VIX Sizing Guide: How to Find the Right Fit for Cut-Resistant Ski Base Layers

Getting the right size matters more with cut-resistant base layers than regular ski gear.

These aren't just warmth layers. They're protective equipment. The fabric needs to sit close to your skin to work properly, but not so tight it restricts movement or becomes uncomfortable over a full day skiing.

Here's how to get it right the first time.

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Quick Answer

Measure your waist, hip, and inseam using the instructions below. Match those numbers to our size charts. If you're between sizes, size up.

VIX base layers stretch significantly, which means they accommodate knee braces and fit a range of body types within each size. Most people find their normal base layer size works. But if you've ever been between sizes or struggled with fit in technical gear, read on.

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How to Measure Yourself

You need three measurements: waist, hip, and inseam. Use a soft measuring tape, the kind tailors use. Don't have one? A piece of string and a ruler works fine.

Waist:

Stand naturally. Don't suck in. Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, typically 1–2 inches above your belly button. The tape should sit snug but not tight. You should be able to slide one finger underneath comfortably.

Hip:

Stand with your feet together. Measure around the fullest part of your hips and glutes. This is usually 7–9 inches below your waist. Keep the tape parallel to the floor.

Inseam:

Measure from your crotch to the floor, down the inside of your leg. Stand straight with your feet slightly apart. Run the tape from the top of your inner thigh straight down to the ground. Wear the shoes you'd normally ski in, or go barefoot and add an inch.

Write these three numbers down. You'll match them to the size charts below.

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Size Charts

Men's

Size	Waist (inches)	Hip (inches)	Inseam (inches)
XS	28-30	33-35	28-30
S	30-32	35-37	30-31
M	32-34	37-39	31-32
L	34-36	39-41	32-33
XL	36-38	41-43	33-34

Women's

Size	Waist (inches)	Hip (inches)	Inseam (inches)
XS	24-26	33-35	28-30
S	26-28	35-37	29-31
M	28-30	37-39	30-32
L	30-32	39-41	31-33
XL	32-34	41-43	32-34

Youth

Size	Waist (inches)	Inseam (inches)	Height
Y	23-26	26-27.5	Under 5'0"

We currently offer one youth size. It fits most junior racers under 5'0".

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Product-Specific Fit Notes

We make two products: the Cut Pro and the Comfort Pro. Both are 5-star FIS certified, the highest protection available. The difference is the wire material (tungsten vs stainless steel) and how the fabric feels against your skin.

Do they fit differently?

Yes, slightly. Both use the same size charts, but Cut Pro runs a bit tighter in the same size. The tungsten wire in Cut Pro makes the fabric less flexible than the stainless steel in Comfort Pro. The dimensions are the same, but Cut Pro has less give.

In practice: if you're comfortably in the middle of a size range, both will fit the same. If you're between sizes or on the upper end of a size, you may want to size up in Cut Pro. Comfort Pro is more forgiving.

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Between Sizes?

Size up.

Here's why: these go under your ski pants. Too tight and they'll restrict blood flow and get uncomfortable over a full day. Slightly loose? The fabric stretches enough to stay in place and still does its job.

There's a lot of overlap between sizes. Our founder has fit comfortably in everything from S to XL, with M and L feeling about the same. A slightly larger size doesn't compromise protection. A too-small size makes you less likely to wear the gear, which defeats the purpose.

If you prefer a tight compression feel (like high-end running tights), stick with the smaller size. If you prefer a looser, jogger-like fit, size up. Most people are fine with their normal size.

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How Base Layers Should Fit

Think high-performance running tights or technical ski underwear, not compression gear.

What to expect:

• Snug, not tight. The fabric should sit close to your skin without pinching or binding.
• No bunching. When you bend your knees or squat, the fabric moves with you. It shouldn't gather behind your knees or around your hips.
• No restriction. You should be able to do a full deep knee bend, spread eagle, or lunge without feeling like the fabric is fighting you.
• Room for layers. These go under your ski pants. If your ski pants normally fit comfortably, VIX base layers won't change that.

Knee braces?

The fabric stretches over 200%, which means it accommodates knee braces without sizing up. If you wear a brace, order your normal size.

First wear:

Some skiers say the fabric feels scratchy or stiff when brand new. That's normal. The protective wire woven into the fabric softens after 2–3 washes. Most people stop noticing it after the first day skiing.

If it still feels off after a few washes, you might've sized down too much. Contact us and we'll help.

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Youth Sizing

We offer one youth size (Y) that fits most junior racers under 5'0" with a 23-26" waist and 26-27.5" inseam. The fabric stretches significantly, so it works across a range of builds within that window.

If your child is close to 5'0" or has a waist over 26", they'll likely be more comfortable in a Women's XS or Men's XS instead.

Italy's FISI mandate:

Italy now requires cut-resistant protection for all competitive skiers starting at age 6 (Baby category). France requires it for U16+ and is expanding to U12+ next season. If your kid races in Europe, check your federation's requirements. You may need this gear sooner than you think.

For more on youth racing requirements, see our complete guide to the FIS cut-resistant mandate.

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90-Day Returns

We offer 90-day returns, no questions asked.

If the fit isn't right, send it back. We'd rather you get the correct size and actually wear the gear than keep something that doesn't fit.

Exchanges for sizing are free. Contact us at info@vixprotection.com and we'll walk you through it.

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Still Not Sure?

Read reviews on the Men's Comfort Pro or Women's Comfort Pro product pages. Real customers talk about fit, comfort, and how the sizing worked for them.

Or just contact us. We'd rather spend five minutes helping you pick the right size than deal with an exchange later. Whether you buy VIX or not, we're happy to help.

For more on how cut-resistant base layers work and why protection matters, see our complete guide to cut-resistant ski base layers.