Snowsuits for kids – the complete guide for parents

A snowsuit is one of the most practical items in a little wardrobe. But when should it actually come out, how should it fit, and how do you wash it correctly? Here are all the answers.

 

When should kids wear a snowsuit?

The snowsuit is for the cold months, typically when the temperature drops below 5°C. It replaces the mid-layer and outer layer in one, so there are fewer layers to keep track of. If you have an active child who runs a lot, it can pay to go up a size so there is room for movement and a thin base layer underneath if it's really cold.

 

Quick guide to when to bring out the snowsuit

Temperature	Weather	What your child should wear
Below 5°C	Frost and cold	Snowsuit, possibly with a thin base layer
5 to 10°C	Cool	Thermo wear and rainwear or an insulated jacket
Above 10°C	Mild and warm	Lightweight jacket, fleece or softshell

 

 

Snowsuit or thermo wear with rainwear?

One of the questions parents most often ask themselves is whether their child should wear a snowsuit or thermo wear with rainwear on top. The answer depends on the temperature and the child's activity level.

The snowsuit is the simple solution for the coldest days. One layer that covers everything and keeps your child warm without having to coordinate several layers. It is ideal for calm play, walks and nursery days when the temperature stays below 5 degrees.

Thermo wear with rainwear on top is more flexible. It lets you adjust the layers to the weather and the child's activity level, and is a better choice when the temperature starts to rise above 5 to 8 degrees, or when the child is very active and sweats easily.

 

	Snowsuit	Thermo wear and rainwear
Best for	Frost and very cold weather	Changeable weather and active play
Number of layers	One layer covers everything	Flexible, layers can be adjusted
Temperature	Below 5°C	5°C and above
Practicality	Quick and easy to put on	Requires a bit more coordination

 

What should you look for when buying a snowsuit?

There are many snowsuits on the market, and it can be hard to know what to prioritise. Here are the most important things to look out for:

 

• Waterproofing. Look for a water column of at least 5,000 mm. Wheat's snowsuits have 8,000 mm, which is ideal for Danish rainy weather and playground activities.

• Welded seams. Sewn seams have needle holes that let water seep in. Welded seams are completely sealed and keep your child dry even in persistent rain.

• Fit and freedom of movement. There should be room for a thin base layer and free movement. A suit that's too big insulates poorly. Too small, and the child can't move.

• Detachable hood. A hood that clicks off easily is a safety advantage, as it can't get caught on swings or climbing frames.

• Reflectors. 360-degree reflectors make your child visible in the dark, both morning and afternoon in the dark months.

• PFC-free and Oeko-Tex certified. Avoid harmful chemicals close to your child's skin. Wheat's snowsuits are PFC-free and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified.

• Lined pockets and adjustable details. Elastic at the wrists and ankles keeps the cold out and the snowsuit in place during active play.

 

 

When is it too warm for a snowsuit?

When the temperature creeps above 5 to 8 degrees and the sun comes out, the snowsuit can quickly become too warm, especially for active play. Thermo wear with rainwear on top is often a better choice here. It lets you adjust the layers to the weather and the child's activity level.

A good sign that the snowsuit is too warm: the child starts sweating at the neck, gets red cheeks or wants to take the suit off. Listen to your child and switch to a lighter layer when that happens.

 

How should a snowsuit fit?

A snowsuit that fits poorly gives neither warmth nor freedom. Follow this quick checklist when trying on a new suit:

 

1. Lift the arms above the head. The suit should not pull up at the crotch.

2. Check the shoulders. There should be room for a handful of air, but no more.

3. Check the sleeves. They should reach the wrist, no further.

4. Let the child sit down and bend their knees. The legs should not feel tight.

5. Check that the hood fits properly and doesn't fall over the eyes.

 

If you're unsure about the size, our size guide will help you. Wheat comes in sizes from 56 to 128.

 

How do you wash a snowsuit?

Correct washing extends the life of the snowsuit and preserves its water-repellent properties. Follow these steps:

 

1. Close all zips and turn the suit inside out before washing.

2. Wash at 40 degrees on a gentle programme.

3. Never use fabric softener. It breaks down the water-repellent properties over time.

4. Let the suit air dry. Avoid a drying cabinet on high heat, as it can damage the material and seams.

 

How to reproof your snowsuit after washing

Over time, the water-repellent surface (DWR coating) can lose its effect, especially after many washes. The sign is that water no longer beads off the material but soaks in. Here's how to restore the proofing:

 

5. Wash the snowsuit as described above.

6. While the suit is still damp, spray an even layer of reproofer on the outside.

7. Let the suit dry completely before use, preferably in fresh air.

8. Alternatively, you can use a wash-in reproofer that is added directly to the washing machine as an extra step.

 

Always use a PFC-free reproofer so you don't introduce harmful chemicals into an otherwise certified product.

 

Why is it called a 'flyverdragt' in Danish?

The Danish word 'flyverdragt' (literally 'flight suit') comes from the suits worn by pilots and aircraft mechanics – a full-coverage suit that was easy to put on and take off. For children, the principle is the same: one garment that covers everything and is easy to manage in busy everyday life.

 

Find the right snowsuit for your child

At Wheat, you'll find snowsuits for kids from 0 to 12 years, focusing on warmth, freedom of movement and durability for everyday use. See our snowsuits and find the right size for your child.

 

Frequently asked questions about snowsuits

When should kids wear a snowsuit?

The snowsuit is best suited to temperatures below 5 degrees. Above 5 to 8 degrees, thermo wear with rainwear on top is often a better choice, especially for active children.

 

Is a snowsuit waterproof?

Wheat's snowsuits have an 8,000 mm water column and welded seams, which make sure water doesn't get in through needle holes. They are designed to keep your child dry even in persistent rain.

 

What should my child wear under the snowsuit?

A thin base layer or bodysuit in wool or synthetic material is ideal on the coldest days. Avoid cotton, as it holds moisture. The snowsuit replaces the mid-layer, so you rarely need more than a thin base layer.

 

How should a snowsuit fit?

There should be room for a handful of air at the shoulders, and the sleeves should reach the wrist. The suit should not feel tight at the knees, and the child should be able to lift their arms freely without the suit pulling up at the crotch.

 

Can the snowsuit go in the tumble dryer?

No. Let it air dry inside out. High heat can damage the material, seams and water-repellent coating.

 

When should the snowsuit be reproofed?

Reproof the suit when water no longer beads off the material. Always use a PFC-free reproofer and follow the instructions on the product.

 

Are Wheat's snowsuits free from harmful chemicals?

Yes. All Wheat snowsuits are PFC-free and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified.

 

What is Wheat's return policy?

Wheat offers a 30-day full right of return on items bought in the webshop. The return period starts on the day you receive the item. You pay the return shipping yourself, which is deducted from your refund. Create your return via the returns portal. Please note that the right of withdrawal lapses if the item has been used or damaged. Items bought from retailers must be returned to the retailer.

 

Does Wheat offer exchanges?

Wheat offer exchanges. Read all terms and conditions here.