Skiing clothes - then and now

The first thing I see in these photos is how dramatically ski jumping technique has changed in a century ... arms held out in front ... actually flapping, watch this video.


I guess they thought it was like flying ... but, wait, I'm reviewing clothing ...

And the clothing has changed, just as much as the skiing it self.


Back in the day, they wore heavy WOOL.  Unstretching V-neck sweaters and collared shirts with ties and knickers! Short balloony pants allowed for more range of motion than standard long trousers.

Norwegian, Jacob Tullin, best jumper from the 1920's

Harry Glass, bronze metal 1956

By 1956 the clothing hasn't changed much, except they have long pants, but the jumping style looks closer to what is done today, without the skis turned out to the side for better lift.


The modern clothing is very different though. They are wearing tight fitting, slick, colorful and overly decorated uniforms. See the one from 2010 above.

What about downhill skiers? The first year for downhill skiing was 1936, before that they only had cross country skiing and ski jumping.

Here is what one unknown skier wore for his race in 1936. The poor guy could use some goggles!.

This is American Andrea Mead in 1948. She was just 15 years old and I'd have to say, very determined looking.  She would go on to  win three Olympic medals in later games. 


I find her pants so interesting.  The fabric didn't stretch, but they are as close fitting as possible. You can see how the fabric pulls from the knees to her boot. Fabric technology has changed all sports from skiing to swimming.

Here are all the US women skiers at the '48 Olympics.

On to the '70s.  Skiing clothes really didn't change much mid-century.

American Tyler Palmer was still wearing a sweater with no helmet or goggles in 1972.

Of course, some events are more dangerous.  I think downhill skiers started wearing helmets before slalom skiers.


So, what were skiers wearing in the 70s? 

Did you know Barbie won an Olympic Skiing Medal? Well, here she is .... wearing a simple, well designed stretch jumpsuit with competition letter.  She has goggles, but no helmet, just a cute ski cap with pompon on top.

And even though this is a silly way to see what skiers were wearing.  Barbie is always a good way to get the essence of any current trend.

And, well, Barbie is Barbie. She fits into any conversation, in my opinion.

In 1998 great French skier, Jean-Luc Crétier, wore a bright patterned outfit, but not covered with advertising like is worn now. Oh, and he does have a helmet and goggles now.

Here is what our modern skiers look like! One of our best, Lindsey Vonn, at a race last year. She is totally encased with wild colors and patterns all over her ski suit, actually the web motif make it look like an interpretation of a Spiderman costume.  Her helmet and goggles kind of look like a bug


I see Visa and Audi on her arm ... can't make out the other ads. Do our athletes have to be walking or should I say skiing billboards?

What comes next?  I don't think the skiing uniforms can get any busier, but I've been wrong before!