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Layering, tights, and scarves: The trick to dressing for winter abroad
One of the coolest things about experiencing autumn or winter in a foreign country is the opportunity to don clothes especially made to retain body heat and keep you comfortable as the temperatures hit 10° Celsius and below. Filipinos going to cold countries for the first time this season may find the freezing temperatures shocking and should pack the correct gear.
Even if you think the cold wouldn't bother you, prolonged exposure to the cold in Hakone or Karuizawa in Japan, Northern China, Europe, or North America is no joke; here is a head-to-toe guide on what to wear to keep you warm throughout your visit—or what to give as gifts for loved ones about to head overseas this season. (Not all products pictured are available locally, but it is not hard to find similar products in the Philippines.)
Headgear
Knit hats or caps—whether you call them beanies, tuques, stocking caps, or bobble hats—are a great way to ward off the effects of wind chill and precipitation.
There are thick and thin variations, as well as plain and colorful designs, but make sure that it's enough to cover both ears for maximum warmth and effectiveness.
Used since the Middle Ages, modern bonnets are usually made from polyester with knitted patterns and styles.
Layering for your trunk/torso
In my opinion, the clothes and gear that keep the heart and internal organs warm and the blood circulating throughout the body are the most important part of any autumn/winter wardrobe. Layering is a tried-and-true concept that allows quick adjustments based on one’s activities and changes in the weather.
The base layer pertains to clothing that is against the skin. Thermal, or long-sleeved clothes made from polyester or merino wool, regulate the body temperature by moving perspiration away from the skin. Skip cotton t-shirts as cotton is a material that retains perspiration and can leave you chilled.
Fleece, sweaters, and jackets made from wool or goose are the best pieces of clothing for the middle or insulating layer.
The outer or shell layer gives protection against wind, rain or snow. Good water-proof or water-repellent windproof jackets make water bead up and roll off the fabric.
Legs and feet
Similar to layering for the torso, it is advisable to wear layered clothing for your legs. Thermal underwear or waist-high tights for both men and women can be worn underneath pants or a skirt. Whatever the temperature, blood circulates through our legs wherever we walk or run, so the legwear can be less thick than the clothing for the torso.
TechFit base long tights (P1,595) and SuperNova long tights (P2,995) for men, and Response long tights for women are available in local Adidas branches. Their "climalite" fabric ensures that sweat is swept away from the skin, and offers full-length leg coverage and compression fit to support the muscles.
Slightly thicker wool socks are best to keep the feet warm while at the same time ensuring that our footwear still fits. Regular footwear versus boots? Decide on a case-to-case basis; it would really depend on the weather conditions.
Accessories
Scarves and gloves are two of the most essential items in your luggage. Wool, rayon, or the more expensive cashmere scarves help retain heat and circulation from the neck up; scarves can also be worn and tied in a number of ways, from being simply wound around the neck to a sophisticated French knot.
Thin polyester gloves are good choice for autumn while thicker, padded ones are required for the colder temperatures of winter. One downside when wearing traditional gloves is the inability to use a touchscreen phone, but there are now a number of capacitive touch-enabled gloves that not only gives warmth but also allow you to use and check your smartphone outdoors.
Mango has men's, women's, and kids' autumn/winter essentials. Aside from beanies to classic longed-sleeved shirts, the Spanish clothing company also has thick jackets with fur lining for men and children, and a stylish bohemian/cosmopolitan-inspired collection for women.
Don't neglect your skin
The wind and low temperatures will greatly affect the moisture of your skin. Chapped lips, and dry skin around the eyes and cheeks are common weather-related reactions that can be remedied by applying moisturizers to the skin and putting lip balm on the lips.
In case you cannot find suitable autumn/winter gear in Philippine stores, or find the prices too expensive, fret not because sometimes buying warm clothes in the country you are visiting actually has some advantages: the clothes are perfectly suited to the weather/climate you are in and some items might already be on sale so you can buy them at a cheaper price. — BM, GMA News
