Buying outerwear can be confusing with the range of materials, waterproofing and fits. We've put together a guide to help you make the best selection for your own personal preference and budget in mind.

Are you looking for a relaxed, baggy or slim-fitted jacket or pants? Think about how much room you need to move your arms when you are skiing or snowboarding. Some jackets include features like a drop tail (think extra warmth on the chair) or a tailored fit, which contours your body. You also want to consider what layers you will wear underneath and how much room you need for your thermals or mid-layer.

HOW TO MEASURE

Chest Circumference - With the jacket zipped up, measure the distance straight across the chest, then double the number.

Bottom Hem Circumference - With the jacket zipped up, measure the width of the jacket at the lowest point, then double the number.

Sleeve Length - Measure from the shoulder seam to the end of the cuff. If you don't see an obvious shoulder seam, measure from the neckline.

Body Length - The length of the jacket from the high point of the shoulder to the bottom hem.

Having a garment that breathes is important in keeping you dry and warm. The breathability rating number indicates how much water vapour can go through the fabric over a period of time. If you are the sort of person who tends to heat up quickly, perspire a lot or a hard skier then a garment with a high breathability rating is just for you. You should look at something in the 15k to 20k range. This rating is among the highest of ski brands' ratings.

A high breathability rating is also a good factor to consider if you are cross-country skiing, skiing out the back or hiking as you will be working really hard and getting your heart rate at a high level causing you to become quite warm.

Waterproofing rating is obviously important on those wet days. If you are the person who will ski in anything, rain, hail or shine then you should be looking at a garment with 20,000+ waterproofing rating. This is the highest rating amongst ski and snowboard brands.

You should also consider what level or ability skier or snowboarder you are, as Australian ski conditions are extremely wet in comparison to the northern hemisphere if you may be falling over or sitting in the snow after a stack then a jacket that is not going to penetrate the water as easily would be good. Also consider this for children.

If you are someone who really only loves those blue bird days then something in the lower range of 5,000mm to 8,000mm is ok for you.

Waterproof Rating*Explanation

0 – 5,000mm: OK in light rain or dry snow

6,000 – 10,000mm: OK in light rain or light snowfall

11,000 – 15,000mm: OK under steady downpour, and wet snow

16,000 – 20,000mm: Ok under heavy rain and wet snow

20000 + mm: Ok under very high pressure rain and wet heavy snowbluebird

Critically taped or Seam Sealed?

Critically seam sealed products, in addition to being made of waterproof materials, have waterproof seams on the most exposed parts of the product ( think shoulders, back and front for jacketss). Fully seam-sealed items have waterproof seams along the entire inseam of the product so they seal water out completely, helping you stay dryer for longer