Best Snowboard Apparel Brands

Snowboarding is one of the sports that has seen the most growth over the course of the last few decades: it has gone from being a non-mainstream activity to one of the most loved winter sports worldwide. Although the technical requirements for snowboard clothing are essentially the same as skiing, snowboarding has developed a culture and style of its own – and with that has come many brands that specialize in snowboard apparel.

Let us take you through some of our favorite brands that make snowboard clothing. There is something for everyone whether you require high-tech backcountry gear, rad colors that suit your personal style or functional apparel for affordable prices.

Are smaller brands worth considering?

Absolutely – we by no means want to give the impression that only well-established brands have great products. On the contrary, if there are smaller or local companies that appeal to you, we encourage you to check them out and support them!

Our goal is to help you get to know some of the best and biggest snowboard apparel brands – some of which you are certain to encounter in your search for new gear. These big brands are well-known and well-loved for a reason: they often offer cutting-edge technology, have decades of experience and have proven themselves with some of the top riders. Take a look at what the industry leaders have to offer – you might find exactly what you are looking for!

Burton

burton logo

Who are they?

Burton is one of the oldest snowboarding brands. Burton played a central role in the development of snowboarding as a mainstream sport: not only is it rich in history, but it is also the #1 biggest snowboarding brand worldwide. With decades of experience, Burton is known for its constant innovation and unique style as well as environmentally friendly production.

Best known for?

Offering a massive range of clothing products with extensive men’s, women’s and children’s clothing lines ranging from high-quality winter jackets and snow pants to casual- and off-season wear.

Specialties?

With such a wide selection it is tough to narrow it down, but as far as apparel goes, Burton has a snowboard jacket for every weather and every style!

What’s missing?

Low budget options – Burton products tend to be high quality and carry with them a little bit of the identity of snowboarding itself, but they do come at a price.

Other products?

Burton literally covers all of a snowboarder’s needs: snowboards, bindings, boots jackets, pants, casual wear and protective padding…the list goes on! They are without a doubt one of the best snowboard gear brands out there.

Volcom

volcom

Who are they?

This American-born board company survived and thrived despite snowboarding’s non-mainstream start. Volcom deals in everything to do with snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing which means they have a very wide range of apparel from absolute performance-oriented winter jackets and snow pants to bikinis and sandals.

Best Known For?

Making sure their products are ethically and sustainably produced as well as participating in several environmental programs.

Specialties?

While Volcom offers great base-layers, mid-layers and a range of jackets, their most notable specialty might just be their lightweight, high-performance backcountry snowboarding jackets.

What’s Missing?

Volcom snow apparel doesn’t have much to offer in the lower budget range.

Other products?

While they are definitely one for the best snowboard jacket brands if you are looking for high-end options, you can just as easily pickup a Volcom surfboard, skateboard or check out their wide selection of casual wear.

Patagonia

patagonia logo

Who are they?

Yvon Chouinard, a rock climber and well-known environmentalist, founded Patagonia in California nearly 50 years ago and they have been making high-quality outerwear ever since. Whether you are skiing, fishing, climbing, camping or snowboarding – Patagonia has stylish functional clothing that will serve you well.

Best known for?

Patagonia is best known for their environmental advocacy, charity and sustainable products. They deliver excellent quality and 1% of Patagonia’s profits are donated to environmental non-profit groups. They are dedicated to fighting climate change and often support various changing causes.

Specialties?

It doesn’t matter what kind of winter jacket your need – Patagonia almost certainly has an option for you whether you prefer something sleek and light for split-boarding or a fully-insulated relaxed fit for chilly resort days.

What’s Missing?

Patagonia delivers high-end products, prioritizing green production and giving back over sale price which means they haven’t got much to offer in the low budget range.

Other products?

An enormous selection of outdoor clothing for all types of climates and activities including some water sports. They also have a wide range of backpacks as well as a used gear and apparel program.

686

686 logo

Who are they?

A California company that specializes specifically in snowboard apparel. They have high-tech gear for men, women and children with a good selection of cool accessories and everyday-wear as well.

Known For?

The eye-catching, unique style of their pieces which often showcase the work of young artists as part of their Artist Collaboration Effort.

Specialties?

Some wickedly tough, 3-in-1 jackets that shatter the stereotype of 3-in-1s generally being cheaper, entry-level gear. 686 takes high-tech 3-in-1 jackets to a world-class level.

What’s Missing?

Base- and mid-layer options…other than that they have the on-snow apparel covered!

Other products?

For the most part 686 sticks to what they excel at – snowboarding apparel! Although they do have several products with integrated water bladders.

Oakley

oakley logo

Who are they?

This company is well known for being one of the best snowboard goggle brands – really one of the best producers of sport glasses and goggles in a whole range of sport. Recently Oakley has been expanding their outerwear line and their gear seems to carry the same level of quality and innovation as their googles do.

Known For?

Quality you can count on in a wide variety of models for women and men, including some options that are more affordable than many other top brands offer.

Specialties?

While Oakley specializes in eyewear, as far as apparel goes their new line designed by Norwegian pro-rider Ståle Sandbech will soon be available. Oakley has a wide range of jackets and pants which are on the forefront of outerwear technology and have a unique style all at once.

What’s Missing?

Oakley has a great range of jackets and pants but has a comparatively smaller range of other apparel and accessories than some of their competitors.

Other products?

World-class googles as well as some really great mittens and gloves – not to mention that they are one of the best snowboard helmet brands too!

The Arbor Collective

the arbor collective logo

Who are they?

This American company is based in California and entered the snowboard scene in 1995 on their mission to sustainably produce snowboards. Recently they have become respected and well-known not only for their boards but for their casual apparel as well. High-quality, great comfort and great style are givens with Arbor’s ethically produced clothing lines.

Best known for?

Their unique, high-quality men’s casual wear selection – all produced sustainably. For lots of riders, snowboarding is more than just a sport, it is a lifestyle and a culture that they are proud to represent off the snow and during the off-season as well.

What’s missing?

A women’s line! While Arbor’s jacket, casual wear and footwear lines earn them a spot among the best snowboard clothing brands for men, their women’s line is currently under construction. A women’s apparel line should be coming soon and we can’t wait to check it out!

Other products?

The Arbor collective primarily focuses on snowboards and skateboards, and are particularly well-known for their unique wooden construction.

Nikita

nikita logo

Who are they?

Founded in Iceland, this women’s only brand produces some awesome technical outerwear for snowboarders with the motto ‘FOR GIRLS WHO RIDE’.

Best known for?

Top-quality and being one of the few technical outfitters that only offers women’s lines, including an excellent, and reasonably priced, selection for the youngest boarder chicks.

Specialties?

Tough gear designed to hold up against Iceland’s harshest winter weather, Nikita is great with layers. Base layers, mid-layers, technical jackets, and pants – they really have you covered if you are looking for a full snowboarding apparel set. Not only that, they have an extensive streetwear line too.

What’s missing?

Other then men’s products (obviously), not much.

Other products?

They have been producing their own snowboards for the last 10 years but are very much specialized in apparel.

We hope this has gotten you excited to find your next favorite piece of outerwear!

About The Author

AthletePath Staff

We are a team of enthusiasts and professional athletes thriving to provide you with helpful advice on buying everything you may ever need to become a better athlete.

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