I Went Skiing For The First Time This Year – And I Found The Best Plus Size Skiwear

As mentioned, my search for plus size skiwear taught me to look outside of my usual shops and so I discovered that actually loads of great activewear companies have bigger sizes. I knew Animal had a great size range from buying a long-sleeve swimming costume there last summer and, it turns out, lots of other items on site go up to size 24, too. I really loved this base layer top - it was super warm and cosy – not tight, not loose, just right. And it was also long too, which I found made it a lot more comfortable when it was piled under other layers for a day on the slopes - and means I'll likely happily wear it with jeans at home, too.

There are matching leggings, too, up to size 24. I really loved the waistband on these, which came up really nice and high (over my trouser waist) and felt secure. They were really comfortable and thick enough to be worn alone at home as actual leggings - they passed the 'do not show knickers' test, which cannot be said for all leggings.

Marks & Spencer has a great range of under clothes, whether you're packing for a ski trip or a weekend of camping - it's at a great price point, too. As someone who gets super hot and was concerned about wearing multiple layers of clothes (yes, even up a mountain in the snow), these were ideal. And, as shown, the leopard print patterned otop is great for après ski - I paired it under a jumper vest for a dinner in Courmayeur town on a semi-warm evening.

The leggings are great - they're not too thick, so didn't leave me feeling sticky legged after a day under thick trousers . They also fitted nicely under boots, socks and trousers when I had to get layered up. They also pulled up nice and high above the belly button.

This is such a nice cosy fleece and looks really smart on, too. This definitely falls into the category of wearable on work Zooms (when the heating bill is getting a bit high) and for a lunch date. The fleece is slightly cropped, so if you like tops on the longer side, this might not be the one for you. It's also available up to a size 30. The pockets are VERY helpful on the slopes when you might want to stash your room key safely. It's also a good price point for a thick fleece. I wore the fleece with the ASOS 4505 ski trousers featured further down.

Do you ever try on an item of clothing and already panic about a future when it warms up and you won't be able to wear it every day? Just me? Well, this was how I felt about this M&S fleece. The ochre colour is lovely - and it's available in other colours, too. The detailing on the pockets and poppers up the neck make it look more expensive and it is SO warm. I wore this fleece up the Skyway Monte Bianco - the highest cable car in Italy. Yes I was 3,466 metres high in January and felt pretty toasty. A few hours later at the airport, I had to take off my coat and pack it into my suitcase so I could walk around comfortably. It is honestly the cosiest winter layer – and somehow manages to look smart, too. I will be wearing it all winter.

If you're worried about feeling too bulky, these skinny ski pants are a great option. I loved how they didn't look thick and yet actually were - you'd struggle to get cold in these and I'll no doubt be wearing them out and about at the playground. I loved the stirrup bottom, which made it even easier to layer up with thick socks and boots and kept them looking great. And the stretchy material meant they were great on the slopes moving around, too, when the last thing you want is to feel restricted. I'm wearing them paired with the ASOS fleece in the picture above and had an under layer on too.

These are such a great find - proper ski trousers that will take you through everything from skiing to the school playground via a windy afternoon on the beach. They're waterproof, windproof and breathable - padded knees and gusseted hems make them even more secure. They're so soft on the inside, too. The adjustable waist with velcro means there's room if you want to layer them or wear them alone. The zip at the back allows for a trainer or a ski boot easily. The best bit, for me, was that the popper button at the top of the zip was also on velcro, making the waistband feel really secure - and nothing you'd have to worry about once you get up to the slopes and are ready to ski. Oh, excellent zipped pockets too.

There are loads of great offers on ski jackets at the moment, and this one is such a bargain. If you're looking for a warm everyday coat to get you through the rest of winter in the UK, this is a great option. This jacket was warm and thick without feeling bulky - which is really hard to achieve. It also had a good number of pockets, including an inside one perfect for your ski pass. It's snow-proof and uses IsoTherm technology with densely-packed fibres to keep the warmth in without feeling too thick to move (not ideal when skiing). It's tested to minus 30 degrees, if that reassures you.

If you're not facing super cold temperatures, you could just get away with packing a really great puffer jacket. I wore my old faithful GAP leopard print puffer on some days skiing, which is sadly no longer available. But this Simply Be version not only looks great, it goes up to size 28 and is on sale.

These boots are SUCH a find. Of all the things to buy, boots can be the toughest for me. I tend to just avoid anything boot-related (no, most wide fit options still do not make it up my calves) if I can, but heading into cold and snow, trainers weren't an option. Neither were my short wellies - my only other fall back. These boots not only fitted me, they had to be tightened - incredible scenes. The waterproof boot is fleecy and cosy inside and goes high enough up the leg if you find yourself in deep snow. And they look smart, too, so you don't feel out of place at even the smartest après bar. They're even on sale right now. I know I'll keep these for ages - and my trainers will now be spared muddy walks.

I also panicked when I realised I'd be needing specialist ski socks, ideally ones like this Falke pair that is padded at the front for more comfort when wearing ski boots. These did not let me down. They fit comfortably, weren't tight and not only looked great, they felt great, too – so soft and thick, without being sweaty.