The Ultimate Guide to Custom Winter Sports Apparel: Skiing, Cycling & Skating (2026)

Winter sports are thrilling, energizing, and unforgettable—but only if you’re dressed for the adventure. Whether you are attacking a frozen gravel trail, gliding through a cross-country ski course, or speed skating on an oval, the right custom apparel makes the difference between a personal best and a freezing ordeal.

At Heini Sports, we combine Italian craftsmanship with advanced textile engineering. From our Heini winter cycling line to our specialized SAXE HEINI winter sports collection, we design apparel that balances warmth, mobility, and aerodynamics.

Why the Right Winter Sports Outfit Matters

"Hey Google, why do I need specific clothes for winter sports?"

Cold temperatures, wind chill, and sweat are the enemies of endurance. Wearing the right custom winter sports outfit ensures:

• Thermal Regulation: Proper insulation without overheating during high-intensity efforts.

• Weather Protection: Shielding from wind, snow, and road spray.

• Aerodynamics & Mobility: Reducing drag while allowing full range of motion.

• Safety: Enhanced visibility with reflective details for gloomy winter days.

Let’s break down the essential layers every winter athlete needs.

1. Base Layers: Your Second Skin

The base layer is your moisture management system. Never use cotton; it traps sweat and cools you down rapidly.

What to Look For:

• Moisture-Wicking: Fabrics that pull sweat away from the body.

• Thermal Regulation: Materials that keep heat in but let vapor out.

• Fit: A snug, "second skin" fit to prevent cold air pockets.

Heini Recommendation: Our Baselayer Merino uses natural wool fibers for superior warmth and odor control, essential for long winter rides or ski sessions.

2. Insulating Mid Layers: Trapping the Heat

Mid layers provide the insulation buffer. For high-output sports like cross-country skiing, this layer often needs to be integrated into the suit itself or worn as a light vest.

Best Choices:

• Thermal Jerseys: Like the Heini Nizza Long Sleeve Thermo, featuring fleece-lined fabrics that breathe.

• Gilets (Vests): The Winter Cross Gilet from our SAXE HEINI line is perfect for warming up without restricting arm movement.

• Outer Shells: Wind & Water Defense

A high-quality winter jacket is essential for blocking wind and moisture.

Key Features:

• Windproof Membranes: Critical for cycling descent or windy ski tracks.

• Ventilation: Zippers that allow you to dump heat on climbs.

• Packability: Jackets that can be stowed away if the sun comes out.

Heini Recommendation: For cyclists, the Nizza Jacket uses Chiffon + Shield fabric to block wind. For Nordic skiers, the SAXE HEINI Jacket Winter Cross features a divisible zip and side pockets, designed to be worn over race suits during warm-ups.

4. Insulated Pants & Bib Tights

Your legs power your movement; keeping them warm is non-negotiable for preventing muscle strain.

For Winter Cycling

You need bib tights that protect the knees and lower back.

• Top Pick: The Spider Bib Tights Thermo. Made with Superroubaix fabric, these tights offer fleece-lined warmth and feature cargo pockets—ideal for storing fuel on long winter gravel rides.

For XC Skiing & Winter Running

You need flexibility and easy removal.

• Top Pick: The Pants Winter Cross CS from the SAXE HEINI collection. These feature full-length side zippers, allowing athletes to remove the pants quickly on the starting line without taking off their boots.

• Sport-Specific Gear: The SAXE HEINI Advantage

Different winter sports require specific apparel adjustments. At Heini Sports, we tailor the cut and fabric to the discipline.

Cross-Country (XC) Skiing

XC skiing demands high breathability and extreme mobility.

• The Gear: Our Body Cross CS (Men’s and Women’s fit) is a one-piece suit made from Lycra Piave Maitex. It features anti-pilling fabric and a front zip for temperature regulation.

• Why it works: It reduces air resistance and stays perfectly in place during double-poling movements.

Ice Skating

Speed skating requires aerodynamic perfection and protection.

• The Gear: The LS Body Ice Skating suit. It includes an integrated hood and cuffs with stretchable sleeve inserts to ensure the suit stays aerodynamic at high speeds.

• Safety: We use specialized anti-cut fabrics in key zones to protect skaters from blades during falls.

Winter Running

• The Gear: The LS Hoodie made with Jumper 85 and Dolomiti fabrics. It provides warmth with a hood for those freezing morning jogs.

• Accessories: The Critical Details

Don't let frostbite nip at your extremities. Accessories are vital for winter comfort.

• Head: The Running Cap (made with Vuelta fabric) or the Headband Skiri (with brushed internal fabric) protects the ears and forehead.

• Neck: A Collar Cuff or neck warmer seals the gap between your jacket and helmet/hat.

• Extremities: Aero Socks and Arm Shields provide that extra layer of thermal protection where blood flow is lowest.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Custom Kits

What is the best fabric for winter cycling tights? For winter cycling, we recommend Superroubaix. It is a fleece-lined, highly stretchable technical fabric used in our Spider Thermo Tights that offers excellent thermal insulation and muscle support.

Can I customize winter jackets for my ski team? Yes. Our SAXE HEINI line allows for full customization of winter jackets, gilets, and race suits (like the Body Cross CS) with no minimum order quantity (MOQ). You can add team logos, sponsors, and specific colors.

Do you have specific gear for ice skating? Absolutely. Our SAXE HEINI collection includes specialized Ice Skating Bodysuits that feature hoods and thumb loops (tendi manica) for improved aerodynamics and fit.

What layers should I wear for cross-country skiing? We recommend a three-layer system: a moisture-wicking base layer, a performance race suit (like the Body Cross CS), and a warm-up layer (like the Jacket Winter Cross and Pants Winter Cross) that can be removed right before the race start.

Ready to Conquer the Cold?

Don't let winter shut down your training. Whether you need a custom thermal cycling kit or a pro-level XC ski suit, Heini Sports and our SAXE HEINI winter brand have you covered.

Contact Us Today to start designing your custom winter gear. Based in Toronto | Italian Fabrics | Delivered Worldwide