A good ski sweater does two jobs: it keeps you warm under a shell on cold days, and it is what you wear at lunch and apres ski. The best are made from wool and cashmere, and the classic is the Norwegian-style knit. These are the women’s ski sweaters we would pack, chosen from our jumpers and the Bogner edit.
What makes a good ski sweater?
- Fibre: wool and cashmere stay warm when damp and breathe well. Avoid heavy cotton.
- Neck: a roll neck, like a zip neck, keeps wind off your throat.
- Weight: a fine knit fits under a ski jacket. A chunky knit is for the evening.
The Norwegian sweater
The Norwegian sweater, with its yoke of stars and bands, is the ski knit everyone recognises. Bogner sold Norwegian knitwear in its first Munich shop in 1932, and it still makes the style. The Ingrid Norwegian-Style Cashmere Jumper in Camel, Brown and Orange is cashmere with a roll neck. Patterned knits more broadly are covered in our Fair Isle and argyle guide.
The ski sweaters we would buy
1. Ingrid Norwegian-Style Cashmere Jumper in Black, Grey and Off White
The Norwegian-style cashmere jumper in black, grey and off white is the most versatile pattern in the edit.
2. Carolyn Norwegian-Style Knit Jacket in Camel
Carolyn is a Norwegian-style zip knit jacket that doubles as a mid layer.
3. Camila Cashmere Jumper in Light Blue
Camila is a plain cashmere jumper in light blue, fine enough to wear under a shell.
4. Larissa Virgin Wool Turtleneck Jumper in Off White
Larissa is a virgin wool roll neck, the knit to wear with ski trousers in the evening.
5. Lari Jumper in Navy and Red
Lari in navy and red is a bold patterned jumper for apres ski.
6. Azra Troyer in Off White
Azra is a Fire+Ice half-zip knit, simple and easy to layer.
How to layer a ski sweater
Wear a fitted base layer next to the skin, the sweater over it, and a shell, sometimes a light down jacket, on top. If the sweater is chunky, keep it for the evening. Our guide on how to layer for skiing explains each layer.
Care
Hand wash wool and cashmere cold and dry flat, away from the radiator. Air a ski sweater between wears instead of washing it every time.
Ski sweater styles explained
- Norwegian: a patterned yoke of stars and bands, usually in wool.
- Fair Isle: bands of small repeating motifs in several colours, originally from Shetland.
- Half-zip, also called a troyer: a zip at the neck that lets you vent on the climb.
- Roll neck: a plain knit with a folded collar that keeps wind off your throat.
How to wear a ski sweater in town
A patterned ski knit looks just as good in the city. Wear it with straight jeans and ankle boots, and add a camel coat such as the Trisha Double-Faced Wool Coat in Camel. Keep the rest of the outfit plain so the pattern leads.
More ski guides on Coveti: apres ski outfits and what apres ski means.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for a ski sweater?
Wool and cashmere. They stay warm when damp, breathe well and resist odour.
Can you ski in a sweater?
Yes, on mild days over a base layer. On cold days, wear it as a mid layer under a shell.
What is a Norwegian ski sweater?
It is a wool knit with a patterned yoke of stars and bands, traditionally made in Norway and long linked with skiing.
What should I wear apres ski?
A wool and cashmere knit, soft trousers and warm boots. A patterned ski sweater is the classic choice.
How do I stop a ski sweater from pilling?
Wash it rarely, by hand and inside out, and remove pills gently with a cashmere comb.
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