What to wear on a cold spring day with sunshine
Short answer: In March and April there are days with clear blue skies and strong sunshine, but temperatures around 5 degrees and a cold wind. The sun tempts you into lighter clothes, but the cold still belongs to winter. That calls for clothing that takes the best from both seasons and adapts as you move between sun and shade.
The sun warms, the air does not
A sunny spring day can feel warm when you stand sheltered against a south facing wall. But as soon as you step into the wind or into the shade, you notice that the air is still cold. The difference can be 10 degrees or more. Many people are fooled and go out in clothes that are far too thin. Check the thermometer and the wind speed, not just the sky, before you decide what to wear.
Layers that can be opened
The best answer is layers that can be opened rather than taken off completely. A zip up jacket, a buttoned top or a cardigan can be opened in the sun and closed in the wind. A thin base layer and a warm mid layer under a windproof jacket cover most spring days. A hat and gloves fit in your pocket when it gets warm. Loungewear that also works outdoors is practical on weekend outings, see bamboo loungewear for men.
The sun is stronger than you think
In April the sun is as high in the sky as it is at the end of August. Your skin is not used to sunlight after the winter, and you can get a red face on a short walk, especially near water, sand or snow, which reflect the light. Use sun cream on your face if you will be outdoors for a long time, and remember sunglasses. The low light can be dazzling when you cycle or drive.
Trousers and legs
Many people switch to thinner trousers as soon as the sun comes out, but legs feel the cold in the wind. A pair of warm trousers, or a thin layer under your jeans, makes a big difference on a bike or on a walk. Choose shoes that keep your feet dry, because the ground is still wet and cold in March and April. Warm socks help on the colder days.
Inside a sun warmed house
When the sun shines through the windows, the living room can get warm while the rest of the house stays cool. Turn the radiators down in the sunny rooms and wear layers at home. In the evening, when the sun goes down, the temperature drops quickly. A pair of soft night pants for men with long legs is comfortable for the evening and through the night.
Cold nights after sunny days
Clear days often bring cold, frosty nights, because there are no clouds to hold the warmth in. Keep the winter duvet a little longer, and air the bedroom in the morning rather than the evening. If you have different needs for warmth in a double bed, bamboo split sheets can suit a bed with two separate bases, where each side has its own duvet and its own sheet.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it cold even though the sun is shining
The sun warms your skin, but the air is still cold and the wind carries the warmth away quickly.
Do I need sun cream in April
Yes, if you are outside for a long time. The sun is as high as in August, and your skin is not used to it.
Why are nights cold after sunny days
A clear sky means no clouds to hold in the warmth, so the temperature falls quickly at night.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
