If you’ve wintered in Montreal, Winnipeg or Edmonton, you’ll know this: It’s not just a formality to keep warm. However, if you walk down any Canadian street in winter, you will see that people don’t look like they are out for a trek. They are well-put-together, frequently in natural fibres, and are made in Canada by brands such as Gorski Montreal lamb shearling. That’s not luck. A few simple habits are ones that anyone, anywhere cold, can borrow.
- Don’t buy five average coats when you can afford just one good one.
On average Canadians own less winter coats but better ones. One good coat that will take minus twenty is more to you than a lot of jackets that will not work below zero. Natural materials such as down, wool and shearling head the way, keeping you warm without the bulk.
- Natural fibres are breathable, so select them.
Over heating is the worst error committed by people in cold regions. You dress up, go inside a heated store or get on a crowded bus and you get sweating. Then you come back outdoors wet, and you’re colder than you were before.
Natural fibres do the opposite. Trap warm air and will allow moisture to escape through wool and shearling layers. That’s why shearling jackets remain an essential part of the Canadian wardrobe for generations and particularly in cities that have long, dry, cold winters.
- Protect the edges
Cold typically arrives at the weak points: your neck, wrists and ankles. As much as the coat, a good scarf, a warm hat, lined gloves and proper boots. Choose coats that have high collars, hoods and fitted cuffs, to prevent cold air from sneaking into the coat.
- Thin, not thick
Two or three thin layers are warmer than one thick sweater. A fine merino base, light knit and good coat allows for you to make adjustments as you transition between inside and outside.
- Purchasing from individuals with winter expertise knowledge.
That’s why it’s so important that lots of great outerwear comes from the cold cities. Makers who live through real winters design to them, they have deeper hoods, warmer collars and cuts that you can in fact move in. The people of Montreal especially have a long history of making fur and shearling coats and jackets, and even they make coats and jackets that fit the weather.
- Ensure that you take care of your property.
Canadians will treat their coat to make it last, and they expect it will! Hang it correctly, allow to dry naturally, store it in a breathable bag in the summer and clean it professionally when necessary. A well-maintained shearling or wool coat will last 10 years or more.
- Don’t sacrifice style
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that it’s not about having to choose between warmth and style. Decide to take on the colder weather, and you can do so with a little thoughtfulness and some clothing.
Regardless of where you go to escape the winter, you’ll find these habits helpful during the winter, and much easier to deal with if you’re dressed this way.
For this post, suggest one outside link to a trusted source of information on layering for cold weather, such as a national weather service’s or an outdoor safety page’s resource.
