I live in Montana but am not native to the northwest, from the south originally. I don’t own a car (walkable cities ftw) so I’m exposed to the elements almost daily. I’ve been making it work in the winters with layering and clutch thrift store finds but I still don’t fundamentally understand what determines good vs bad fabrics/coats/socks for this climate. Please help!
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No cotton. Go for wool, silk, or wicking synthetics. Cotton will get wet, stay wet, and get chilly. There are rare exceptions, but cotton is rotten in the cold.
Consider the wind. Fleece (synthetic) is great stuff until the wind starts up, so consider a top or outer layer that is a windbreaker. Have a pullover that is a wind blocker on the front and fleece on the back, and it is great. The back is warm and breathes, and I usually have a backpack of some sort that serves to block the wind; the bit of breathable fabric on the back is great for me.
I tend to sweat a lot, so breathable inner layers are essential and an outer shell helps break the wind. Unfortunately, waterproof and windbreak usually mean poor breathability, so look for zippers, especially pit zips.
>”When it comes to cold weather clothing, remember the acronym: **COLD**: **Clean**: Always keep clothing clean. **Overheating**: Avoid getting too hot. **Loose**: Wear clothing loose and in layers **Dry**: Keep clothing as dry as possible. ” –Source: [https://www.psmagazine.army.mil/News/Article/2367042/soldier-supportsafety-got-any-good-cold-weather-advice/](https://www.psmagazine.army.mil/News/Article/2367042/soldier-supportsafety-got-any-good-cold-weather-advice/)
I work outside in Alberta winters so from my experience there’s lots of variance in what people wear – but the common things are an outer wind/water proof layer and cover up as much exposed skin as possible.
Layers definitely help, but I find it can get restrictive so don’t like doing the layering to work in. I can be outside all day with proper winter work boots, decent snow pants, heavy winter coat, balaclava, toque, and proper winter gloves; outside of the typical pants/shirt/socks I wear on any other work day.
I used to walk to an office job:
– good boots (go to a local hiking store, this should be your most expensive item)
– two layers on top: fleece + gore tex
– “full zip rain pants” are easy to remove
+ Treat any thrift store outerwear with waterproof spray
+Have work shoes and extra socks in your desk just in case
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