Womens Outerwear

What makes women's outerwear different?

Cut and proportion, not colour. Women's snow outerwear is built with a shorter torso, narrower shoulders, different sleeve length relative to body, and shaping through the waist and hips. A men's jacket on a shorter torso rides up when you reach and binds at the shoulders; men's pants cut to a smaller waist keep the wrong hip-to-waist ratio and leg length.

You feel it most while actually riding — reaching, crouching, landing. Women's cuts move with you instead of against you.

What waterproof rating do you need in Australia?

This matters more here than in dry alpine climates. Australian mountain snow is wet, heavy and dense, so waterproofing earns its keep. 10K is a sensible floor for regular riding. If you sit in the snow in the park, ride through rain, or just want longer protection through a wet day, step up to 15K or higher.

The same logic applies to jackets and pants. Your pants take the most direct snow contact when you sit down, so do not under-spec them.

Shell or insulated?

A choice worth making deliberately. An insulated jacket is simpler and warm out of the box, good if you run cold or want one-and-done. A shell is more versatile — you layer underneath to match the day, which suits Australia's swing from firm cold mornings to mild spring afternoons. Shells also tend to be more breathable for higher-output riding.

How should it fit, and over what?

Fit outerwear over the layers you will actually ride in, not over a t-shirt. A jacket that fits over a tee in the shop will be tight over a mid-layer in August, and the hood needs to clear a helmet. For pants, check the rise so they do not gap at the back when you are strapped in and sitting down, which is exactly where snow gets in.

Why do sizes vary so much between brands?

This is the single most common reason outerwear gets returned. Sizing varies meaningfully between brands, and between technical shells and lifestyle cuts within the same brand. A medium in one is not a medium in another. Try a few on at the Richmond showroom, or call us before ordering online and we will tell you where each brand sits. Two minutes saves a return.

Buying women's outerwear in Australia

Burton, L1, Airblaster and Yuki Threads across technical shells and lifestyle snow pieces. Authorised Australian dealer, current-season stock, full manufacturer warranty. Free shipping on orders over $90, with same and next-day dispatch from our Richmond showroom in Melbourne.

Women's Jackets · Women's Pants · Bib Pants · Base Layers · Outerwear Buying Guide · How to Layer for Snowboarding