Dressing for sixteen degrees
Short answer: Sixteen degrees is a day when you can feel both cold and sweaty. Think in thin layers you can add or remove, and keep your neck, hands and feet comfortable if you will be outside for a long time.
Why sixteen degrees is hard to dress for
Sixteen degrees sits in a middle zone where no single answer fits the whole day. In the sun and out of the wind it can feel almost like summer, while shade and a breeze make it feel cold very quickly. Many people therefore wear too little in the morning and carry too much home in the evening. The best approach is to dress in layers and choose fabrics that do not turn clammy when you warm up along the way. That way you can adjust without changing your whole outfit.
The innermost layer: soft and smooth
The layer closest to the skin should feel pleasant and should not cling if you get warm. An undershirt made of viscose from bamboo is smooth and light and sits close without squeezing. It takes moisture from the skin and feels cool at first touch, which suits a day that swings between sun and shade. See bamboo undershirt for women. Choose a length that covers the lower back if you plan to cycle or sit on a bench.
The middle layer should open or come off
At sixteen degrees you rarely need a thick jumper. A light sweatshirt, a cardigan or a jogging suit in soft fabric is usually enough, especially if you are moving. The advantage of a set is that top and trousers work together, so you avoid cold legs while your upper body is warm. See bamboo jogging suit for women. Do not choose anything too tight, so that there is room for a thin layer underneath and air can circulate when the sun comes out.
Feet and ankles are easy to forget
Many people dress the upper body well and forget the feet. At sixteen degrees the toes are often the first to feel cold when you stand still or walk in trainers without socks. A pair of thin socks that end at the ankle gives a little insulation and takes up moisture if you walk a lot. See bamboo tennis socks for women. Change your socks if they get wet from rain, because damp feet quickly feel colder than the air temperature would suggest.
Wind and shade change the number
The thermometer only tells half the story. A light breeze carries heat away from the skin faster, and then sixteen degrees feels much cooler. In the sun it can feel mild even though the air is cool. Check both wind and cloud before choosing your clothes, and bring a light jacket or scarf that can sit in your bag. If you will be sitting still, for example at an outdoor cafe, plan for one more layer than you would wear while walking.
Care so the layers last
Clothes worn close to the body should be washed often enough to stay fresh. Viscose from bamboo is best washed at 30 to 40 degrees, preferably inside out and without fabric softener, which can make the surface less soft. Let the garments dry flat or on a hanger so the shape holds. Socks can be turned inside out and washed in a mesh bag. With easy care, the same layers can be worn again and again on all those days when the weather sits right in the middle.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a jacket at sixteen degrees
It depends on wind and sun. A light jacket or cardigan in your bag is a good safeguard, especially if you will be out until the evening.
Are short sleeves too little at sixteen degrees
Often not, if you are moving and have a layer to put on. If you stand still in shade or wind, long sleeves are more comfortable.
Which socks suit a day like this
Thin socks or short sports socks are usually enough. Choose a pair that takes up moisture so your feet do not turn clammy.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
