How to Look Cool for Snowboarding

(Spoiler: it’s not about your jacket.)

Ah, the eternal quest — riding down the mountain looking like a mix between Travis Rice, James Bond, and someone who could totally front a rock band. The truth? Looking “cool” in snowboarding is equal parts style, attitude, and not being the guy cartwheeling into the safety net.

Let’s break it down.

1. Helmets vs. No Helmets

There’s still this weird idea floating around that wearing a helmet makes you look less cool. Here’s the thing: nobody - and I mean nobody - looks cool being stretchered off the mountain with a concussion. That’s not mysterious or rebellious, that’s just expensive.

These days, even pros wear helmets, and they look rad doing it. Modern lids are sleek, lightweight, and can make you look like you’re about to star in your own action movie. You can even stick on a tinted goggle lens for that “I’m-too-good-to-smile” vibe. So, protect your brain - it’s where you keep all your tricks.

2. Baggy vs. Slim — What’s the Deal?

Right now, the fashion pendulum is swinging hard towards super baggy - we’re talking pants that could hide a family of raccoons and jackets with sleeves like wizard robes. But here’s the thing: snowboarding, much like skateboarding, has always been about counter-culture and individuality. That means not blindly copying what everyone else is doing.

In the 2000s it was ultra-baggy. Then came the tight-pants era of the 2010s, where people looked like they were auditioning for a punk band. Now we’re back to baggy again. Fashion changes, and if you chase it too hard you’ll end up with a garage full of “What was I thinking?” gear.

The real secret? Wear something you like, that fits your style, and that you can actually move in. Confidence trumps trend every time.

3. Gear That Works Makes You Look Cooler

You know what’s cooler than a £400 jacket? Not spending half your run yanking it down because it’s riding up, or waddling into the lift queue like you’re in a wet sleeping bag. Nothing ruins a “cool” image faster than looking uncomfortable or ill-prepared.

Good gear is like a good wingman - it makes you look better without stealing the spotlight. The right fit means you can actually move - tweak your grabs, butter those spins, and throw a cheeky slash without feeling like you’re fighting your own outfit. Functionality is style’s secret weapon.

And when your jacket keeps you warm, your gloves keep your fingers attached, and your boots don’t feel like medieval torture devices, you’re free to ride smoothly and confidently. And that confidence? It’s a style statement in itself.

4. Attitude > Outfit

Snowboarding cool isn’t built in the Burton factory - it’s built in your head. You could be in mismatched charity shop finds, but if you ride like you’re having the time of your life, people will notice.

Coolness on snow comes from:

• Being in control of your riding, even at slower speeds.

• Throwing little tricks or tweaks just because you can.

• Laughing off a slam instead of sulking.

• Giving a nod or high-five to strangers in the lift queue.

The best-looking riders aren’t the ones posing at the bottom for Instagram - they’re the ones having so much fun they forget to even take a photo.

5. The Final Rule

Looking cool is about looking like you belong out there. That doesn’t mean you have to be pro-level -it means you look comfortable in your skin, in your kit, and on your board.

Snowboarding has always been about rebellion, freedom, and doing things your own way. Trends will come and go, sponsors will swap their favourite riders, and colours will cycle from neon to earth tones and back again. But your style - your real style - comes from how you ride and how you carry yourself.

If you’re laughing, progressing, and making the mountain your playground, you’ll look cool without even trying. And if you can throw in a tidy method grab while you’re at it? Even better.

5 Hyped Snowboard Clothing Brands You Should Know About

If you want fresh gear that’ll turn heads in the lift queue, check these out:

1. L1 Premium Goods — Minimalist outerwear with a streetwear edge, perfect for that “I ride hard but also know my way around a coffee shop flat white” vibe.

2. Dope Snow — Insta-famous, colourful, and built for riders who want to stand out in the park or in photos. Dope have been catching a lot of flack recently as being the go-to brand for wannabe posers but i just don't get it. their stuff is gorgeous, great quality and inexpensive (relatively) i guess everyone wants to tear down the top dog and theres no denying that Dope have been absolutely dominating for a long time now!

3. Volcom — The classic skate/snow crossover brand that nails rebellious style without losing function. they have been a staple for forever and the range covers everything from inexpensive weekend warrior items to full on pro level arctic backcountry works of art.

4. Beyond Medals — Started by pro riders, these guys blend muted tones with cuts that just look fast standing still. still relatively new to the scene but if they keep offering up stunning items as they have been doing, they're set to take over.

5. Yuki Threads — Aussie-born, eco-conscious, and a little bit cheeky — perfect if you want to stand out without screaming about it.