What does it take to be a Gretchen Bleiler favorite? Well, if we’re talking shell pants, they better have waterproofing with a level of breathability that can keep up with the thunder girl of snowboarding. The fit has to be premium, and we mean something that looks great and performs with the freedom of movement she needs to earn yet another medal, so there better be some serious articulation at the knees. It should also have all the essentials like inner thigh vents, hem gussets with zips, and attachments for the storm skirt of her jacket. And all that is just the technical part. Gretchen’s faves have the kind of rare electricity that throws sparks into style without trying to be a lightning bolt. We mean sophistication with the charm of originality.