What Really Goes Into a Snow Jacket? | Chapter 1: From Design to Fabric

Many snowboarders and skiers have spent years on the slopes and have worn snow jackets from countless brands. Yet when someone asks, “What exactly makes a high-quality snow jacket?”—most people still struggle to give a clear answer.

In this series, UZSQUARE takes you behind the scenes to uncover what truly goes into building a professional snow jacket—from the very first sketch to the performance fabric that protects you in harsh winter conditions.

Design: Where Every Snow Jacket Begins

Just like in the traditional apparel industry, creating a new piece of technical outerwear always starts with inspiration… and many rounds of trial, doubt, and revision.

What kind of snowboard jacket should we build? How do we ensure it reflects both function and style? After countless discussions, our design team found their answer:
Create a snow jacket that delivers professional-level performance without sacrificing character, style, or individuality.

But what exactly defines a professional snow jacket?

From the earliest design stage, UZSQUARE drew inspiration from snow trails—the lines riders carve into the slopes. Each trail represents courage, freedom, and the thrill of pushing limits. We translated the shapes of these trails into clean lines and geometric color blocks, bringing the imagery of movement and speed into our visual language.

[This design language comes to life in our trail-inspired MOTO Jacket and MOTO Bib Pants, where the geometry of snow trails is translated into functional, technical outerwear.]

In other words, the jacket’s design isn’t just about looking good—it’s about expressing the spirit of snowboarding itself.

Fabric: The Foundation of a High-Performance Snow Jacket

When it comes to technical snow gear, fabric performance is everything. The materials determine how waterproof, breathable, lightweight, and durable your jacket will be.

After extensive research and testing, our team made a clear decision:
All UZSQUARE snow jackets currently use eVent® DVAlpine 3-Layer (3L) waterproof fabric.

Why did we choose 3L? What makes it different from 2L fabric?

Below is a quick comparison:

2-Layer vs. 3-Layer Fabric: What’s the Difference?

2-Layer Fabric (2L)

A 2-layer fabric combines:

• An outer nylon shell

• A waterproof membrane

• Plus a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating on the surface

Because the membrane is exposed inside, a separate inner lining must be added for comfort.
Pros: Softer and more casual feel.
Cons:

• Heavier once fully constructed

• Less waterproof and breathable than 3L

• Less durable over long-term use

3-Layer Fabric (3L)

A 3-layer structure bonds together:

• The outer shell

• The waterproof membrane

• An inner protective layer

Because the layers are laminated into a single sheet, no separate lining is required. This results in:

• A firmer, more structured shell

• Better waterproofing and breathability

• Lower overall weight

• Greater durability

This is why most professional-level ski jackets and snowboard jackets today rely on 3L technical fabrics.

Why 3L Fabric Works Better With the Three-Layer System

A high-performance snow jacket is just one part of the “three-layer system,” consisting of:

1. Base layer (moisture-wicking)

2. Mid-layer (insulation)

3. Outer layer (weather protection)

3L fabric allows riders more freedom in choosing mid-layers because the outer shell itself is lightweight and highly breathable.

This gives you the flexibility to adapt to changing temperatures and conditions—a crucial advantage for both skiing and snowboarding.

eVent® Waterproof Technology: What Makes It Special?

eVent® fabrics use a Direct Venting™ membrane, which is fundamentally different from common hydrophilic or dual-component PTFE membranes.
Its advantages include:

• Strong resistance to sweat and oil contamination

• A naturally waterproof structure

• A consistent multi-layer open-cell membrane

• Exceptional breathability under high-output movement

In short, eVent® DVAlpine fabric provides:

• Stable waterproof performance

• Outstanding breathability

• Lightweight comfort

• Reliable protection for demanding conditions

For UZSQUARE, it’s the ideal choice for modern technical outerwear.

Pattern & Fit: Beyond the Oversized Trend

Once the design and fabric were finalized, the next critical step was developing the pattern—the foundation of the jacket’s shape and fit.

While most snowboard jackets today lean toward oversized silhouettes, we wanted to explore something different. Snowboarding culture is all about individuality, but performance, mobility, and structure also matter.

Instead of relying on flat patterns alone, our team used 3D draping to build the jacket’s prototype. We fine-tuned key areas—including the neckline, chest, waist, hips, and knees—to ensure a more balanced silhouette.

By raising the waistline and refining the proportions, we created a jacket that feels:

• More structured

• More flattering

• More comfortable

• And still fully movement-friendly

Example: The CROSS 1.0 Snow Jacket 

This model uses 33 individual fabric panels just on the outer shell—an intentional choice that ensures a 3D fit, precise contouring, and superior comfort on the slopes. 

It Looks Simple—But It’s Not

At first glance, making a snow jacket might seem straightforward. But behind every professional snowboard jacket lies a complex process involving design research, advanced fabrics, 3D pattern development, technical construction, and hundreds of micro-adjustments.

This article is only the beginning.

In the next chapter, we’ll take you deeper into the craftsmanship—seam sealing, trims, accessories, reinforcement, and the functional details that truly define professional snow gear.

Stay tuned for Chapter 2.