It’s interesting to note, as I write this during the costumed festivities of All Hallow’s Eve, that the new line of Star Wars-themed apparel from Columbia isn’t about cosplaying as a Rogue Squadron pilot for your friend’s Halloween party. The nine-piece clothing line of shirts, jackets, and goggles doesn’t officially drop until December.
That’s because the Skywalker Pilot Collection is actually for ski season — and probably any time of year afterward that owners can justify wearing the colorful duds. Just another reminder that the Star Wars franchise is more than a brand — for many, it’s a lifestyle.
And frankly, I’m a galaxy away from maximum Star Wars fandom, but I’d still be pretty buzzed to land this $500 skiing one-piece modeled after Luke’s bright orange flight suit. I don’t even ski. But some childhood loves never love us.
I mean, c’mon! A fanny pack (cough, “crossbody bag”) with a wing suit utility belt design? A sweater with a choice between an X-Wing or Snowspeeder decal? You gotta give it to these pop culture collabs: They just work.
Star Wars x Columbia Skywalker Pilot Collection
In fact, Columbia has become quite partial to its Star Wars collabs. In 2022, it released the Outer Rim collection, meant for relaxing in warmer weather. A year later, we got the Boba Fett collection.
This nine-piece ski collection, on the other hand, is built to actually withstand a day on the slopes. The various pieces, mostly in bright orange, white, and gray, range from a $40 cap with Luke Skywalker’s helmet insignia to the $500 ski suit mentioned above.
Whether you fancy the Pilot Lightweight Jacket ($200), Skywalker Pilot Pullover ($150), or just the Skywalker Pilot Short Sleeve Shirt ($55), the main draw here is the ski collection’s supposed film accuracy (or something like it).
Columbia’s team “studied the original screen-worn costumes closely with the Lucasfilm team” to ensure authentic designs, the company said in a press release. There’s also insulated collar construction, precise sleeve baffling, and fan-favorite Easter eggs, including vehicle schematics and original concept art.
“These are not costume replicas,” Matt Merriman, VP Brand Development and Partnerships at Columbia Sportswear, said in the release. “Rather, our product team took inspiration from Luke Skywalker’s iconic flight suit and created a fully equipped ski collection built to withstand the elements. It is that mash-up that we find interesting. The styles are as functional as they are beautiful.”
Skywalker Pilot Collection Availability
These special-edition threads will be available on the Columbia website starting at midnight Eastern Time on Dec. 1, 2023.
Star Wars lovers can also find the gear at select Columbia-branded U.S. retail locations. In addition to the U.S., the collection will be available in several countries throughout Asia, Europe, and Central and South America.
For a few lifelong Padawans out there, it could be a very merry Christmas indeed.
