you can also find styles that incorporate more of a puffer jacket into the look; Fusalp and Cordova have great options. For baggier fits that’ll appeal to snowboarders seeking greater range of motion, turn to Arc’Teryx and The North Face for tried-and-tested suits.

All of these are meant to be worn with some kind of base layer for warmth—either a top and legging, or if the pant is already snug and fleece-lined, perhaps just a breathable, Merino wool or cashmere turtleneck. (For those curious about how soft shells compare to Gore-tex jackets and pants, the latter are better suited for wet conditions as they tend to be less permeable.) If it’s just a bib with suspenders you’re after, you’ll find both loose and fitted styles at many top brands. Either way, keep an eye out for zippers (the more the merrier!) to clip your lift ticket onto and to stash essentials like lip balm and sunscreen.

Chalet reserved and ski pass bought? Below, the best one-piece ski suits and bibs to pack for your next ski trip.