It’s cold and only getting colder, which means one thing, ski season is almost upon us. Now although Milan is known as one of the fashion capitals of the world, it’s also one of the best-located spots for ski lovers. Chic resorts like Verbier in Switzerland, the Olympic-worthy slopes of Piedmont, and the French Chamonix area at the base of Mont Blanc are a mere two to three hours away, so it’s no surprise that Milan is a hotspot that ticks all the boxes.
Of course, when you think of skiing, you think of cruising down a mountainside, shredding snow, and the famous après-ski culture, but more and more, we’ve seen ski fits really take center stage as brands shift their focus to creating the perfect hybrid between technicality and style for the slopes — and if you hadn’t guessed already, outerwear giants Woolrich are one step ahead of the game.
The FW22 Ski Capsule shows how Woolrich puts performance first. Engineered in Italy by Pespow, the pieces are made with two unique fabrics that are developed entirely with a focus on high performance and technical specs. Pespow, who specializes in outerwear and sportswear, focuses on technology, craftsmanship, and innovation, three subsects of design that Woolrich has always had a penchant for. We took the collection out and about in Milan to show how they're just as hot on the streets as they are on the slopes.
One of the fabrics created for the Ski Capsule is the Techno Jacquard in Buffalo check (a Woolrich staple that can’t go amiss even in ski season). The textile is made up of two layers of nylon-weaved jacquard fabric whose material membrane is resistant to up to 10,000 columns of water — so let’s just say you could be pretty submerged under wet snow or rain but still stay dry. Not only are the Techno Jacquard products waterproof, but windproof and breathable too, perfect for the high altitude slopes that some of you avid skiers encounter. The other fabric we see in the Ski Capsule is the Techno Softshell which is a four-way stretch, three-layer fabric, so on top of being super performing, it’s got that added layer of protection for cold winter weather.
The Ski Capsule Shelter Salopettes are woven with the Techno Jacquard and come complete with all the additional features and zippers you can imagine — think adjustable suspenders, velcro tabs, and zip-up slits on the pants legs, so if you’re getting warmed up by the New Year sun while enjoying an après-ski, these will be a lifesaver.
Speaking of getting a bit too hot, the Buffalo Check Shelter Mountain Jacket has internal backpack straps built into the design, so if you need to take it off, this crafty addition makes it simple to carry around, while the hood’s toggle adjusters make it easy to regulate your temperature. In the same vein, the Shelter Puffer has removable zip sleeves, so depending on your mood or the weather, you could opt for a cozy vest look.
Woolrich and Pespow keep the ‘Made in Italy’ messaging strong when it comes to the Skinny Pants made from Tech Twill fabric. An après-ski must-have, the pants lean towards a more tapered look with hidden pockets for all your ski-related paraphernalia.
So if the slopes (or the city) are calling, you know where to go.
The collection launched in Milan on November 17 and will celebrate an exclusive launch in Munich on November 29 — RSVP here to secure your spot.
Shop the Woolrich Ski capsule here.