Clothing for a snowstorm and long days indoors
Short answer: A snowstorm can keep you indoors for a day or longer. Have warm clothing ready for short trips outside, and soft, warm layers for the long hours indoors, when the house may become colder than usual.
What a snowstorm means for daily life
A snowstorm is heavy snowfall combined with strong wind. The snow piles up in drifts, visibility drops, and roads may be closed. The authorities often advise against unnecessary travel, and many people work from home or take time off. For most of us it means one or more days spent mainly indoors, going out only to clear snow, walk the dog or fetch essentials. Your clothes therefore need to work both for the cold outside and for long hours on the sofa.
Short trips out into the storm
If you have to go out in a snowstorm, even briefly, dress properly. A windproof and water repellent jacket, a hat, a scarf and mittens are essential. Snow blows in at the collar and cuffs, so close everything up well. Waterproof overtrousers keep the snow off your legs, and tall boots stop it falling into your shoes. Inside your boots, a sock with a small cuff is practical, so the snow cannot reach the skin at your ankle. See bamboo tennis socks for men.
Warm and soft indoors
During a snowstorm the house can become colder than usual, because the wind forces cold air in around windows and doors. Soft, warm trousers are pleasant to wear for many hours, and they can be used as an extra layer if you need to pop out. See bamboo sweatpants for men. Combine them with a warm jumper and a blanket on the sofa. Close the doors to rooms you are not using so the warmth stays where you are spending your time.
Warm feet on cold floors
Floors get cold when a storm is blowing, especially in older houses and on the ground floor. Cold feet make your whole body feel cold. Socks that feel soft and warm are nice to wear around the house all day. See bamboo footies for men. If you have slippers, put them on over your socks. A rug or mat on the coldest spots also helps. When you come in from the snow, change your socks straight away if they are wet, so your feet can warm up again.
Preparing before the storm
When a snowstorm is forecast, it is wise to prepare the day before. Make sure you have dry, warm clothing ready, and set out an extra jumper and a spare pair of socks. Keep a snow shovel indoors so you can get out of the door. Check that you have a torch, batteries and some food in the house in case the power goes off. Do a wash before the storm arrives, so you have enough clean, dry clothes for a few days.
After the storm
When the storm has passed, there is often a great deal of snow to clear. It is hard physical work, so dress in layers you can remove as you warm up. Take breaks and drink water. Shovelling snow can put strain on the heart and back, and if you have a heart condition, talk to your doctor before you start. Hang wet clothes up to dry, and stand your boots on a tray so the meltwater does not run across the floor.
Frequently asked questions
How do I keep the house warm during a snowstorm
Close doors to rooms you are not using, draw the curtains and place blankets by draughty doors.
What should I wear when shovelling snow
Layers you can remove, waterproof gloves and boots with good grip. Take breaks as you go.
What should I have ready before the storm arrives
Dry clothes, spare socks, a torch, batteries and some food in the house.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
