Descente is a Japanese sportswear brand that was born out of skiing and is now best known for its technical ski jackets and trousers, with a race-inspired cut. If you've seen the name in a shop or on the slopes and wondered what Descente is, where it comes from or how to choose one of its garments, here's the answer. You'll also find criteria for choosing any technical ski jacket, and the alternative of renting snow clothing if you only ski a few days a year.
What Is Descente?
Descente is a Japanese sportswear and sports accessories company founded in 1935 in Osaka by Takeo Ishimoto. In its early days it was called Ishimoto Shoten and sold menswear; over time it specialised in sportswear and, above all, in ski clothing. The name comes from the French descente, "descent" or "downhill", a direct nod to alpine ski racing.
Its logo, made up of three arrows and known as the Spirit Mark, represents, according to the brand itself, three basic ski techniques: the schuss (skiing straight down), the traverse (crossing the slope diagonally) and the side-slip (sliding sideways). Besides skiing, the company has golf, sportswear and streetwear lines, but it was on the snow that it earned its reputation.
Why Descente Is Known for Ski Clothing
- Racing roots: the brand has a long relationship with alpine ski racing and has dressed national ski teams. That heritage shows in garments designed to move in a skiing stance, not for a stroll.
- Pattern and fit: many of its garments aim for a close-to-the-body fit, with pre-shaped sleeves and knees so they don't pull when you flex. It depends on the collection, so it's worth trying on your size.
- Technical fabrics: it works with waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics, and with insulated and non-insulated garments for different temperatures.
- High-end range: it's positioned at the top end of the ski clothing market, in both design and performance.
How to Choose a Technical Ski Jacket (Descente or Any Brand)
Whether you're looking for a Descente jacket or a jacket from another brand, the criteria are the same:
Membrane: Waterproofing and Breathability
Waterproofing is measured in millimetres of water column: the higher it is, the better it copes with wet snow and rain. Breathability is measured in grams of vapour per square metre over 24 hours: the higher it is, the less sweat stays inside. Also look at the construction (2, 2.5 or 3 layers: 3-layer jackets tend to be more durable and lighter), taped seams and the outer water-repellent treatment, which needs renewing after washes.
Insulation: Shell or Insulated Jacket
- Shell (no insulation): only protects from water and wind; the warmth comes from the layers underneath. It's the most versatile if you're going to ski in both spring and midwinter.
- Synthetic insulation: keeps you warm even when a bit damp and is easy to care for.
- Down: very warm for its weight, but loses effectiveness when wet, unless it's treated.
Details That Make a Difference on the Slopes
- Helmet-compatible hood.
- Inner powder skirt so snow doesn't get in when you fall.
- Underarm vents for warm days or hard effort.
- Lift pass pocket on the sleeve and an inner pocket for your phone, where the battery gets less cold.
- Adjustable cuffs that close well over your gloves.
Ski Trousers
The same membrane and insulation criteria as for the jacket. Add inner gaiters that cover the boot, reinforcement at the bottom of the leg against ski edges and, if you prefer, braces or bib trousers, which stop snow getting in at the waist.
Descente for Men and Women: Sizes and Fit
- Measure before you buy: chest, waist, hips and inside leg, and compare them with the brand's official size chart. Japanese and European brand sizes don't always match the ones you usually wear.
- Try the garment on with layers: wear the base layer and fleece you'll use on the snow underneath.
- Move as if you were skiing: raise your arms (the jacket shouldn't leave your back exposed), bend your knees and squat down.
- Leg length: with your ski boot on, the trousers should cover it without dragging.
- Women's cuts: the women's collections have their own patterns at the waist and hips; don't just go down a size in men's.
Where to Buy Descente in Spain?
The go-to source is the brand's official website, where you can browse the collection and authorised retailers. Specialist ski shops also sell it. If you see outlet prices far below the usual, make sure the seller is trustworthy, because there are imitations of high-end technical clothing. At CaranvaSports we don't sell new clothing: we rent snow equipment.
The Alternative: Renting Ski Clothing
A high-end technical jacket and trousers are a good buy if you ski many days a year. If you go to the snow for one or two weeks a season, travel by plane or are kitting out the whole family, renting snow clothing at your destination saves luggage space and guarantees you waterproof garments suited to the cold. The shop allocates technical garments from its own range, not a specific brand.
- Spain: snow clothing rental in Sierra Nevada, in Baqueira and in La Molina.
- Chile: snow clothing rental in Santiago, for heading up to Valle Nevado, La Parva or El Colorado; and the transfer to Valle Nevado.
- Argentina: snow clothing rental in Cerro Catedral, in Bariloche.
- All the options in snow clothing.
You can add skis to the same booking: Sierra Nevada, Baqueira, Formigal, Santiago de Chile or Cerro Catedral. If you're not sure which ones to choose yet, read our ski guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Descente
What is Descente?
It's a Japanese sportswear brand, especially known for its technical ski clothing: high-end jackets, trousers, mid-layers and accessories, with a race-inspired cut.
Is it spelled Descente or decente?
The brand is spelled Descente, with "sc", because it comes from the French descente ("descent"). "Decente" is a Spanish adjective meaning honest or decent and has nothing to do with the brand. If you're looking for the ski clothing, type Descente.
What country is the Descente brand from?
Japan. It was founded in Osaka in 1935, even though its name is French and it now sells in many countries.
Who distributes Descente in Spain?
Distribution can change over the years, so the most reliable thing is to check Descente's official website, which lists its online shop and authorised retailers. Buying through those channels guarantees you an original product and warranty.
