Clothing for strong coastal winds
Short answer: On the coast it is the wind that makes you cold, not just the temperature. Keep the wind out with a close-woven outer jacket, keep warmth in with layers underneath, and pay extra attention to legs and feet, as that is often where the cold creeps in.
Wind chill explained simply
Your body surrounds itself with a thin layer of warm air. In still weather that layer stays put and works as a kind of insulation. When the wind blows, the warm layer is constantly stripped away, and the body has to spend energy warming up new air. That is why five degrees above freezing with a strong wind often feels like frost. On the coast there is rarely anything to slow the wind down, so the effect is stronger than in a town sheltered by houses and trees.
The outer layer must be windproof
The most important garment on the coast is an outer layer the wind cannot get through. Knitwear and fleece are warm in still air, but the wind blows straight through the stitches. A close-woven jacket with a high collar, an adjustable hood and closures at the cuffs and hem keeps the warm air inside. Check, too, that the jacket is long enough to cover your lower back when you bend down. A short jacket leaves a cold strip where the wind can find its way in and chill you quickly.
Legs are often forgotten
Many people put on a thick jacket but wear ordinary trousers. Trouser legs catch the wind, and thin fabrics give almost no protection. A pair of long underpants beneath your trousers adds an extra layer that holds in warmth without adding bulk. See bamboo long johns. For a long walk on the beach, you might also consider windproof overtrousers, which can be pulled on over your normal trousers and taken off again once you are back in the car or somewhere sheltered from the wind.
Warm feet in sand and wind
Sand and wind draw heat out of your feet, especially if your shoes are low or made of thin material. Socks that reach a little way up the calf stop cold air from getting in at the ankle. See bamboo socks for men. If you have a long walk ahead, boots or walking shoes that close snugly around the ankle are a sensible choice. Shake the sand out of your shoes along the way, as grains of sand inside a sock rub the skin and can cause blisters.
Head, neck and hands
A lot of heat is lost from the head and neck, because blood flows close beneath the skin there. A hat that covers your ears and a scarf or neck gaiter make a big difference in the wind. Gloves matter too, since fingers quickly turn stiff in cold wind. Choose a hat that sits firmly and will not blow away. If the hood on your jacket can be tightened, wear it over your hat when the wind is strongest. That adds an extra layer of still air around your head.
Pack a bag for the coast
A small bag with the right contents makes the trip far more pleasant. Bring a spare pair of socks so you can change if your feet get wet from waves or damp sand. You can find an overview of styles under all bamboo socks for men. Pack a thin extra jumper as well, a flask with something warm to drink and a small towel. After the walk, hang wet clothes up to dry straight away and shake out any sand before washing them.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it colder on the coast than inland
The wind has a free run across the water and is not slowed by buildings and trees. That increases wind chill.
Is a knitted jumper enough in the wind
Not on its own. The wind passes through the stitches. Wear the knit as a mid layer under a windproof jacket.
What should I do if my feet get wet on the beach
Change into dry socks as soon as you can. Wet socks in the wind cool your feet down very quickly.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
