What to wear at minus one degree
Short answer: At minus one degree you are right at freezing point, where snow and rain often alternate and damp is a bigger enemy than the cold itself. Choose clothes and socks that cope with a little wet snow and do not turn heavy.
When it only just freezes
Minus one degree is a tricky temperature, because the weather often switches between snow, sleet and rain. The ground is slippery, and clothes can quickly become damp from outside and from inside. Damp clothing cools faster than dry, so the aim is to stay dry. That takes a close, windproof outer layer and underwear that is not spoiled by a little moisture.
The hoodie as an everyday layer
A hoodie is easy to put on for everyday wear, and it works well when you are not outside for more than half an hour at a time. See bamboo hoodie for men. Wear it under a jacket if it is windy or snowing, and on its own if you are only going from the car to the door. The hood protects against sleet, but when it is wet it is unpleasant, so take a hat for the snow.
Tennis socks for light activities
For a run, football training or a walk in fresh surroundings, tennis socks can be a good solution. See bamboo tennis socks for men. They are short and light, and they let the warmth of the foot spread, so that you do not get too hot. On days with sleet and snow, though, higher socks are better, so that water does not run in between shoe and leg. Choose a combination that suits the day.
Footies for mild moments
Footies are the lowest socks and give almost no coverage. See bamboo footies for men. At minus one degree you will want to use them indoors, in low shoes for a short trip or as a thin inner layer under a thicker sock. Never wear them for long in wet shoes, as moisture and rubbing can cause blisters. Change into dry ones if you get wet.
How to stay dry
Choose shoes that are tight enough for slush, and let them dry completely between wears. Wear clothes that tolerate moisture, and avoid thick cotton layers if it snows a lot. Bring a small bag for wet things so that they do not dampen the rest of your bag. When you come in, take off wet clothes and hang them to dry so that you are not sitting in them.
Caring for clothes after sleet
Wash viscose from bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees and let it dry flat. Do not hang wet clothes on a hot radiator, but let them dry at room temperature. Rinse off salt marks if you have walked on salted roads, as salt can make clothes stiff. Air the outer layer so that the damp disappears before you hang it in the wardrobe.
Frequently asked questions
Why is minus one degree often worse than minus ten
Because the weather is often damp, with snow, sleet and rain. Moisture gets into the clothes and cools faster than dry cold, so you can feel colder at a few degrees of frost.
Can I wear low socks in the snow
They are not ideal, because snow can get into the shoe. Choose socks that cover the ankle and shoes that close tightly around the foot.
What is the best way to dry wet socks
Let them dry at room temperature, preferably flat or on a rack. Avoid direct heat, which can wear down the fibres.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
