What to wear on foggy mornings
Short answer: Morning fog is cool and damp, and it settles on your clothes like dew. Dress in layers you can remove once the fog lifts and the sun comes out, and keep your feet and legs dry as you head out of the door.
Why fog forms in the morning
Fog is essentially a cloud lying at ground level. It usually forms after a clear, still night when the ground cools and the air closest to it becomes so cold that its moisture condenses into tiny droplets. This happens most often in spring and autumn, when nights are cool and days are still mild. When the sun rises and warms the air, the fog gradually lifts. That is why a morning can start out grey and raw and end up as a sunny and fairly warm late morning, often within just a couple of hours.
Moisture settles into your clothes
Fog droplets are so small you can hardly see them, but they settle on everything. After half an hour outdoors, wool, knitwear and hair can be covered in a fine film of moisture. It does not feel like rain, yet your clothes slowly become damp, and then they cool you down. A smooth, close-woven outer jacket repels the droplets better than a rough surface does. Under the jacket, a soft layer against the skin means you notice the cold damp much less and stay comfortably dry from the inside.
Layers for a changeable day
Foggy mornings call for layers, because the temperature often rises by many degrees before lunchtime. Start with a light base layer, a warm mid layer and a thin jacket. Once the fog lifts, the mid layer can go in your bag. A pair of soft trousers is comfortable for an early walk or bike ride, and they work perfectly well for the rest of the day too. See bamboo sweatpants for men. Choose a fabric that does not turn heavy when it picks up a little moisture from the air.
Feet in wet grass
If you walk through grass or along a path on a foggy morning, there is dew everywhere. Canvas shoes and low trainers soon get wet, and the moisture soaks into your socks. Choose shoes with a dense upper, and consider socks that are not too thick so they dry faster. Low socks work well in trainers, where they stay out of sight. See bamboo footies for men. If your feet are wet when you arrive, change into a dry pair of socks rather than letting them stay damp for hours.
Long days on your feet
Many people start early and stand or walk a great deal during the day. Some wear compression stockings for this, for example in jobs that involve standing or on long journeys. See bamboo compression stockings. Compression stockings have a specific level of pressure, and it is important that they fit correctly. Talk to your doctor or a qualified professional about which type suits you. You can wear ordinary shoes over them, but check there is enough room so the stocking does not crease inside the shoe.
Being visible in fog
Fog makes it harder for others to see you, especially in traffic. Light colours and reflective details on your jacket or bag make a big difference, and cyclists should always have their lights on in fog, even during the day. A dark jacket almost disappears in grey fog. It is a good idea to keep a reflective band or a high visibility vest in your bag during the months when fog is common. It takes up no space at all and can be important for your safety on the road.
Frequently asked questions
Why does fog often lift around midday
The sun warms the air so the tiny droplets evaporate again. The stronger the sunshine, the faster the fog clears.
How do I avoid getting damp in fog
A smooth, close-woven outer jacket repels droplets best. Knitwear and fleece collect more moisture on their surface.
Should cyclists use lights in fog during the day
Yes, that is recommended. Fog makes it hard to see other road users, even in daylight.
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