McLEAN, Va. (Winter 2002-03) -- Beneath every great winter outfit is a layer of clothing that quietly plays a big role on the slopes. This base layer -- long underwear, socks, fleece tops -- works behind the scenes to wick away moisture and lock in warmth. It doesn’t attract much attention, but the base layer can mean the difference between a blissful day on the hill and one spent shivering, sweating and swearing, according to SnowSports Industries America (SIA), the national, not-for-profit trade association that represents snow sports manufacturers.

Hot Trends for 2002-03

Who would have thought underwear could be so much fun to buy? Consider the new hot pink camouflage print pieces from Hot Chillys or the downright sexy men’s stretch boxers from Marmot. Fresh, fun colors range from blues to reds to tans and new street cuts give underwear a new versatility. Sock designers are using words like shock absorption, bringing sock comfort to new levels. Of course, the way base layers are made is changing, too, with new fibers and fabrics, offering more moisture management, wind protection and lighter weight performance.

"Simply put, the base layer category is moving to a new level of technical performance and comfort," says Jim Frazier, VP of design and product development for Marmot. "Between advancement in knitting technology and fiber generation and the understanding and mapping of the microclimates within garment systems, the overall comfort for the user has advanced tremendously for the coming winter."

In a year when technology is the big story, the biggest technological story is the explosion in the use of X-Static, a performance fabric made with pure silver. Silver has been used for centuries in the medical world to kill bacteria. The fabric’s anti-microbial properties mean that it can be worn longer between washings. "X-Static possesses unparalleled anti-odor, anti-static and heat-regulation qualities to conduct and distribute heat away from the body to keep you cooler in warm weather, and to reflect heat back to the body in cold weather," says Scott Blessing, president of Medalist.

But X-Static isn’t the only technology story. Other high-tech fabrics, like Medalist’s Skinetics, Hot Chillys’ Micro Active and Marmot’s DriClime, are being introduced or broadened this year to give winter sports enthusiasts the ultimate performance on the hill.

While base-layer manufacturers are putting their energy into technology, they’re also concentrating on versatility and crossover appeal, designing pieces that can be worn both alone and as part of a layering system, and with, say, jeans or khakis. "More care is being taken to make sure the designs work esthetically for wear-alone use -- colors, trim and external logos are carefully crafted for a life outside a layering system," says Patagonia’s Hal Thomson. "I think the market has demanded ‘layering’ pieces that look just as good as the layer that will go over it," says SportHill’s Liz Wilson. "Pull out base layer pieces from five different companies this year and compare them to the same companies two years ago -- you will see strong fashion-driven, performance products available now."

Most of the new colors are natural, outdoorsy and basic — a lot of dark green, navy, dusk, burnt orange, black and heather gray will be seen, and unseen, on snow-sliders and winter outdoor enthusiasts for 2002-03.

Underwear, Socks, and Fleece Top Highlights for Winter 2002-03

Black Diamond: Black Diamond’s new Long Sleeve Tech Tee follows this year’s versatility trend. Made with Polartec Power Dry for superior wicking and warmth, the Tech Tee is designed to perform as a base layer or a cross-sport tee. And it’s comfortable and stylish enough for everyday wear.

Columbia Sportswear: Columbia Sportswear introduces a brand-new, diverse base-layer collection for winter 2002. Offering a variety of tops, bottoms and accessories for men, women and children, the collection is divided into five categories. Core features performance underwear and base layers, with fabrics ranging from 100 percent silk to Double-Brushed Micro Fleece. The Titanium collection has technical base layers, featuring Outlast’s Micro-Tech Mid-Weight and 4-Way Stretch. The GRT group offers performance mock T-necks and T-shirts. Convert has performance base layers for snowboarders. Finally, Accessories has 4-way stretch briefs, boxers, gloves and hood liners.

Two signature pieces stand out. The Performance Base Layer-Bi-Component Mid-Weight ($55 zip-Henley, $42 bottom). The pieces feature the new Bi-Component Vector Channeled Construction, which is a yarn system with a soft hand that locks in warmth to enhance the overall performance of the fabric. The new Convert-Performance Base Layer Double Brushed Micro-Spun Mid-Weight ($35 crew, $35 bottom) is a very versatile piece, perfect for cutting edge riders. "The relaxed cut, longer tail, contrast stitching and unique color treatments (sand/sage, carbon/vivid blue) provide the features and style the snowboard market craves," says Karen Strong, a Columbia Sportswear spokesperson. "This is a multi-functional product that can perform as a base layer or as a stand-alone piece."

Fox River: Fox River puts a lot of energy into designing socks that fit well, which translates into comfort and performance. For skiers, new this year is the Wick Dry Triumph and the women’s Wick Dry Andorra. Among the features of the Triumph are Fox River’s Wick Dry Health System to keep feet dry; Thermolite and Merino wool fibers to move moisture away and promote warmth. The Andorra, made to fit the shape of a woman’s foot, is designed to wick moisture, provide thermal insulation and absorb shock in the shin area. For snowboarders, the new Wick Dry Big Air and women’s Wick Dry Viper both feature super-soft Merino wool and are cushioned and fit to help eliminate calf crunch and top-of-foot pain. In the Viper, Lycra 3D is knit throughout for a "memory fit," while the Big Air’s special Thermalined sole provides shock absorption and insulation to prevent foot bang. Sock prices range from $10 to $16.

Hot Chillys: Hot Chillys has some hot new products: two new base-layer fabrications, fun new prints and, for the first time, sport socks. First, the fabric news: one fabrication, called Micro Active (in the Midweight series), is a heat-generating fiber that increases in temperature with normal body humidity. Silhouettes featuring Micro Active include a crew neck, half-zip and bottom with a relaxed fit. Then there’s the new midweight Bio Silver, which contains silver ionized yarns with anti-microbial properties and a two-ply knit, designed to lock in warmth while wicking away moisture. Designed for a comfortable, relaxed fit, Bio Silver pieces include crew and zip-T tops and bottoms. Hot Chillys’ new prints include Snake and Leopard, both available in the MTF 3000 and Micro Elite Brushed fabrics. Also, new MicroFiber 1 pieces include the Kamy, a new hot-pink camouflage print for women, and Camo, a rugged green camouflage print for men.

Finally, Hot Chillys has decided to take its base layer expertise all the way down to the toes. The 100-percent synthetic Sport Socks come in three weights: Lo-Volume, Mid-Volume and Hi-Volume. Features include Bio-Silver; a "perspiration chimney" that expedites moisture transfer out of the sock; and a comfortable, anatomical fit.

Helly Hansen: Helly Hansen introduced its LIFA polypropylene base layer in 1975 and, over the last couple of seasons, has improved the fabric. Long regarded as very effective at transporting moisture away from the body, LIFA now is softer and more durable and less likely to pill or hold onto odors. Two standout new LIFA products for 2002-03 are the Ski/Board Top ($36) and the Sport Pant, ($34) both in men’s sizes. The crew top has a stripe that curves around the arms, a break from LIFA’s traditional straight shoulder-to-cuff stripe. Its extra-long sleeves have thumbholes to keep the wrists warm and dry if snow creeps up the outer jacket sleeves. The Sport pant is cut off around the calf, just below the knees, to accommodate boots.

In its Fleece line, Helly Hansen offers products in Profleece (a pile) and Prostretch (microfleece). New this year is bonded microfleece, which is soft on the inside and has a slick but soft face, with a neoprene-like feel to it. The new men’s Slick Face Jersey ($80) and Dojo Hoody ($125) are two exciting products that feature the new material. The Slick Face Jersey has a smooth, durable face, a brushed back, a front kangaroo pocket, thumb loops and a mock neck with a long neck and chest zip for better ventilation. If a ninja snowboard battalion existed, it would probably wear the Dojo, a striking, unusual hoody. A full-zip jacket with a Lycra twill face, it provides good wind block, and the front zip curves to the left over the chin for extra facial protection in cold conditions.

Marmot: Seventy percent of Marmot’s base-layer styles are new. "Marmot has focused on developing the most appropriate base layer offering for all weather conditions and athletic pursuits," says Jim Frazier, VP of design and product development. In the silkweight underwear category, there are six new, dimensionally wicking DriClime styles ($35 and up), from tanks and briefs to traditional long-sleeve crewneck tops and bottoms, for men and women. The five, pique/mesh denier-gradient knit styles in the midweight category ($38 and up) now feature the anti-microbial and temperature-regulating fabric X-Static. The line includes traditional underwear styles for men and women, plus a men’s stretch boxer. Finally, there are four new expedition weight styles ($60 and up). Made with DriClime, these low-bulk, stretch-polyester knit pieces are designed to permanently transport moisture through their denier-gradient construction and are Qwick-treated which further enhances wicking for an anti-microbial finish.

Medalist: "Our new line differs by the introduction, penetration and broadening of the X-Static anti-microbial technology and Skinetics, the ultimate quick-dry moisture management technology," says Blessing. Both are available in a broad range of products for 2002-03. The vertical base layer licensee for X-Static, Medalist offers the technology in a cutting-edge bi-component two-layer product ($30) and a four-way stretch Lycra ($42), while styles include crew, zip and T-shirts, pants, briefs and boxers. The low-pill Skinetics product group features several styles in single-layer ($21), microfiber two-layer ($30) and microfleece ($48) fabrics. Colors include navy, black, gray heather and white combined with Loden, redstone and sandstone shades.

Mountain Hardwear: EXtend ($42-$60) is an apropos name for Mountain Hardwear’s new-last-season base-layer collection. With its moisture management and anti-bacterial protection, it can be worn for several days between washings, making it a perfect garment to pack for an extended ski trip. The Polartec PowerDry fabric is combined with X-Static to create fast-drying pieces with a soft, cotton-like feel. The necks and ergonomic cuffs feature Malden’s PowerDry with Lycra for stretch and resilience and the tights have brushed elastic at the waist. Black, gray, midnight and periwinkle are the major colors in the line, which is available in various men’s and women’s styles. New in Mountain Hardwear’s fleece collection is the Recoil Jacket ($110), made with a new, more densely knit Polartec Thermal Pro. The new fabric provides insulation values of 200-weight fleece, but weighs less (like a traditional 100-weight fleece). It has a unique looking velour face and a micro kind of feel. Colors include burnt orange, eucalyptus, shark and storm blue.

Patagonia: Patagonia has added stretch to its famous Capilene and Regulator base-layer collections. In the Capilene line, the Stretch Midweight and Stretch Expedition Weight are new styles, while stretch has been added to new and existing Regulator R.5 pieces. The Stretch Midweight tops and bottoms feature double cuffs to prevent the fabric from creeping up while the skier or boarder is in motion. The Stretch Expedition Weight fleece top has a smooth, jersey face, a microfleece back and a soccer-style neck for better fit and movement. Patagonia’s Classic Expedition Weight fleece tops have also been redesigned to fit better and eliminate pack chafing.

SmartWool: SmartWool has a brand-new, super-lightweight line called Aero ($46-$65). Made from 100-percent superfine SmartWool jersey, the line’s zip-Ts, crews, scoop crews and tights offer peak performance in both warm and cool weather. Ultra-soft to the touch, the men’s and women’s styles feature hues of fog blue, natural white, saffron, chamois and light gray.

SmartWool also offers new Snowboard and Ski Light socks, both made with high-grade Merino wool. The Snowboard sock offers performance fit and feel in the foot area, but cushioning in the leg, while the versatile Ski Light sock is intended to give alpine and telemark skiers the perfect balance of fit and performance.

SportHill: For 2002-03, SportHill is introducing Swift Technology in its Zone 3 collection ("cold-weather winter sports"). Swift Technology, a new single layer for high-octane activities or less extreme temperatures, is made with a soft hand and great stretch, and is designed for excellent moisture management and wind protection. Swift can be found in the Fusion series ($55-$65), which includes a top, hoody, tight and pant. The top has flatlocked seams, Lycra-bound sleeves and a brushed inner collar with a zipper port to keep the pull-tab away from the face. SportHill is also expanding the color options for its X-Static/PowerDry top, which was introduced during fall 2001.

Swix: Swix offers high-performance long underwear in two lines. The first, a 100-percent microfiber polyester group called the Active line ($25-$48), features new women-specific tailoring and a heather gray color. Special features that continue include a wind guard front on the line’s crew, T-neck, long pant, brief and boxer pieces. The second collection is the unchanged 100-percent Merino Wool line ($30-$54), featuring superior warmth and wicking capabilities. Notable in this line is the wind short, offered again this year.

ThorLo: The Extreme Ski and Extreme Snowboarding socks (both $19.95) are recent introductions from ThorLo. Designed for the high-performance market, both feature Thermolite, so they’re thin for optimal control in the boot, yet warm. Light padding is added in specific areas to provide comfort and protection. The Extreme Ski comes in black, navy and royal, while the Extreme Snowboarder steps out in black, royal, chili or mustard.

Wyoming Wear: This Jackson, Wyoming based company focuses on fleece socks. For winter 2002-03, Wyoming Wear debuts the new Alpine Extreme Classic sock, featuring two different fabric weights to create a technical cushioned sock. First, it uses a 300-weight shearling footbed. Then it has a four-way Powerstretch top to provide padding for the shin. The lighter weight Alpine Stretch has a four-way Powerstretch top, too, but without the 300-weight footbed. The Summit Stretch is a thin sock liner with light cushioning and wicking characteristics.

***SIA***

SnowSports Industries America (SIA) is the national, not-for-profit, member-owned trade association that represents snow and winter sports outdoor companies. SIA produces the SIA SnowSports Show, the largest trade show and gathering place for the snow sports industry. Proceeds from the SnowSports Show fund market development programs for all snow sport disciplines. SIA also annually produces more than a dozen industry research studies. For more information, check out www.snowlink.com. SnowSports Industries America, 8377-B Greensboro Drive, McLean, VA 22102-3587. Phone: (703) 556-9020, Fax: (703) 821-8276, Email: siamail@snowsports.org.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff