Dog Walks and Everyday Outings – The Transitional Wardrobe
Short answer: Good transitional clothing should go on without thinking and work at both eight and eighteen degrees. Bamboo clothing suits dog walks and everyday strolls because it helps even out your temperature, so you neither sweat on the way out nor get cold on the way home.
What is transitional clothing, really
Transitional clothing is the wardrobe for the months between winter coat and summer clothes: layers that are easy to put on and take off. In spring and autumn a morning can start with frost on the grass and end in sunshine. That is why several thin layers make more sense than one thick jacket.
When the weather changes halfway round
The tricky part of everyday walks is that you stand still one moment and walk briskly the next. When the dog sniffs for five minutes you get cold, and on the hill you get warm. Bamboo viscose insulates lightly and moves moisture away from the skin, so your body keeps a steadier temperature as the pace changes.
The easy uniform for dog walks
A soft bamboo hoodie for men or one of our bamboo hoodies for women over a T-shirt is a good middle ground. The hood gives some shelter from the wind, and the front pocket is handy for bags and keys. You can take the hoodie off and tie it round your waist if the sun comes out.
Trousers with room to move
Underneath, a pair of bamboo sweatpants for men gives you room to walk, bend and throw a ball without the fabric pulling. Bamboo feels soft against the legs and looks neater than most joggers, so you can easily stop at the bakery on the way. Choose a fit with a little room for a thin layer underneath.
The base layer for cold mornings
On chilly morning walks a thin bamboo undershirt for women under your top makes a real difference. It sits close without bulk and can stay on all day, even when you sit down at your desk afterwards. Because bamboo wicks moisture, the extra layer does not leave you clammy when the morning warms up.
How to build your layers
Think in three layers: a thin base layer next to the skin, a soft mid layer such as a hoodie, and a light shell for rain or wind. The two inner layers handle most of the year on their own. The shell does not need to be warm, it just keeps wind and water out while the bamboo underneath provides comfort.
Rain, wind and wet paws
Bamboo is not waterproof, and it does not need to be. On rainy days, put a rain jacket on top and keep the bamboo clothing underneath. If the sleeves get wet, the fabric dries fairly quickly once you are home. Hang it up rather than leaving it in a pile, so it keeps its shape and stays fresh.
Washing and care after the walk
Dog walking clothes get a lot of wear, but they do not need washing after every walk. Bamboo resists odour, so a hoodie can often be aired and worn again. When it does need washing, choose 30 to 40 degrees, a mild detergent and no fabric softener. Turn it inside out to keep the surface looking good for longer. See also the bamboo undershirt as a base layer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best clothing for dog walks in transitional weather?
Several thin layers that are easy to take on and off work best. A bamboo undershirt closest to the skin, a hoodie on top and a light rain jacket outside cover most days between eight and eighteen degrees.
Can bamboo clothing handle getting wet on a walk?
Yes, bamboo copes with moisture and dries fairly quickly, but it is not waterproof. With a rain jacket on top, the bamboo layers underneath keep you dry and comfortable, even in light drizzle.
Do the clothes need washing after every dog walk?
No, usually not. Bamboo resists odour, so you can often air the hoodie and trousers and wear them again. Wash at 30 to 40 degrees when the clothes are dirty or start to smell.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
