Attire for Winter

All across the country temperatures have started to drop.  Many places have even seen the first snow fall of the year.  We have changed our clocks back as daylight savings time has ended and it now gets darker much earlier in the day.  The sum of all these things means that winter is here.  Gone are the long warm days of summer and for those of us who have not properly prepared for the cold it is time to get caught up.

Foot care

There is nothing stopping us from wearing shorts and a tee shirt still, but if we did we certainly would be very uncomfortable.  The change in temperature demands a change in how we dress for the day.  Sandals must be stored away for the season and it is time to break out the boots.  It is true, we do not need boots as most typical school or work shoes will be good enough.  That being said, we will be far more comfortable if we wear winter boots.  These items are specifically designed for less than ideal weather and we should take advantage of this.  Sure it is a hassle to have to changes shoes traveling to and from work, but there are several reasons this can be a game changer.  First, what if it is snowy and we get our shoes wet.  This dampness will likely linger in our everyday shoes and even soak through to our socks.  This is a sure fire way to ensure discomfort.  Additionally, boots are usually insulated, go up higher on our legs, and are waterproof.  Boots exist to make sure we are comfortable so we should spend a few minutes of time every day to make sure we take advantage of their existence.  Finally, don’t forget to wear quality socks.

The Right Jacket

The comfort of our feet is important, but this is only one aspect of attire we need to get used to wearing during the winter months.  The most common useful winter item to have is a quality jacket.  This should not be confused with cheap coats of poor quality.  When it comes to outerwear we typically get what we pay for.  So the question is what should we be looking for when jacket shopping.  The first thing we need to consider when answering this question is how often will be outside.  Some of us spend all day inside our homes and offices while others still work outside during the winter.  For someone who commutes via car a durable, high end jacket is less important.  Sure you will want to be warm but less time is spent outside.   In contrast, someone who works outside will need something of higher quality.  The first thing to look at is weather your coat is waterproof or not.  If it isn’t you are likely to have a very uncomfortable day.  Less expensive jackets are usually water resistant, this works well for someone who is trying to stay warm traveling to and from places in short intervals, but is not suited for all day use.  Water will eventually start seeping through making you uncomfortable and cold as the day goes on.  The next thing to look at is insulation.  It is possible to buy a coat that is waterproof but lacks the necessary insulation to ensure warmth throughout the winter.  Finally you will want to look at brand and design purpose.  A ski coat will keep most people warm; however, it lacks the durability of true work wear.  Brands like Carhartt and Wolverine specialize in work coats and make clothing designed for outdoor labor.  This style product will last much longer than a traditional ski coat.   

The Accessories

A lot of people shy away from accessories to save money or simply because they do not feel like they are needed.  This is a great way to ensure discomfort during the winter.  It should come as no surprise to anyone that our hands and heads are important and we must care for them properly.  This starts with a quality pair of gloves.  Like jackets there are tons of varieties out there.  Light weight fleece gloves are great for people who are driving or spending short intervals outside.  Most companies even design them to work with smartphones too.  For people who spend all day outside a fully insulated waterproof glove should be used.  These gloves are usually bigger and bulkier but this is to ensure your hands are comfortable.  Finally, like with coats, work style winter gloves do exist.  These gloves are usually a different material designed for use with machinery or tools.

Headwear is also important for obvious reasons.  Who really wants to be outside and have their ears cold.  It is uncomfortable and avoidable.  There are many options based on preference to solve this problem as well.  A normal winter hat, a simple winter headband, or earmuffs are all simple and affordable solutions.  Additionally, for people who will be outside for a prolonged period, many companies make face masks to ensure our face is comfortable as well.  So when you are about to leave home for the day, make sure you think of your hands and heads.  This way you can ensure you will be comfortable throughout the day. 

There are many other additional items that are out there to help fight the cold.  There are countless types of base layers, also known as long underwear, out there to help keep us warm.  Additionally you can buy reusable or disposable hand warmers or foot warmers to help give us an extra bit of warmness.  You could wear scarfs or other types of neck accessories and even snow pants.  What you need depends on the weather, what you will be doing, and the region of the country you live in.  What matters most is spending a few minutes to assess what is needed. 

No one wants to be cold.  It is a problem that can be addressed if we spend some time and give it some thought.  So now that winter is hear take stock of what you own, what you need, and what you would like to have.  Make some important decisions now to ensure you are prepared for the long winter season.