Winter wardrobe needed
February 26, 2009 9:54 AM Subscribe
I'm going to be studying abroad in a rather cold area next year. Help me build my wardrobe.
I am planning on studying abroad in Russia next year, and I fear I have an insufficient cold weather wardrobe (I go to college in the South). Seeing as the retailers are clearing out their winter stuff to make room for summer clothing, this seems like the time to stock up. Problem is, I'm not exactly flush with cash, so suggestions like "Just buy a wardrobe of Arc'teryx" aren't particularly helpful (though that would be nice).
Average winter temps where I'm going are low teens (F), with temps down to freezing not especially rare. What are a few pieces of clothing that are really crucial to making it through a cold winter?
I am planning on studying abroad in Russia next year, and I fear I have an insufficient cold weather wardrobe (I go to college in the South). Seeing as the retailers are clearing out their winter stuff to make room for summer clothing, this seems like the time to stock up. Problem is, I'm not exactly flush with cash, so suggestions like "Just buy a wardrobe of Arc'teryx" aren't particularly helpful (though that would be nice).
Average winter temps where I'm going are low teens (F), with temps down to freezing not especially rare. What are a few pieces of clothing that are really crucial to making it through a cold winter?
Good boots.* Silk long underwear- 2 sets (sink washable!). A warm coat. A warm hat.
That's about it. Everything else is layering.
You don't say if you're male or female, and you don't say where in Russia you're going, but in the big cities people are very fashionable, the women especially. I'm torn in my advice, because if you buy your clothes here you're likely to REALLY stick out there, and that sucks. You'll be a mark for pickpockets at the very least. On the other hand, at least when I was there, it was harder and no cheaper to buy clothes there.
I think I would find out what overcoats were sort of fashionable last year and this year and buy something that looks like that. The rest doesn't matter quite as much.
Also, in my outdated experience, a lot of Russia was TOO warm. You went from 10F to 80F indoors or in the metro. There's not too much to do about that, I guess, but it's possible you won't be spending huge amounts of time in the cold, except for waiting for buses.
*get the kind that zip because every time you walk in someone's door you'll have to take them off. I learned this the hard way.
posted by small_ruminant at 10:09 AM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
That's about it. Everything else is layering.
You don't say if you're male or female, and you don't say where in Russia you're going, but in the big cities people are very fashionable, the women especially. I'm torn in my advice, because if you buy your clothes here you're likely to REALLY stick out there, and that sucks. You'll be a mark for pickpockets at the very least. On the other hand, at least when I was there, it was harder and no cheaper to buy clothes there.
I think I would find out what overcoats were sort of fashionable last year and this year and buy something that looks like that. The rest doesn't matter quite as much.
Also, in my outdated experience, a lot of Russia was TOO warm. You went from 10F to 80F indoors or in the metro. There's not too much to do about that, I guess, but it's possible you won't be spending huge amounts of time in the cold, except for waiting for buses.
*get the kind that zip because every time you walk in someone's door you'll have to take them off. I learned this the hard way.
posted by small_ruminant at 10:09 AM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
This thread might help.
Short version: your mantra should be "layers, layers, layers."
posted by olinerd at 10:10 AM on February 26, 2009
Short version: your mantra should be "layers, layers, layers."
posted by olinerd at 10:10 AM on February 26, 2009
Good thick gloves, preferably with the little tiny ones to wear on the inside. I've worn good leather throughout eastern & western Canada and they've been fine - I don't know how well they'd stack up to the Central, and thus Russia.
Also, thermal underwear if you're doing day-long excursions, like x-country skiing.
posted by Lemurrhea at 10:11 AM on February 26, 2009
Also, thermal underwear if you're doing day-long excursions, like x-country skiing.
posted by Lemurrhea at 10:11 AM on February 26, 2009
Response by poster: -I'm male
-St. Pete
-I've been to Russia before. I'm not too worried about fashion--as long as you wear black you don't stand out too much.
I already have good boots, a good hat, and some smartwool socks (probably going to get more of those).
posted by Autarky at 10:15 AM on February 26, 2009
-St. Pete
-I've been to Russia before. I'm not too worried about fashion--as long as you wear black you don't stand out too much.
I already have good boots, a good hat, and some smartwool socks (probably going to get more of those).
posted by Autarky at 10:15 AM on February 26, 2009
Layering is good. Having a good thermal base layer, made of something other than cotton ("cotton kills," as the outdoorsy types say, because it doesn't insulate when wet) can make you very much more comfortable. (By "base layer" I mean things worn next to the skin--shirts or undershirts, leggings.) I've gotten very fond of merino wool base layers, of late--non-itchy and very warm. Merino is expensive, so I usually get it on clearance at places like geartrade.com. Silk or synthetics work fine too.
I don't have any specific recommendations on brands for an outer jacket--get something windproof and reasonably water-resistant and hefty enough to keep you warm. You don't need anything fancy and high-performance if you're not going to be spending every weekend skiing and hiking. You might consider getting one of those jackets with a zip-out fleece lining that you can use on its own when it's warmer.
Other accessories for your shopping list: a warm knitted hat, thick warm gloves and/or mittens, warm socks, possibly a scarf or face mask (be warned, these can redirect your breath upward and fog your glasses, if you wear glasses, so try them on in the store.) Sounds like you are already set up with some of this.
posted by fermion at 10:17 AM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
I don't have any specific recommendations on brands for an outer jacket--get something windproof and reasonably water-resistant and hefty enough to keep you warm. You don't need anything fancy and high-performance if you're not going to be spending every weekend skiing and hiking. You might consider getting one of those jackets with a zip-out fleece lining that you can use on its own when it's warmer.
Other accessories for your shopping list: a warm knitted hat, thick warm gloves and/or mittens, warm socks, possibly a scarf or face mask (be warned, these can redirect your breath upward and fog your glasses, if you wear glasses, so try them on in the store.) Sounds like you are already set up with some of this.
posted by fermion at 10:17 AM on February 26, 2009 [1 favorite]
Again, I don't know where you're going, but in St. Petersburg I didn't need snow boots except for when I went walking through fields in the outskirts. I was glad I had them because I did that quite a bit, but I didn't need them every day.
It was cold but didn't snow all that much- my usual routes were mostly clear, though icy and slippery- people walk arm in arm just for the extra set of legs for balance- you're always catching each other when you slip, even with the penguin waddle you pick up after walking on ice for awhile. Shoes need to be warm but they don't need to be survivalist gear. If it would get you by in Chicago, it would get you by in St. Petersburg, is my guess.
I used my snow boots a lot more often when I lived in Bloomington, IN.
posted by small_ruminant at 10:18 AM on February 26, 2009
It was cold but didn't snow all that much- my usual routes were mostly clear, though icy and slippery- people walk arm in arm just for the extra set of legs for balance- you're always catching each other when you slip, even with the penguin waddle you pick up after walking on ice for awhile. Shoes need to be warm but they don't need to be survivalist gear. If it would get you by in Chicago, it would get you by in St. Petersburg, is my guess.
I used my snow boots a lot more often when I lived in Bloomington, IN.
posted by small_ruminant at 10:18 AM on February 26, 2009
Wool. Wool. Wool. And layers. You would be surprised what you can find at a decently stocked thrift shop, so don't immediately discount it as an option, especially when on a budget.
Also, if you're female, a bit of advice from when I lived in Prague. Short skirts, high boots. If you don't have ready access to a laundrymat or washing machine (count on NOT), it is much easier to scrub mud off boots than pants hems. And in which case: wool stockings for extra leg warmth, though god knows I saw some girls going bare.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 10:18 AM on February 26, 2009
Also, if you're female, a bit of advice from when I lived in Prague. Short skirts, high boots. If you don't have ready access to a laundrymat or washing machine (count on NOT), it is much easier to scrub mud off boots than pants hems. And in which case: wool stockings for extra leg warmth, though god knows I saw some girls going bare.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 10:18 AM on February 26, 2009
Buy local; don't pack a bunch of stuff from the States. It will likely be cheaper, and catered directly to people who have lived in that weather for a long time.
Plus, souvenirs, yo.
posted by nitsuj at 10:18 AM on February 26, 2009
Plus, souvenirs, yo.
posted by nitsuj at 10:18 AM on February 26, 2009
Ah, whoops. Should've refreshed first. No skirts for you, then! ;) But the thrift store suggestion stands.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 10:19 AM on February 26, 2009
posted by bitter-girl.com at 10:19 AM on February 26, 2009
oops- should have previewed!
I have nothing more to add then, except that Thinsulate lined gloves are wonderful, and you can often get them for cheap on Sierra Trading Post.
posted by small_ruminant at 10:20 AM on February 26, 2009
I have nothing more to add then, except that Thinsulate lined gloves are wonderful, and you can often get them for cheap on Sierra Trading Post.
posted by small_ruminant at 10:20 AM on February 26, 2009
From spending some very cold, snowy winters in Sweden I will add to the above (excellent) advice: get a hat. A hat that cover the ears. Everybody wears hats during the winter in cold climates.
Don't worry if you think you'd die of embarrassment to wear it because -40F will remove any fashion concerns in a hurry. This may be one item you'll want to get over there to better match the locals.
posted by trinity8-director at 10:21 AM on February 26, 2009
Don't worry if you think you'd die of embarrassment to wear it because -40F will remove any fashion concerns in a hurry. This may be one item you'll want to get over there to better match the locals.
posted by trinity8-director at 10:21 AM on February 26, 2009
Cold-hating Canadian here. You should get a down jacket. Make sure it has real bird down inside, not synthetic fibrefill, and you want it to be at least mid-thigh length. The warmest down jackets are Canada Goose brand (that's what Canadian winter film crews wear to work ourdoors for 12 hours a day), but they're kind of pricey. Basically as long as it's down-filled, though, you'll be fine.
I also recommend a down duvet for your bed, and jersey sheets (should be able to get a set for under $20). And a polarfleece blanket (about $6 at IKEA) under the duvet, against your skin, is awesome. Synthetic fleece in general is great. The closer it is to your skin the better- it works by trapping your skin's heat in teeny pockets against your skin.
I find wearing a scarf indoors makes me feel cozier. And I have a long sweater kind of like a lab coat that I wear constantly. It's cheap-ass acrylic, it was only $30 at some random mall store for bargain-hunting ladies, and I wear it basically 24-7 as a layer that's quick to pull on & off indoors. I like longer sweaters because waist-length ones make me look like a marshmallow. The long one also fits perfectly under my down jacket and adds a nice extra layer of warmth.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 10:23 AM on February 26, 2009
I also recommend a down duvet for your bed, and jersey sheets (should be able to get a set for under $20). And a polarfleece blanket (about $6 at IKEA) under the duvet, against your skin, is awesome. Synthetic fleece in general is great. The closer it is to your skin the better- it works by trapping your skin's heat in teeny pockets against your skin.
I find wearing a scarf indoors makes me feel cozier. And I have a long sweater kind of like a lab coat that I wear constantly. It's cheap-ass acrylic, it was only $30 at some random mall store for bargain-hunting ladies, and I wear it basically 24-7 as a layer that's quick to pull on & off indoors. I like longer sweaters because waist-length ones make me look like a marshmallow. The long one also fits perfectly under my down jacket and adds a nice extra layer of warmth.
posted by pseudostrabismus at 10:23 AM on February 26, 2009
I just got a few new pairs of long underwear from Campmor and they are incredible, both as incredible garments and as incredible deals. I got the Terramar Silks and Terramar Merino Wool "Pants".
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/campmor/manu_list.jsp?manufacturer=92
posted by advicepig at 10:27 AM on February 26, 2009
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/campmor/manu_list.jsp?manufacturer=92
posted by advicepig at 10:27 AM on February 26, 2009
Yes Layers. You may be surprised how well you can survive with what you have. I survived a winter in Ottawa, Canada with a rain coat and a bunch of wool sweaters. Of course, I needed a hat, mittens (warmer than gloves) and a scarf. but they are cheap.
If you have all these things the only thing I would suggest is long underwear or (if your a woman) thick tights to wear under pants.
Oh an boots, even unlined they are significantly warmer than shoes.
posted by Gor-ella at 11:08 AM on February 26, 2009
If you have all these things the only thing I would suggest is long underwear or (if your a woman) thick tights to wear under pants.
Oh an boots, even unlined they are significantly warmer than shoes.
posted by Gor-ella at 11:08 AM on February 26, 2009
second silk long underwear and sierra trading post for online shopping. This time of year you can get some pretty good deals on cold weather gear.
posted by domino at 11:10 AM on February 26, 2009
posted by domino at 11:10 AM on February 26, 2009
Strongly second the wool recommendation. Icebreaker and Ibex are two serious brands. You will never be cold with three layers of that stuff under your jacket. It doesn't reek like polypropylene either.
posted by alexwoods at 11:59 AM on February 26, 2009
posted by alexwoods at 11:59 AM on February 26, 2009
Based on a fair bit of outdoor commuting on cold, windy days in Toronto, the essential things are:
1. A hat that covers your ears and insulates well (knitted stuff is good)
2. Thick gloves with plenty of fiber fill insulation
3. A reasonably heavy coat (doesn't have to be stuffed with inches of insulation or anything, mine is nylon with a fleece liner)
4. Either a scarf, or a coat collar that zips up to eye level.
5. Boots with some kind of insulation, and which are waterproof (salt-water puddles can be very cold!)
With the above, I have not really even felt the cold in the kinds of temperatures you're talking about. Not even when hanging around outside for half an hour in high winds while waiting for the train. If I was going to be outside for hours then some additional insulation for the legs would be needed, and maybe a more serious coat.
posted by FishBike at 12:34 PM on February 26, 2009
1. A hat that covers your ears and insulates well (knitted stuff is good)
2. Thick gloves with plenty of fiber fill insulation
3. A reasonably heavy coat (doesn't have to be stuffed with inches of insulation or anything, mine is nylon with a fleece liner)
4. Either a scarf, or a coat collar that zips up to eye level.
5. Boots with some kind of insulation, and which are waterproof (salt-water puddles can be very cold!)
With the above, I have not really even felt the cold in the kinds of temperatures you're talking about. Not even when hanging around outside for half an hour in high winds while waiting for the train. If I was going to be outside for hours then some additional insulation for the legs would be needed, and maybe a more serious coat.
posted by FishBike at 12:34 PM on February 26, 2009
Longjohns, longjohns, longjohns!
I was never a believer in long underwear until I lived in China. The Chinese don't seem to change wardrobe on the surface. You see the same guys with the same sweater and sports coat all year round, but what you don't see is the layers of long underwear that are growing beneath that wardrobe and keeping out the winter chill. Eventually the big coats and hats do come out, but only after it gets too extreme.
posted by Pollomacho at 12:50 PM on February 26, 2009
I was never a believer in long underwear until I lived in China. The Chinese don't seem to change wardrobe on the surface. You see the same guys with the same sweater and sports coat all year round, but what you don't see is the layers of long underwear that are growing beneath that wardrobe and keeping out the winter chill. Eventually the big coats and hats do come out, but only after it gets too extreme.
posted by Pollomacho at 12:50 PM on February 26, 2009
LL Bean fleece-lined jeans. Or flannel lined. The best $50 on a pair of pants for cold weather you'll spend. They look casual, they're not too hot when you're inside, but man, they're a LOT warmer than normal jeans while outside. Plus less hassle than thermal underwear. The fleece is fairly thick, the flannel is not much thicker than a normal pair of jeans. So toasty warm.
posted by GuyZero at 1:40 PM on February 26, 2009
posted by GuyZero at 1:40 PM on February 26, 2009
Get some long underwear. During my study abroad period in Armenia, I'd wear it all day and then go to the discotech at night, take it off in the bathroom, stuff it in my bag, and put it back on later.
posted by k8t at 4:01 PM on February 26, 2009
posted by k8t at 4:01 PM on February 26, 2009
I can't agree with fermion more. Cotton as a base layer, be it socks or a t-shirt, will end up making you colder. Even a silk shirt so thin you can see through it will be better. I go old school and wear a lot of wool. I find a scarf makes me feel much warmer. I think it is much more common to have different indoor shoes in colder climes. Get some warm boots with something like boiled wool clogs to wear indoors - sock feet rarely cut it if I am going to be sitting at my desk for a long time. If you want to go completely bush-Alaska baddass, get some bunny boots and be prepared to be stared at.
posted by Foam Pants at 7:34 PM on February 26, 2009
posted by Foam Pants at 7:34 PM on February 26, 2009
It is the city people! Wearing long underwear as outerwear isn't quite the hip fashion statement in Russia that it is in Portland. If you walk around dressed like you're going backpacking in the woods people will think you are weird. Plus they do hear the houses/ buses/ trains so you are extremely unlikely to die of hypothermia going to, say, work. Cotton is perfectly fine.
I live in a really cold snowy place and I just wear regular winter-weight clothing for going to work or out to dinner, friends houses etc. For the 10 minutes you are outside have a good coat made of down or wool, a scarf, hat and gloves or mittens. You only need boots if it has snowed recently, otherwise it gets packed down or shoveled pretty fast and shoes are fine. You might pick up a pair of those gripper things that go on your shoes though, they are pretty handy.
If you plan to go out in the countryside or go to outdoor events in town either long underwear under your pants or subdued ski pants with your regular clothes are acceptable. Bring one or two REI style outfits for skiing and hiking in the snow, sure, but do NOT show up in Europe with a casual wardrobe of fleece and bunny boots unless you want people to think you are insane.
posted by fshgrl at 8:12 PM on February 26, 2009
I live in a really cold snowy place and I just wear regular winter-weight clothing for going to work or out to dinner, friends houses etc. For the 10 minutes you are outside have a good coat made of down or wool, a scarf, hat and gloves or mittens. You only need boots if it has snowed recently, otherwise it gets packed down or shoveled pretty fast and shoes are fine. You might pick up a pair of those gripper things that go on your shoes though, they are pretty handy.
If you plan to go out in the countryside or go to outdoor events in town either long underwear under your pants or subdued ski pants with your regular clothes are acceptable. Bring one or two REI style outfits for skiing and hiking in the snow, sure, but do NOT show up in Europe with a casual wardrobe of fleece and bunny boots unless you want people to think you are insane.
posted by fshgrl at 8:12 PM on February 26, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by fiercekitten at 9:57 AM on February 26, 2009