What to buy before winter
Short answer: A thin base layer, a warm middle layer and enough socks are the core of winter clothing. The innermost layer matters more for warmth than the outermost, because it sits against your skin all day. Start there and build outwards, so you do not buy more than you will use.
Base layer
A long-sleeved undershirt in a thin fabric that moves moisture away is the first thing to put in the wardrobe. It has to fit closely, otherwise it works as extra fabric rather than as a layer. See the bamboo undershirt for men and choose your usual size so it lies smooth.
Why the layer against the skin counts
The innermost layer sits against your skin all day, so you notice it more than anything else you wear. If it fits badly or feels damp, a thick jacket helps very little. If it fits well, the other layers can be simpler, and you do not need a whole new wardrobe.
Middle layer
The middle layer is a sweatshirt or hoodie you can take off when you come indoors. Choose something that does not pull across the shoulders and arms, so it can be worn over the undershirt without pinching. See the bamboo loungewear for men, soft pieces that work at home and out and about.
Two thin layers instead of one thick
Two thin layers often keep the warmth better than one thick layer, because the air between them insulates. You can also adjust: take one off on a warm bus or in an overheated office, and put it back on outside. A thick piece has only two settings, on or off, and that is rarely enough.
Socks
Cold feet spoil the rest of the day, however well you are dressed otherwise. Choose socks a little thicker than summer ones but still roomy in the shoe, since tight shoes do not hold heat. See the bamboo socks for men, and think in pairs rather than single ones.
How many pairs
Buy enough socks to have dry pairs all week. Damp socks cool the feet quickly, so an extra pair is cheap protection against cold days. Change them if you have sweated or come in with wet shoes. With seven pairs, the washing machine does not decide what you wear on your feet.
Buy in the right order
You do not have to buy everything at once. Start with undershirts and socks, because they are used every day and wear out most. Add the middle layer when you know what you are missing after the first cold weeks. That way you avoid pieces that never get worn because they did not suit your day.
When to buy
September and October have the full range, so sizes and colours are there to choose from. February has the lowest prices, but then some sizes are gone. If you know exactly what you need, buying early is the safest. If you are unsure, wait and see what you actually need.
Caring for the layers
Wash the layers as the label says and let them dry fully before putting them away. Undershirts and socks wear out fastest because they are washed most often, so check them for thin spots before next winter. If a layer has worn through, replace the innermost one first, not the jacket.
Frequently asked questions
When should you buy winter clothes
September and October have the full range and the most sizes. February has the lowest prices, but the selection is smaller. Choose by what you actually lack, not only by what is cheapest.
Is thick always warmer
No. Two thin layers often beat one thick one, because the air between the layers insulates and you can take one off when you get warm. It also gives more combinations day to day.
How many pairs of socks for winter
Enough for a week without washing, preferably a little thicker than summer ones. Then a dry pair is always ready, and you avoid washing socks in the middle of a busy week.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
