Insulated miniskirts? Is there any sense in that?

[KBee]

Do they do anything at all? I know heat rises, but they seem like they'd be drafty. I could see it for wearing over a thin base layer, just to cover up in the lodge or parking lot--but any skirt would do for that.

https://www.rei.com/product/119648/mountain-hardwear-trekkin-insulated-mini-skirt

 

[Jilly]

Wore mine last Thursday night with insulated tights. Everyone thought it looked great. But I wish it was a bit longer.

Mine is the older version of that one.

 

[ski diva]

I have a Skhoop skirt that I wear sometimes over my bottom base layer apres ski or if I have an errand to run after skiing. I agree that it's not especially warm, but it's a good alternative when you want to get out of your ski pants. I've seen some that are a lot shorter than mine, but I don't think I'd like that.

 

[santacruz skier]

I have three of them and wear them over tights in the lodge or to breakfast or dinner. One of mine is really short so that goes over leggings.... @ski diva 's is a nice length though. Do I wear them at home? Never - I live at the beach in California!

 

[Christy]

Do they do anything at all? I know heat rises, but they seem like they'd be drafty. I could see it for wearing over a thin base layer, just to cover up in the lodge or parking lot--but any skirt would do for that.

https://www.rei.com/product/119648/mountain-hardwear-trekkin-insulated-mini-skirt

You have waded into the Great Puffy Skirt Debate. Except it's not really a debate anymore because I think everyone but me loves them. I agree that any skirt would serve the same purpose. I have sort of come around to the wool ones, if I ever wanted one to wear in the lodge, but I don't really need that. You will undoubtedly get tons of responses that tell you how great they are.

I also don't get the idea of vests--there is never a time when I want my torso but not my arms warm. Puffy skirts to me are like vests, but much uglier.

Here's the original thread. They got to Sheena eventually though.
https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/down-skirt-really.15221/

 

[Tvan]

I love mine and wear it frequently, right over my base layer after a day on the mountain. Along with the down skirt debate, we also traversed into the Title Nine tunic sweater discussion. I’m a fan of those, too. And vests... especially since I entered the era of the unpredictable hot flashes.

 

[santacruz skier]

Big Title Nine fan as well

 

[nopoleskier]

I have a down mini by Marmot, it's quite warm and yes puffy, sadly I'm not too fashion conscious more about purpose/function. I also have a couple of wool mini skirts. I wear w/my tights under all find them easy to change into at the Mt. and still go out apres ski. I do wear them besides for skiing.

 

[Christy]

I missed the Title Nine tunic debate so went looking for it. I didn't find a debate but did find a thread I hadn't seen where they were mentioned along with Sweet Spot Skirts, which I hadn't heard of--now those are cute! And the story about how the company started is a real testimonial to the product.

 

[KBee]

I also don't get the idea of vests

I like them because my arms got big when I did martial arts, so a lot of jackets were too tight on my biceps and shoulders. They're warm for a mid-layer, without restricting arm movement.

 

[KBee]

Are they warm, though? Also, I really tried to find that thread first, swear!

 

[MissySki]

Are they warm, though? Also, I really tried to find that thread first, swear!

Just this year I have taken to wearing mine over leggings for tailgating and football games when it's cold, but not so cold that I need like a ski pant etc. It makes a huge difference in warmth for my tush and thighs! I took mine off to see the difference one day, and it was very noticable. Plus it's comfy!

I do also occassionally wear it for apre, but I'll also just wear my baselayers if needed so I don't always bother carrying it around.

As for vests, while I don't wear them often I can see the appeal. I have wide shoulders so sometimes it's nice to add more warmth to my torso without adding bulk around my shoulders/armpits in a jacket depending how close fitting it already is.

 

[KBee]

OK. If I can find one on sale that doesn't make *me* look any puffier, I'll give it a shot!

 

[Jenny]

You have waded into the Great Puffy Skirt Debate. Except it's not really a debate anymore because I think everyone but me loves them. I agree that any skirt would serve the same purpose. I have sort of come around to the wool ones, if I ever wanted one to wear in the lodge, but I don't really need that. You will undoubtedly get tons of responses that tell you how great they are.

I also don't get the idea of vests--there is never a time when I want my torso but not my arms warm. Puffy skirts to me are like vests, but much uglier.

Here's the original thread. They got to Sheena eventually though.
https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/down-skirt-really.15221/

I’m still on the fence, so you’re not alone. I don’t think they look bad on other people but I’ve never tried one on myself.

As for vests, they’re a great additional layer that doesn’t constrict the armpits. Outside of skiing, though, I don’t wear them. Oh, and they’re also good for restaurants in case it's cold in there. I hate eating with my coat on.

 

[Audski]

I have 3 skirts. A black puffy, a white puffy, and a lovely grey and pink wool one. I wear them all. They are perfect for driving in the car to the mountain, for apres, take up little room in a boot bag, and are super easy to get in and out of. I just got my 10yr old one because she wanted one. True, they are not the warmest in super cold days, but more often than not I'm happy wearing it and they make life easy she. Changing into ski pants.

 

[kiki]

I have a couple from icebreaker
I wear them a lot, with leggings or tights in winter and autumn and spring for golf or just running to the store or meeting a friend for coffee or apres. They are easy and comfy and as a bonus make me feel sexy!

 

[SkiBam]

I bought one once, but for someone my size, it did not look great! Gave it to my (taller and slimmer) daughter on whom it looks terrific. I've seen her wear it x-c skiing on cold days. In fact, I've seen others wear it for x-c.

 

[mustski]

You have waded into the Great Puffy Skirt Debate. Except it's not really a debate anymore because I think everyone but me loves them.
https://www.theskidiva.com/forums/index.php?threads/down-skirt-really.15221/

Nope. I just don't like them either. Also, I am happy enough to hang out in my ski pants for après if still at the resort. If it's off the resort, I just go home and change first. Also, I found these great leggings that I wear under my ski pants on cold days. They are plenty opaque so, if needed, I can just drop my ski pants. I do see how those skirts would give extra tush warmth at sporting events.

 

[SnowSeeker]

I had mixed feelings about the puffy skirt until I bought the SmartWool one at REI’s annual sale. (The full price was beyond absurd, imo). Now, it’s a staple for me for post hiking or other exercise where tights are involved. It has a zipper than runs the length of it, so I can easily zip it on if I’m meeting a friend for coffee or running an errand afterwards. I don’t use it apres ski. I agree with mustski that one can hang out in the lodge in ski pants and save the hassle of changing. But I may change into it on days when I sneak out to go skiing when kids are in school. That way, I can arrive at carpool pick up looking like I just came from a short run instead of playing hooky all day skiing! I found that some of the brands fit in a weird way so you may have to try a few.

 

[Christy]

I had mixed feelings about the puffy skirt until I bought the SmartWool one at REI’s annual sale. (The full price was beyond absurd, imo). Now, it’s a staple for me for post hiking or other exercise where tights are involved. It has a zipper than runs the length of it, so I can easily zip it on if I’m meeting a friend for coffee or running an errand afterwards. I don’t use it apres ski. I agree with mustski that one can hang out in the lodge in ski pants and save the hassle of changing. But I may change into it on days when I sneak out to go skiing when kids are in school. That way, I can arrive at carpool pick up looking like I just came from a short run instead of playing hooky all day skiing! I found that some of the brands fit in a weird way so you may have to try a few.

Someone else mentioned an Icebreaker puffy. So these wool companies have gotten into the down business?