Clothing for a foggy week
Short answer: Fog is a damp cold that creeps into your clothes without you noticing. Choose layers that do not hold on to moisture, and remember to be visible when sight lines are poor.
Why fog feels cold
Fog consists of tiny water droplets in the air, and they settle on clothing and skin. Even if the temperature is not low, it feels cold, because the moisture carries heat away from the body. You do not get wet as you do in rain, but the clothes slowly draw in moisture. That is why several thin layers that dry easily are often better than one thick layer that holds on to the damp.
A soft layer against the skin
Innermost you want something smooth, which does not feel clammy when the air is humid. T-shirts made of viscose from bamboo are soft and sit quietly against the skin under a jumper. See bamboo T-shirts for men. Choose a fit that is not tight but also not so loose that the fabric folds up under the sleeves. If you have two or three, you can change if the day has been damp, and hang the worn one up to dry.
The sweatshirt as a warm middle layer
On foggy days a sweatshirt is a good middle layer, because it is soft and comfortable and can be worn alone or under a jacket. See bamboo sweatshirt for men. Choose one that is not so thick that it takes up room under the jacket, and that does not hang loose, so it does not soak up moisture from the air. It is also pleasant to put on when you get home and want something warm and dry.
Underwear that stays fresh
In dense, damp air, clothing that lies close to the body feels clammy more quickly. Choose underwear that is soft and does not pinch, so you do not get rubbing seams over a long day. See bamboo underpants for men. Change every day and bring a spare pair if you will be out all day. Dry socks and underwear do more for comfort than almost anything else on a damp day.
Seeing and being seen when visibility is poor
Fog reduces visibility, which matters especially when you walk or cycle in the dark. Use reflectors, lights and light colours, so that drivers and others can see you. Light outer layers or a hi-vis vest are more visible than dark clothing. Think about standing out at crossings too. It is not something to save on, and it costs almost nothing compared with the value of getting home safely.
Care after damp days
Damp clothes need to be dried, not just hung in the wardrobe. Hang them up with air around them so they do not start to smell stuffy. Wash viscose from bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees and skip fabric softener. Let the clothes dry flat or on a hanger, and do not dry directly on the radiator. If the fog stays for several days, a spare set ready to change into helps, so that something is always dry.
Frequently asked questions
Do you get wet from fog
You do not get soaked as in rain, but clothing can take up moisture from the air and feel clammy. Layers that dry easily and a spare set help.
Why does fog feel cold even when the temperature is moderate
The moisture settles on the skin and carries heat away faster than dry air. That is why a foggy day feels colder than the thermometer shows.
How do I best make myself seen in fog
Use reflectors and lights, and choose light outer layers. Dark clothing is hard to see when visibility is poor.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
