Clothes for January
Short answer: January in Denmark is cold, damp and dark, and clothes need to cope both outdoors and indoors. Build the day from several thin layers, choose a soft jumper and keep your body dry when you come in from the cold.
Danish January days are damp and windy
January is typically the coldest month here, but it is often the wind and the damp that make the cold noticeable. A grey day with moist air quickly feels colder than a dry, clear day of frost. Snow, sleet and rain can arrive in the same week, and the days are short. That means you often leave home in the dark and return in the dark, and your clothes have to keep up with changing weather.
Layer upon layer is the simplest solution
Several thin layers give more flexibility than one thick jumper. Closest to the body a soft, smooth layer, over it a jumper and outermost a jacket that keeps out wind and rain. When you arrive at work or step into a warm bus, you can take a layer off so that you do not get sweaty. See bamboo sweatpants for men for days at home when you want to sit comfortably and keep warm.
Stay dry on the inside
Many people freeze in January because they sweated a little on the way and then cooled down once they stood still. Clothes close to the skin should therefore be soft and cope with moisture so that they do not feel clammy. See bamboo T-shirts for men as an innermost layer under a jumper. A T-shirt under a shirt or jumper is an extra layer to take off if heated rooms become too warm, and it can be changed at the end of the day.
Warmth indoors and cold outdoors
Danish homes and offices are often well heated, so the step from outside to inside is large. It is hard to dress properly for both, and this is where layers help. The polo is a good middle layer when you want to look tidy at work but still be warm. See bamboo polos for men. If you are cycling or walking far, bring an extra layer to put on when you stop.
Habits that make winter easier
Change into dry clothes when you come home from a wet day and hang the damp ones up so that they dry before next time. Air the home briefly every day, even in frost, so that moisture does not gather indoors. Pack an extra pair of socks in your bag if the day involves a lot of walking. And remember that January is also a time for a walk in daylight, and good clothes make it easier to get out.
Frequently asked questions
Why does January feel so cold even when it is not freezing
Because damp and wind let the cold in faster. A dry frosty day often feels milder than a grey, damp day.
How many layers should I wear in January
Three is a good rule of thumb: a soft inner layer, a jumper and a jacket. Then you can adjust when you go from cold to warmth.
What should I do if I sweat on the way to work
Take a layer off as soon as you are inside and choose an inner layer that does not feel clammy. Change into dry clothes if you have got wet.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
