The Art of Alpine Dressing — The Evolution of WN Skiwear

From weekends in the mountains to generations of winter traditions, clothing designed for warmth, comfort and movement is deeply rooted in our culture.

For We Norwegians, this connection has shaped our approach to design since the beginning. What started with merino wool knitwear and base layers has gradually evolved into a complete ski wardrobe, combining technical functionality, timeless silhouettes and influences from vintage alpine fashion.

At the heart of our latest skiwear edit is Glenshee, a collection inspired by traditional British countryside dressing, reinterpreted for life in the mountains.

When We Norwegians was founded in 2014, merino wool was at the heart of the brand. Knitwear, base layers and mid-layers formed the foundation of the collections, reflecting a belief in natural materials, functionality and lasting design.

The move into outerwear came gradually, partly in response to buyers who wanted to present complete WN looks. Fall/Winter 2023 introduced padded vests and jackets, followed by WN's first dedicated technical ski line in FW24, featuring the Tyin Ski Pants and Ski Suit, Filefjell Jacket and Beito collection for backcountry skiing.

Developing technical outerwear brought new considerations. The team initially explored wool insulation but eventually moved towards more readily available technical materials that offered reliable protection without compromising the brand's design philosophy.

For WN, skiwear has never been exclusively about the slopes. A jacket worn in the mountains should feel equally relevant for everyday life, whether travelling, walking through the city or spending a winter weekend away.

This versatility guides the design process. Minimal silhouettes, removable snow skirts and considered details allow technical garments to transition between different settings.

As Marit Angelfoss, WN's Head of Production and Partner, explains, functionality always comes first. Each garment is developed with the necessary technical features before its design expression takes shape.

With Glenshee, WN brings together traditional British countryside dressing and contemporary technical skiwear.

The inspiration began with tweed. Tove wanted to capture the timeless appearance of traditional woven fabrics while using materials suitable for skiing.

The result is a classic houndstooth print applied to a technical soft shell with four-way stretch and a 10K water column rating. Earthy tones, corduroy accents, faux-fur trims and tailored silhouettes bring the character of heritage clothing into a modern alpine wardrobe.

The collection offers different interpretations of the same heritage-inspired aesthetic.

The Glenshee Tailored Ski Jacket features a belted waist, corduroy detailing and detachable faux-fur hood trim. Sorona® insulation provides lightweight warmth, while the technical fabric offers protection and breathability.

The Glenshee Ski Jacket offers an alternative silhouette, while the matching Ski Pant combines a flattering fit with four-way stretch and practical ski features.

Developing the collection required careful attention to the houndstooth print, with several rounds of refinement to achieve the right scale and balance of colours. Fit was equally important, with WN's in-house pattern-making team working extensively on construction and movement.

The result is a collection where technical performance and considered design work together.

One of the most personal pieces in the collection is the Glenshee Bonnet, inspired by a ski bonnet worn by Marit Angelfoss's mother in the 1960s.

An enthusiastic skier, she wore the original bonnet not only on the slopes but also while spending time outdoors with her children and in everyday life.

Years later, while looking through her mother's skiwear, Marit rediscovered the bonnet. Its distinctive vintage shape became the inspiration for a contemporary interpretation, introduced to complete Glenshee's heritage-inspired aesthetic.

The new version preserves the original fit, shape and padding, with refined details such as ribbon ties finished with metal ends.

A personal memory, reinterpreted for a new generation of alpine dressing.

One of the defining qualities of Glenshee is its versatility. Designed for skiing yet equally suited to a wider winter wardrobe, the pieces can be worn together or combined with WN's knitwear and outerwear.

The Complete Glenshee Looks

Beyond Glenshee, WN's skiwear collections offer different interpretations of mountain dressing. Colours and silhouettes are carefully coordinated, allowing pieces to be combined across collections.

Britt: Corduroy, Reimagined for the Slopes

Inspired by traditional British and Scottish style, Britt brings corduroy into functional skiwear. With a 5K water column, 5K breathability and practical features such as removable snow skirts and integrated snow gaiters, the collection balances technical functionality with a classic appearance.

The Britt Palazzo Ski Pant is a particularly versatile example, designed for skiing yet comfortable and understated enough to wear as casual trousers in the city.

Aurora: Timeless by Design

One of our best sellers, Aurora was developed as a core part of WN's skiwear offering, focusing on technical quality, minimal silhouettes and lasting appeal.

Even its signature navy blue was developed specifically for WN, with the team refining the shade until it achieved the exact depth and character they wanted.

Tyin: A Refined Alpine Silhouette

Part of WN's skiwear journey since FW24, Tyin continues with the Ski Pant and Bib Pant for women. Their fitted, feminine silhouettes combine comfort and technical functionality, designed to coordinate naturally with Aurora.

Solo: Sporty and Sculpted

Solo includes the Ski Pant and new Bib Ski Pant for women. The bib version shares a similar silhouette with Tyin but introduces contrasting padded knee and side panels that contour the body, creating a distinctive, sportier expression.

Finse: The Spirit of the Nineties

Inspired by 1990s skiwear, Finse features relaxed proportions and a uniform-inspired aesthetic. Named after the mountain station along Norway's Bergen Railway, the collection brings a nostalgic character to contemporary alpine dressing.

From merino wool layers to complete technical ski collections, WN's evolution has been guided by functionality, quality and thoughtful design.

Glenshee represents another chapter in that journey, combining heritage influences with contemporary materials and a distinctly modern expression.

As the collections continue to develop, the philosophy remains the same: creating versatile, lasting pieces for life in the mountains and beyond.

Made for the mountains. Designed for everywhere.