Dressing for a day of rain and wind
Short answer: The rain jacket keeps water out, but the inner layer decides whether you get cold. Choose bamboo viscose or wool next to the skin, and avoid cotton there entirely.
Cotton next to the skin is the classic mistake
Cotton absorbs sweat and holds onto it instead of passing it on to the outer layers. As soon as you stop or slow down, you get cold quickly because the moisture sits close against the skin. See bamboo undershirt for men.
Three layers cover most autumn weather
Bamboo viscose next to the skin, a thin jumper in the middle and a windproof jacket outside cover a wide range from five to fifteen degrees. Adjust the middle layer to your activity, and the same combination handles both walking and standing still at the bus stop. See bamboo t-shirts for men.
Feet get wet eventually regardless
Even with good, waterproof shoes, socks get damp over a long day of rain, because moisture works its way in at the ankles and seams. A spare pair in your bag changes the rest of the day, when dry feet suddenly feel like a luxury. See bamboo socks for men.
Wind feels colder than the temperature shows
Wind strips away the warm layer of air that normally sits close to the skin, making ten degrees with wind feel noticeably colder than calm weather at the same temperature. A windproof outer shell is therefore just as important as the rain protection itself.
The hood limits vision in windy weather
A tight hood in strong wind narrows your field of view and makes it harder to hear traffic around you. Adjustable cords at the face hold the hood in place without it flapping or blowing off once the wind picks up properly.
Gloves get wet the fastest of anything
Hands face the rain directly with no protection from a jacket, and wet gloves cool faster than the rest of the body. A spare pair in a pocket is often the difference between a comfortable and an uncomfortable walk home.
Sweating inside despite rain outside
Walk fast or carry something heavy and you sweat even in cold rain, and that moisture needs to leave the skin just as much as the rain outside needs keeping out. A breathable inner layer stops you getting wet from within while the jacket keeps rain out.
After the trip, clothes need to dry properly
Wet outerwear hung the wrong way dries slowly and can smell musty after a couple of days. Hang the jacket loosely with good airflow around it, and remove any damp inner layers straight away for the fastest drying.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get cold in rain even with a good jacket?
Because sweat stays in the inner layer instead of being carried away. Cotton holds onto moisture and cools the skin, while bamboo viscose moves the moisture further out.
What is best to wear next to the skin in wet weather?
Bamboo viscose or wool. Both move moisture better than cotton and hold onto warmth even when the material gets slightly damp from sweat or rain.
Does changing socks partway through the day help?
Yes, more than any other single step on a wet day. Dry feet make the rest of the trip far more comfortable, even if the rest of your clothing is still damp.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
