Sizing Challenges in Ski Gear and the Brands Embracing Size-Inclusive Apparel
Published March 2, 2026
Navigating the aisles of a ski shop can be daunting, especially when standard sizes don’t accommodate diverse body types. This issue isn’t unique to one individual; it’s a widespread challenge in the outdoor apparel industry.
The Evolution of Ski Gear Sizing
Historically, ski apparel was designed with a narrow demographic in mind, often neglecting the needs of plus-size individuals. This oversight led to discomfort and limited mobility for many skiers. However, recent years have seen a shift towards inclusivity, with several brands expanding their size ranges and rethinking design approaches.
Pioneering Brands in Size-Inclusive Ski Apparel
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Girlfriend Collective: Since 2016, this brand has been at the forefront of size inclusivity, offering performance sportswear made from recycled materials in sizes ranging from XXS to 6XL. (outsideonline.com)
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Osprey: Renowned for its backpacks, Osprey has moved beyond the traditional one-size-fits-most mentality by incorporating adjustable torso lengths, interchangeable hip belts, and customizable harness systems into many of its packs. (outsideonline.com)
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Columbia: With a legacy dating back to 1938, Columbia has steadily expanded its extended sizing across snow jackets and pants for over two decades, offering up to 3X in many women’s styles and investing in separate pattern grading rather than simply scaling up smaller designs. (outsideonline.com)
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Gregory Mountain Products: In 2024, Gregory partnered with Unlikely Hikers to design a line of backpacks accommodating a range of body sizes up to 6X. These packs are engineered with adjusted angles, strap lengths, and proportions to better fit larger bodies without compromising function or comfort. (outsideonline.com)
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Snow Country Outerwear: This brand offers plus-size women’s jackets ranging from 1X to 6X and men’s jackets from 2X to 7X. They emphasize comfort and fit, ensuring that skiers feel confident and unrestricted on the slopes. (outsideonline.com)
The Importance of Inclusive Design
Inclusive sizing isn’t merely about adding larger sizes; it’s about reimagining design to cater to diverse body types from the outset. Traditional sizing systems often assume proportional growth, which doesn’t account for the unique variations in body shapes. Brands like Girlfriend Collective and Osprey are leading the way by developing separate block patterns for different size ranges, ensuring that each garment is tailored to fit its intended wearer comfortably. (outsideonline.com)
The Road Ahead
While progress has been made, the journey towards full inclusivity in ski gear is ongoing. The efforts of these pioneering brands are setting new standards, but continued advocacy and consumer demand are essential to drive the industry forward. As more brands listen to the needs of all skiers, the future of outdoor gear is becoming more diverse, dynamic, and accessible.
Note: This article is a synthesis of recent developments in size-inclusive ski apparel, incorporating information from various sources up to March 2026.