Outdoors Winter Sports The 8 Best Plus-Size Snow Pants of 2023 By Erika Owen Erika Owen Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Erika Owen is a self-proclaimed Professional Iceland Enthusiast, covering everything from boutique hotels to ATV tours. She's also a product reviewer who's tested out everything from airplane pillows to travel adapters for TripSavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 10/18/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Like most clothing, activewear is still primarily made for smaller body types. Snow pants are no exception. Given they’re often necessary for activities that require a lot of movement and flexibility, you want a pair that offers a bit of freedom to bend, stretch, and hop around in while also offering long-term comfort. First, consider what you need the snow pants for and your priorities. Some of the options we pulled together are great for layering when you find yourself in a destination where the temperature varies from hour to hour. Other snow pants offer a bit more style than the typical workhorse designs. Ahead, you’ll find a mix of snow pants hitting all kinds of needs, but they all keep that snow away, protect you from winter wind chills, and come in sizes above 16. Here are the best plus-size snow pants available. The Rundown Best Overall: Columbia Women's Plus Size Bugaboo Omni-Heat Pants at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best Budget: Arctix Essential Insulated Bib Overalls at Amazon Jump to Review Best Adjustable: The North Face Freedom Insulated Bib at Backcountry.com Jump to Review Best for Layering: REI Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants at REI Jump to Review Best for Women: Lands End Women's Plus-Size Squall Snow Pants at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Men: Columbia Bugaboo IV Snow Pants at Columbia.com Jump to Review Best for Skiing: Columbia Women’s Modern Mountain 2.0 Waterproof Pants at Amazon Jump to Review Best Style: Free Country Women's Swift Softshell Ski Pants at Freecountry.com Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Columbia Women's Plus Size Bugaboo Omni-Heat Pants 4.9 Courtesy of Columbia View On Backcountry.com View On Columbia.com View On Moosejaw.com What We Like Minimalist design Not as bulky as other options What We Don't Like Sizing can be inconsistent There are a lot of flashy colors and prints out there, but the Bugaboo snow pants from Columbia are timeless in a way that will send generations to come searching for a similar style. The boot cut is subtle, the button-up waist makes it easy to seamlessly transition these work pants into the chalet for post-ski drinks, and the adjustable waist will keep you comfortable all day long. Basically, these are the workhorse snow pants for someone who wants to feel put together, both on the slopes and passing through the lodge in search of hot chocolate. They're available in six different colors for a variety of styling options. The key features of any good snow pants are water resistance, insulation, and material. The Bugaboo pants stand out on each feature, not to mention style and comfort, earning our best overall pick. Price at time of publish: $120 Material: Nylon | Waterproofing: Omni-Tech Waterproof | Insulation: 60 grams Microtemp | Sustainability: Not listed Best Budget Arctix Essential Insulated Bib Overalls Courtesy of Arctix View On Amazon What We Like Adjustable sizing Very warm What We Don't Like Lower quality than some other options on the market Bib-style snow pants are great for winter sports enthusiasts who don't want to be bothered hiking up their pants often or deal with uncomfortable waistlines. This bib-style option from Arctix gets the job done without screaming, "I'm wearing snow pants!" Available in sizes up to 4X, these outdoor pants are relatively sleek when it comes to sportswear. Adjustable suspenders, boot zippers, and elastic gussets all add extra comfort, making it easy to wear for an extended time. They also feature 85 grams of insulation, so you can wear them down to -20 degrees F, have boot gaiters to lock in heat at your feet, and come in men's sizes. Price at time of publish: $55 Material: Polyester | Waterproofing: ThermaLock | Insulation: 85 grams ThermaTech | Sustainability: N/A The 11 Best Cold-Weather Boots of 2023 Best Adjustable The North Face Freedom Insulated Bib Courtesy of Backcountry View On Backcountry.com View On REI What We Like Adjustable design elements Articulated knee design What We Don't Like Relatively small size range Available in sizes up to 3X and in four colors, these bib-style snow pants are great for those looking for some flexibility. The adjustable suspenders and side-zip entry make it easy to loosen up when you need some space and tighten for extra compression. This design is waterproof and breathable, so skiers and snowboarders won’t have to worry about overheating on the slopes. There is a set of inner thigh vents to keep the temperature just right, no matter what you’re up to. Price at time of publish: $220 Material: Nylon and Polyester | Waterproofing: DWR Coating | Insulation: Heatseeker Eco | Sustainability: Recycled materials Best for Layering REI Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants Courtesy of REI View On REI What We Like Windproof and waterproof Articulated knees for easier moving What We Like Leg length runs a bit long The Powderbound snow pants from REI are a great pick if you're planning on shedding a few layers throughout the day. They come in sizes up to 3X and are certainly roomy—in my experience, they comfortably fit a pair of merino wool leggings and sweatpants underneath. While they are certainly snow-proof, I can also say I didn't feel a lick of wind as I wore these at night in the subzero temperatures of the Swedish Lapland. They also weigh less than 2 pounds and pack down like a dream, a very important feature when filling a suitcase with cold-weather essentials. And they come in men's sizes, too. Price at time of publish: $149 Material: Nylon | Waterproofing: 2-layer Breathable Laminate | Insulation: 40 grams Polyester | Sustainability: Bluesign-approved materials, Fair Trade Certified factory, recycled materials Best for Women Lands End Women's Plus-Size Squall Snow Pants Courtesy of Land's End View On Amazon View On Landsend.com What We Like Waterproof and windproof Machine washable Insulated What We Don't Like Bell-bottom pant shape These snow pants are seriously waterproof, thanks to the sealed seams and a thin layer of lightweight insulation, which will keep you warm for hours. The durability of a pair of pants is always in question, especially if you plan on wearing them often—specifically when it comes to the inner thighs. These snow pants have Cordura patches on the inside of each leg, which will extend the life of the pants. Available in sizes 1X through 3X and in three different colors, these snow pants will follow you through seasons of winter fun. Price at time of publish: $120 Material: Nylon | Waterproofing: Waterproof shell | Insulation: Lightweight | Sustainability: N/A The 10 Best Women’s Ski Pants of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best for Men Columbia Bugaboo IV Snow Pants Courtesy of Columbia View On Columbia.com View On REI What We Like Breathable Waterproof Super insulated What We Don't Like Baggy/bulky design The Bugaboo IV snow pants from Columbia come with an advanced technology called Omni-Heat—a series of silver dots that help retain the heat your body generates through reflection. The pants also offer zippered pockets, internal leg gaiters to keep your boots snow-free, and an adjustable waist. The best part: they come in sizes 1X through 6X, which is one of the larger size ranges offered by activewear companies for snow pants. Price at time of publish: $120 Material: Nylon | Waterproofing: Omni-Tech | Insulation: 60 grams Microtemp | Sustainability: N/A Best for Skiing Columbia Women’s Modern Mountain 2.0 Waterproof Pants Courtesy of Columbia View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Columbia.com What We Like Great color options Zippered pockets What We Don't Like Not very adjustable A quality pair of snow pants don’t come cheap, so make sure to consider how often you’re going to be using them. The Modern Mountain waterproof pants from Columbia are a great affordable option if you plan on regularly hitting the slopes or picking up some sort of cold-weather activity. They’re simple in design—and available in 17 different colors—with a slight boot cut, which gives your ankles just enough freedom for movement once your boots are on. The internal leg gaiters keep the snow out of your boots (and socks!), while the Microtemp insulation will keep you warm once the sun starts to dip. Price at time of publish: $110 Material: Nylon | Waterproofing: Nylon Hydra Cloth 3000 | Insulation: 60 grams Microtemp | Sustainability: Bluesign certified Best Style Free Country Women's Swift Softshell Ski Pants Courtesy of Free Country View On Freecountry.com What We Like Material has a bit of stretch Well-insulated What We Don't Like Inconsistent sizing Could use more pockets The great thing about the Softshell Ski Pants from Free Country is that they feature a fleece-lined softshell material that moves with your body and is waterproof. The zippered pockets on each hip also provide easy access with snow- and additional rain-proof protection for anything nestled inside. These pants are available in sizes 1X through 3X, but reviewers have warned that the waist runs a bit large, so check the sizing chart before deciding on a pair. Price at time of publish: $110 Material: Softshell | Waterproofing: Water-resistant material | Insulation: N/A | Sustainability: N/A What to Look for When Shopping for Snow Pants Material When it comes to snow pants, you need a pair that is both water- and windproof, especially if you're a winter sports enthusiast. You'll most commonly find nylon or polyester snow pants—two synthetic materials known for resisting moisture and keeping in the heat. If you cringe at the thought of dumping a glass of water on your snow pants, chances are they aren't the right pair for you. You can buy softshell ski pants, and while stretchier and more flexible, they are not as water- or windproof as nylon or polyester snow pants. Insulation Most snow pants come with some liner or insulation, usually made of cotton or fleece. Some have built-in bits of fleece or PrimaLoft—a synthetic microfiber—as insulation. The best insulation is breathable while trapping the body heat you need for a comfortable day in the elements. Water Resistance There are varying degrees of water resistance. Snow pants labeled as water-resistant may be fine for winter walks through the woods, but a skier wouldn't be able to get through a full day in water-resistant snow pants. Think of it this way: If you plan on making contact with the snow—more than just walking through a pretty snowfall—opt for something fully waterproof. Synthetic materials like nylon and polyester are waterproof and excellent at regulating temperature, meaning you'll stay dry without overheating or feeling freezing. Make sure the manufacturer states that the snow pants are waterproof before purchasing. There's nothing worse than a day cut short because you're soaked. Frequently Asked Questions Should you size up or down for ski pants? We recommend sizing up for ski pants. A larger size helps with movement and range of motion and allows you to layer underneath for the frigid days. One size above your normal size should suffice. Is there a difference between ski and snow pants? Yes. Ski pants are designed to fit tighter than snow pants. Finding the right fit for ski pants is essential for comfort and performance. Snow pants are meant to be looser and are more flexible in sizing. Ski pants are also generally more expensive because they have better materials for waterproofing and insulation. Should you wear leggings under ski pants? That depends on each individual skier. Base layers are excellent at absorbing sweat and regulating body temperature out on the snow. On colder days, we definitely recommend wearing a good pair of thermal underwear, or a base layer, underneath your pants. But on warmer days, you can probably get by without them. This will take some trial and error on the skier's part. Why Trust TripSavvy Erika Owen is a cold-weather enthusiast who is much happier in a pair of snow pants in the Arctic than in a swimsuit on the beach. She has done extensive research for a pair of her own snow pants and spent additional hours researching each of these picks for quality, water- and wind-proof qualities, and fit. The 7 Best Winter Coats for Men of 2022, Tested and Reviewed Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 8 below.