Ten years ago buying a snow jacket was uncomplicated. They were all grey or black, bulky and - let's admit it, ugly. Rejoice! No longer are you forced to look like a stuffed potato.

Today, when picking out a snow jacket not only do you have the choice of ultra-light textiles such as Gore-Tex but, also, exciting colors and designs.

The best part is that this fashion trend is not limited to adults. There are fashionable Snow Jackets for children of all ages as well as for your pets, too!

Technical sophistication bests describes todays Snow Jacket fabrics. The fabrics from which these garments are currently being manufactured are becoming more and more advanced in their protective capabilities - i.e., wind, water and cold proofing.

Fabrics such as Gore-Tex are "created by laminating our GORE-TEXR membrane to high-performance textiles, then sealing them with an innovative solution for guaranteed waterproof protection.membrane is the heart of all GORE-TEXR products. It contains over 9 billion microscopic pores per square inch. These pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet, but 700 times larger than a water vapor molecule, which makes the GORE-TEXR membrane completely waterproof from the outside, while allowing perspiration to escape from the inside. An oleophobic, or oil-hating, substance is integrated into the membrane, preventing the penetration of body oils and insect repellent that could otherwise affect the membrane.To construct a GORE-TEXR laminate, we bond the GORE-TEXR membrane between high-performance fabrics that are extremely breathable. All GORE-TEXR fabrics are waterproof, windproof, and breathable. However, there are many different outer fabrics and fabric constructions available so that you can choose what's most important to you: weight, texture, abrasion resistance, and so on." (www.gore-tex.com)

Believe it or not, you can look sexy (if a woman) and dashing (if a man) in a Snow Jacket due to the variety of designs. Color has also been infused into this piece of garment.

For the ladies there are SnowJackets manufactured from the stretch material Spandex, which will adhere to your body and emphasize your curves. Adding some faux fur trim can make all the difference and, depending on the time and where worn - red for day and black for evening, you can make quite the fashion statement in your Snow Jacket.

In the men's department you will find the lighter, sleeker fabrics to show off those athletic shoulders. Other options are the quilted, bubble and denim looks.

Color is not for everyone but, for those that opt for a splash of it on the slopes there's a lot to choose from. There are the solids with colors such as blue, red, orange and teal. In prints' the choices are endless - from stripes to camouflage to art deco and more, for both men and women.

"Jackets come in all different styles, baggy, puffy, tight, slim, loose...all kinds. Go with what looks right for you and your style. Think about how you like to wear your regular clothes. For example if you feel most comfortable in baggy fitting clothes you will probably feel the same about a baggy fitting snowboard jacket." (www.ehow.com)

(Photo courtesy of de sfxeric, Flickr.)

A Snow Jacket is not longer only to wear around to keep warm. These jackets are being worn, depending on the fabric and specs such as breathability, waterproofing, hoods, pockets, ventilation areas, etc., for extreme sports such as snowboarding and mountain skiing and climbing. Since it is not only just the men enjoying these sports, the all purpose Snow Jacket is now being manufactured for women, also.

(Photo courtesy of GrahamKing, Flickr.)

These jackets "are designed for young occasional skiers needing effective protection against the cold and snow.come with thermal insulation of 200 g/m2 wadding, have an attached warm hood, fleece lining and waterproofing capability of 2,000mm coated fabric." (www.wedze.com) You will be able to find a Snow Jacket for infants from 18 months to 4 yrs old.

(Photo courtesy of parkerkrhoyt, Flickr.)

Your pets, primarily dogs, will also be able to sport around the slopes in fashion wearing fleece chest protector with easy on, easy off top closure." (www.petstore.com) Not to be outdone by their owners this dog Snow Jackets may also include a hood (with faux fur trim) and "pockets on the back for treats and pickup bags." (www.petstore.com)

The very latest for your pet when it comes to a Snow Jacket is one manufactured with "recycled durable outer layer repels moisture and wind, recycled inner fleece layer insulates from the cold, elastic stay-fit webbing and DuraflexR auto-lock buckles adjust for a custom fit, integrated chest panel insulates the belly and keeps the coat in place and 3MTScotchliteT reflective trim for enhanced visibility." (www.petstore.com)

(Photo courtesy of RoseThistleArtworks, Flickr.)