Wash only when necessary using technical detergent (never regular detergent or fabric softener). Tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the DWR. When water stops beading on the surface, reapply DWR treatment — spray-on products like Nikwax TX.Direct allow targeted application without affecting the interior. Avoid storing wet pants for long periods, and never iron or dry clean. With proper care, a quality DWR coating lasts 1-2 seasons before needing reapplication.
Snow Pants · Performance/Fitted Ski Pants
How do I maintain the DWR coating on expensive performance pants?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.
Insulated Snow Pants
$60 – $450
Snow pants with built-in synthetic or down insulation for all-in-one warmth and weather protection.
built-in insulationwaterproof outer shellsingle-layer convenience
Shell Snow Pants
$100 – $600
Uninsulated waterproof pants designed for layering, offering maximum versatility and temperature regulation.
no insulationwaterproof-breathable membranelayering-compatible fit
Stretch/Softshell Snow Pants
$100 – $450
Highly flexible snow pants using stretch or softshell fabrics for unrestricted movement during active riding.
4-way stretch fabricsoftshell or stretch-woven constructionarticulated patterning
More questions
- Will I be cold in shell pants without insulation?
- Can I fit knee pads under performance ski pants?
- Are performance pants worth the premium over regular ski pants?
- How do I know if a slim fit will work for my body type?