The Best Boys’ Snow Pants

No school, powdery hillsides and plenty of ammunition for snowball fights: Truly, snow days were made for kids. But before your kids head out into the cold, parents know there’s a lot of suiting up to do first. And if you don’t want the day to end in sniffles, that starts with a good pair of snow pants.

In the old days, any pair of pants could be snow pants if you layered enough of them on top of one another. Today, there are waterproof, insulated options that can fit almost any size and budget.

Before you buy, consider the whole outfit first. Standard snow pants usually have an elastic waist that allows you to fit on an extra layer of pants underneath. That’s ideal if your kids are headed to school or somewhere where they need to remove their outerwear and still be presentable. (The elastic fit also allows a little room for growth, so keep in mind that you won’t necessarily be buying snow pants every year if you do it right.)

If your boys get especially cold or are likely to be rolling around in the show, consider bib overalls. These types of snow pants have two big advantages: The torso covering provides extra insulation from the cold, and it also ensures that snow won’t seep in around the waist as long as there’s a jacket over the bib. While this might seem like a no-brainer for very young boys, there’s a trade-off: Most bibs aren’t as easy to put on or take off. If your kids need to head to the bathroom, make sure you take that into account.

Speaking of no-brainers, you’ll want to make sure your child’s snow pants offer some protection against moisture. Of course, all pants are not created equal in this regard, even if they claim to be waterproof. Most budget pants have a nylon outer layer that will serve just fine, as long as snow doesn’t seep in under the cuffs and waist. Some pants also offer Gore-Tex or another type of insulation that can actually absorb a certain amount of water — definitely worth it if sledding or snow angels are on the agenda.

Finally, the fit of the pants is just as important. Look for pants with sealed seams that keep snowflakes from sneaking in, and vents that can cool off your kids when the sun comes out.

Here’s the good news about snow pants: You don’t need to wash them every time they’re worn. About twice a season is good for most adults, but kids’ pants tend to need a little extra TLC.  Otherwise, the breathability and waterproof qualities of your snow pants may be affected.

When it is time to wash them, make sure you follow washing instructions to the letter. Most snow pants are nylon, which requires a delicate cycle on cold. Make sure you allow time for air drying, too. Under no circumstances should they be run through a dryer, especially on high heat.