Clothes for a windy October day on the coast
Short answer: October is a good month for trips to the coast. The beaches are empty, the light is clear and the sea is still relatively warm. But the wind can be strong, and the temperature feels much lower than the thermometer shows. The right clothing turns the trip into a good experience rather than a cold endurance test.
The wind makes all the difference
On the coast the wind is often twice as strong as it is inland. A temperature of 10 degrees with a fresh wind of 10 metres per second feels like around 5 degrees or less. The wind draws heat away from your skin, especially if your clothes are damp. That is why a windproof outer layer is the most important thing you can wear. It does not need to be thick, as long as it keeps the wind out and lets you move freely.
Layers under the windproof jacket
Under the windproof jacket, a couple of layers keep you warm. A thin base layer and a warm jumper are enough on most October days. Trousers matter just as much, because the wind goes straight through thin fabrics. A pair of soft, warm trousers such as bamboo sweatpants for men can be worn under windproof over trousers, or on their own on a milder day. Bring a hat and a scarf as well.
Damp from the sea and passing showers
The air by the sea is damp, and showers move in quickly from the west. Salt from sea spray settles in clothing and can make it stiff. A rain jacket with a hood is a good idea, even if the sky is blue when you set off. Shoes with a good sole are important on wet sand, stones and slippery paths. Avoid cotton as an outer layer, because it becomes heavy and cold once it is wet.
After the walk
When you get home or back to the holiday cottage, it is good to get out of your windswept clothes and into something warm and dry. A warm dressing gown after a shower is a good way to get your warmth back. Have a look at the bamboo dressing gown for men as an example. Rinse salt water and sand out of your clothes and let them dry before washing.
The holiday cottage in October
Many people spend the autumn half term in a holiday cottage on the coast. The houses can be cold and damp after standing empty. Switch the heating on in good time and air the rooms. Bedding can feel clammy in a cold house, so it can be a good idea to bring your own. A set of bamboo sheets is easy to pack. Bring an extra blanket for the cold nights as well.
Staying safe on the coast
In October the waves can be large and the currents strong. Keep away from groynes and piers in strong wind, and do not walk too close to the water's edge, where big waves can arrive without warning. Tell someone where you are going if you plan a long walk. Darkness comes early in October, so bring a torch. Be careful on dunes, which can slip when they are wet.
Frequently asked questions
What should you wear on the coast in October
A windproof outer layer, a couple of warm layers underneath, warm trousers, a hat and shoes with a good sole.
Why does it feel so cold by the sea
The wind draws heat from your skin. 10 degrees with a fresh wind can feel like 5 degrees or less.
How should I treat clothes with salt and sand in them
Rinse them in clean water and let them dry before washing, so salt and sand do not wear the fabric.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
