Choose the perfect size for your ski outfit
The annual ski holiday brings pure mountain joy, yet there’s always that tiny worry niggling away: Will my ski pants actually fit? We’ve all been there—wrestling a too‑tight jacket over your thermals or hitching up ski pants that are trying to migrate south faster than Anna Paquin and the cast of Fly Away Home.
At Cirkel Supply we’ve made it our mission to banish sizing stress forever. Our data‑driven size tool takes out the guesswork and makes choosing the right size a breeze.
If you just want the TLDR (quick version), read the first two sections below. For those who want to underline the FIT in ski outfit, keep reading through our deep dive to discover more tips and the frequently asked questions (and answers!) from other skiers.
Find your size - men’s & women’s ski clothing
On each rental product page for men’s and women’s ski garments, you’ll spot a ‘Find my size’ button. Tap it, enter your age, height and weight, and voilà—our Sizebay‑powered size tool will serve up a personalised recommendation for each garment you browse on our website.
For a more nuanced recommendation, tweak the on‑screen avatar so it mirrors your real‑life shape. Broad shoulders, narrow hips? Beefier quads from all that skiing? Drag the sliders until the avatar looks like you, and the tool will happily suggest different sizes for jacket and trousers to create your perfect combo.
We partnered with the clever folks at Sizebay to build this virtual fitting room due to their blend of anthropometrics and AI that gives accurate results. It’s quick, it’s private, and it takes away the jeopardy of unboxing your skiwear rental in your hotel room.
Choosing the right size for your child’s ski outfit
Kids grow faster than bamboo, so nailing the right size can feel like an extreme sport. For most of our children’s range the ‘Find my size’ button opens a height‑based size chart. Measure your little adventurer while they’re standing tall (ski socks on, please!), match their centimetres to the chart and you’re done.
The chart assumes an average build, but we know averages are only useful in maths class. If your child is lighter or heavier than the norm, hop over to our Kids Skiwear Height & Weight Chart for extra reassurance.
A handful of kids’ products—such as the Patagonia Retro Pile Fleece—use the Sizebay tool instead. In that case, follow the same steps as you would for adult gear.
Sizebay - personalised size recommendations
The size tool recommends the 'best fit' option for you, but also adds commentary on how different sizes would fit you. The fit descriptions are as follows:
- very tight
- tight
- slightly tight
- slightly loose
- very loose
The 'best fit' recommendation is typically accompanied with fits described as 'slightly tight' or 'slightly loose' - we recommend you stick to the recommended size.
Sizebay is the technical genius behind our sizing solution. In plain English, it’s a virtual fitting room that combines proven body‑measurement data with machine learning to predict the best size for you. Pop in three simple stats (age, height, weight), adjust the body shape if you wish, and the algorithm crunches thousands of anthropometric data points to suggest the right size, first time.
The result? Outstanding accuracy, lighter suitcases and happier holiday memories: a win‑win‑win.
Ski clothes sizing - FAQ
Read our frequently asked sizing questions below, or head to our FAQ page to view questions and answers on a broad range of rental topics.
Do you size up for ski clothes?
It depends on your mission.
- If you’re chasing spring turns or if you prefer a sleek silhouette, stick to the recommended size.
- If you prefer the look and feel of a more relaxed fit, or if you're headed to Saas-Fee in January, where ‑10 °C is considered warm, consider a size up so you can add more layers.
Remember: you can cinch in the waist tabs on your ski pants, but there’s no expanding ski pants that are already snug.
How do I choose between two sizes?
When in doubt, size up. A slightly looser fit still works on‑snow and in the bar, whereas a too‑tight piece can restrict movement, compromise insulation and seriously spoil your day. Check the fit commentary in our size tool as well—if the smaller option reads “tight” and you plan Arctic‑level layering, take the larger option.
A pro-tip for those who are tall and slim: renting bib-pants means that you can choose the larger size that’s recommended to you - meaning that your trouser legs will be a great length, but the relaxed fitting bib-pants will stay comfortably in place due to the shoulder straps and adjustable waist band. We recommend the Ortovox 3L Deep Shell Bib Pants for men & women.
Does Patagonia run big or small?
There is some variation in how our different brands fit, for example, Patagonia and Houdini’s sizing is more generous than that of Ortovox.
The good news is, our digital size tool cleverly accounts for these brand quirks, so you don't have to. For example, it may land you on a size Small in Patagonia and yet a Medium in Ortovox. Trust the widget; it’s seen more size charts than we’ve had hot chocolates.
Do you offer tall or petite ski pants?
Not yet. Demand is still modest and many partner brands don’t produce extended lengths. If you’re keen on tall or petite options, let us know via our contact page—your feedback helps shape future collections.
How do I choose the right size when I'm layering
Layers need space to trap warm air. If you’re planning multiple midlayers—aim for a fit that feels relaxed, but not super loose or baggy. Referring back to our size tool's fit descriptions, choose slightly loose if deep‑freeze temperatures are on the cards.
Is size 34 medium or large in men's ski pants?
International sizing is a maze of letters and numbers. A men’s EU 50 / US 34‑inch waist usually equates to a Large in most brands, but there are exceptions. Rather than memorise conversion charts, hit that Find my size button and let the tool handle the translation.
Do you offer further size support?
Absolutely. If you’ve used our digital size tool, read this guide and still feel unsure, drop us a line. Send us your age, height, weight, usual jeans and T‑shirt sizes, and any notes on preferred fit. Our (human) sizing gurus will reply with free advice faster than you can say "goggles fogging".
Ready to lock in your outfit?
Head over to Cirkel Supply's skiwear rental collection, choose your look and we’ll deliver it straight to your destination in the Swiss Alps—freshly cleaned, perfectly sized and ready for the mountains.
