Warm clothes advice.

[Gumby]

My recent birthday present from the young wife was a humidifier for the bedroom. I have always gotten nosebleeds in the winter.

 

[Koolau]

Never underestimate the warming power of a cat when it sleeps on you.

Heh, heh, back in the day, the cats slept with us because of the electric mattress pad - one cat mostly on DW's side because she kept her side cranked ta da max. "Her" cat often wrapped himself around her head! "My" cat liked to sleep between my legs on top of the covers.

I miss those days - but NOT the cold.

 

[Janet H]

Another vote for superfine Merino wool as a daily base layer. I live in the PNW - cold and damp. Short-sleeved merino wool under anything does the trick without adding bulk. For daily use, I prefer short-sleeved to avoid that rucked-up double layer problem in the arms. For outdoor wear, I switch to long-sleeved base layers.

While awesome versions of these layers at REI and other high end sportswear companies - almost all of these garments now come from China and you can find much better prices and the same quality on Amazon.

Try this company (you can purchase on amazon) Merino Tech

 

[Jerry1]

For now, I ended up getting a shirt jacket from Costco. It’s wool with the Sherpa lining. It’s bulky, but for sitting around the house it’s comfortable. I call it my house jacket.

I will try the Merino base layer at some point but the jacket was on sale so an easy decision to spend $30 versus the prices I’m seeing for the base layers.

Thanks Janet for a more affordable alternative. It’s hard to spend big money on something to try it. If I try it at a discount and like it then I don’t mind paying up for a better quality if necessary.

 

[street]

I wear wool on the outer shell and have since a boy. Keeps things dry and nothing warmer.
I never head in the outdoors unless I have my wool on.

 

[Aerides]

My recent birthday present from the young wife was a humidifier for the bedroom. I have always gotten nosebleeds in the winter.

I have learned to request one of these at hotels whenever I travel to dry climates, and they help a great deal.

 

[Stormy Kromer]

Lifelong Minnesota resident here. Most of it on the prairie except for a 6 year stint in the NE corner near Canada. (it's actually harder to stay warm down here in the wind than it is up there in -30 below temps)

As mentioned above, start with a lightweight layer that wicks moisture. For some reason athletic undershirts seem to provide the best base layer.

I have a set of goose down long underwear. Goose down seems to keep me warmer than anything, including wool After that I wear wool pants and shirts. For the exterior I like Carhart bibs and parka.

For gloves I like leather choppers with wool liners. Headgear, as much as I like my wool hat that I'm named after, I prefer a bomber style hat for warmth. Footwear, felt lined pack boots, on top of a silk liner sock and wool blend outer sock. A neck gaiter for sure.

For lounging around the house in the evening it is hard to beat the goose down long underwear set. If you have to wear "normal clothes" a stylish goose down vest adds a great deal of comfort.

 

[CO-guy]

High quality merino wool isn't cheap, but it's soft, durable and resists odor. It works both to wick moisture to stay cool and provides insulation for warmth. We like Icebreaker, Ibex, Unbound as well as Smartwool.

Over time I've replaced all of my cotton/poly top and bottom base layers with wool.

 

[Lsbcal]

Another vote for superfine Merino wool as a daily base layer. I live in the PNW - cold and damp. Short-sleeved merino wool under anything does the trick without adding bulk. For daily use, I prefer short-sleeved to avoid that rucked-up double layer problem in the arms. For outdoor wear, I switch to long-sleeved base layers.

While awesome versions of these layers at REI and other high end sportswear companies - almost all of these garments now come from China and you can find much better prices and the same quality on Amazon.

Try this company (you can purchase on amazon) Merino Tech

I am wearing my turtle neck Smartwool top from REI as I write this. I live in a set of these things in December and January here. The nice thing is it is not bulky and is in close contact to the body so I think no air pockets create coolness.

Today will be in the mid 60's so maybe I'll have to get out of this top.

 

[GenXguy]

I take walks over 1 hour every day outside. At nearly $100, I save my 400 weight 100% merino wool baselayer pants for adding a third layer when wind chill is around zero or below. Otherwise, fleece lined jeans with standard sweatpants inside does the job for me.

Like I mentioned, watch that percentage of merino wool. I've seen some items that are like only 20% merino wool. I like closer to 100%, although my socks are only 70%, which have worked out fine. My feet haven't been getting cold even with regular socks.

 

[Chuckanut]

I use the 32 Degree stuff from Costco. I wear long sleeve as they seem to really make a difference for me. YMMV. I have one Merino wool long sleeve undershirt that I wear for special occasions.

 

[MichaelB]

60 responses and no one has yet to suggest moving to a warmer climate?

OP should at least consider spending the winter months in a reasonable location where people don’t need an entire second wardrobe or spending half the day putting on and taking off all those layers. Not to say that “S” word (shoveling).

 

[aja8888]

60 responses and no one has yet to suggest moving to a warmed climate?

OP should at least consider spending the winter months in a reasonable location where people don’t need an entire second wardrobe or spending half the day putting on and taking off all those layers. Not to say that “S” word (shoveling).

I'm in a warmer climate!

 

[aja8888]

I'm in a warmer climate! It will be in the teens tonight and possibly snowing (no longer a Connecticut resident).

 

[friar1610]

good, soft wool socks
DH has multiple soft long sleeve Pendleton wool shirts he wears with a t shirt underneath-keeps him plenty warm.
You can also find thin fleece lined pants you could try

I normally wear flannel shirts in the winter with a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath and a fleece over the flannel shirt. I’m still always a bit chilly. Yesterday I dug out an old Pendleton shirt and tried that with the t-shirt/outer fleece. I was much warmer. I’m going to try the Pendleton again tomorrow when I have to go to Boston on what’s predicted to be a very, very cold day and I’ll be going on the T (subway) and walking a few blocks. It may be that the solution has been in my closet right along.

 

[Jerry1]

60 responses and no one has yet to suggest moving to a warmed climate?

OP should at least consider spending the winter months in a reasonable location where people don’t need an entire second wardrobe or spending half the day putting on and taking off all those layers. Not to say that “S” word (shoveling).

I live in MI and while deciding when to retire, I considered snowbirding. Unfortunately, I concluded that I would have had to work an additional 5 years to make that a reality; at least for the lifestyle I would have been willing to live. I'd rather be cold than to have worked any longer, plus, this is where family is as well as the only place I've ever lived. Sure, I should expand my world, but it's just not something I'm motivated to do. I wouldn't mind it if I could go to Florida for a month but I understand that anything less than a 3 month rental is hard, if not impossible to find in the winter season.

That expensive merino wool is looking better every day. It will be sub zero here for the next couple mornings.

 

[Aerides]

where people don’t need an entire second wardrobe

I have an entire second wardrobe -and boots and shoes- for the 7-10 days of "winter" we get down here in SFla.

 

[Walt34]

60 responses and no one has yet to suggest moving to a warmed climate?

OP should at least consider spending the winter months in a reasonable location where people don’t need an entire second wardrobe or spending half the day putting on and taking off all those layers. Not to say that “S” word (shoveling).

So who shovels?

That looks worse than it is, the snow is being blown far to my left but it's in line with the camera lens. DW took the photo.

 

[Koolau]

60 responses and no one has yet to suggest moving to a warmed climate?

OP should at least consider spending the winter months in a reasonable location where people don’t need an entire second wardrobe or spending half the day putting on and taking off all those layers. Not to say that “S” word (shoveling).

I'm in a warmer climate!

I simply can not describe the difference between winter on the frozen tundra and here in Paradise. I actually feel sorry for the folks I "left behinds."

I don't own a coat and rarely feel chilled (typically in a room that is over air conditioned.)

I understand that some folks love the cold and snow. Enjoy my share. Sorta enjoying the conversation because I certainly remember.

 

[aja8888]

I don't believe my dog has ever seen snow in his 2.3 years of life. Tomorrow morning may be the test as we walk around 7 AM!

 

[Walt34]

I don't believe my dog has ever seen snow in his 2.3 years of life. Tomorrow morning may be the test as we walk around 7 AM!

As I recall from raising puppies it can be a lot of fun when they see snow for the first time. At first they're very cautious, then they play in it, then they notice that "Hey, this stuff is COLD! I wanna go back inside!"

 

[Taco]

Any ideas for items just for hanging out around the house and wanting to stay warm?

For just hanging around the house, try these.
Toasty and comfy!

https://www.amazon.com/Snoly-Sherp-Lined-Sweatpants-Running-Thermal/dp/B07V5CXX4K

 

[CO-guy]

I have a set of goose down long underwear. Goose down seems to keep me warmer than anything, including wool After that I wear wool pants and shirts. For the exterior I like Carhart bibs and parka.

For gloves I like leather choppers with wool liners. Headgear, as much as I like my wool hat that I'm named after, I prefer a bomber style hat for warmth. Footwear, felt lined pack boots, on top of a silk liner sock and wool blend outer sock. A neck gaiter for sure. .

I bought goose down 3/4 length underwear for my better half. She has low blood pressure and poor circulation, so spends a great deal of effort appropriately layering for skiing. Wool socks, wool panties, wool sports bra, wool t-shirt, wool buff and then a long sleeve/leg layer of wool plus up to 1-2 puffies on top, all packed inside a hard shell suit that zips together.

It's the rare day that it's cold enough for her to break out the down underwear. However, she swears by the Kinco Pigskin Mitts; treated with beeswax. Keeps her hands warm while skiing, shoveling, and chopping wood. Plus, when waxed each winter, they last for years.

 

[pb4uski]

Any suggestions for some good warm clothes? I live in the north (MI) and have become less able to tolerate the cold. I keep my house at 71 but I’m still feeling chilled. I’ve looked at shirts called a base layer, but they seem to focus more on keeping one warm while still being breathable (for athletic purposes). Looked at a sweater like a cardigan, but that seems a bit Mr. Rodgers to me. I’ve put a few layers on and that helps, but my main wardrobe is cotton and with a t-shirt, a med weight flannel shirt and a hoodie, I’m feeling like that kid in The Christmas Story. Any ideas for items just for hanging out around the house and wanting to stay warm?

How about flannel shirts from the likes of L.L. Bean, Pendleton and Eddie Bauer? When I lived in the north in the winter I would often wear those around the house and add a t-shirt underneath when it was really cold. Layers is key.

Alternatively, I often wear a t-shirt and a cashmere wool sweater (like right now with outdoor temp at 33F and indoor at 70F).

I find cardigans handy and have one up north that I wear regularly when it is cold.

I once had a pair of flannel lined jeans that were really comfy when it was cold.

 

[Chuckanut]

I once had a pair of flannel lined jeans that were really comfy when it was cold.

I still have a pair. The nice thing is that when worn at typical winter inside temps (70) they are not excessively warm.