buying warm clothes

[PrincessMommy]

I am in need of updating some items of winter clothing and have been a little discouraged by the lack of warm winter clothes.  For instance, I have a long-sleeved knit shirt (like a turtleneck without the turtleneck) from Land's End that is very warm.  I wear it under sweaters and other warm shirts all the time.  I sometimes would take off my overshirt/sweater because I'd get overheated when busy around the house.  It's a couple of years old, so I bought another one in blue a few weeks ago.  But, when it came its obvious it is much thinner material.   I wore it under one of my sweaters and I was cold all day on the day when it hardly got above 25* 

 

It was very disappointing.  I'm also looking at updating some of my sweaters and they too seem to be thinner than they used to be.    Where can I find winter weather clothes that are actually warm??

 

[gardenmom5]

I would suggest some good quality long underwear.  wintersilks.com is currently having big sales.  yes it can be thin AND warm - provided the fiber is right.

REI is also a good place to get long underwear.  if you are a costco member, they have good quality stuff come in in the fall, and they might still have some.

 

for sweaters - I'd stick with a long staple wool or polar fleece.  acrylic generally is more for looks than actual warmth.

[Guest]

It's such a huge problem, the thinning of material. You really REALLY have to shop around to get good quality without resorting to just wearing men's clothes.

 

Duluth Trading C

REI

Land's End

Cabelas

Etsy

Travelsmith

 

...can sometimes have things. Like a pp said, layering is helpful and expedient, but it can be such a pain.

[Annie G]

Silk undershirts are awesome. Paper thin so virtually no bulk but they are WARM!  Mine usually only last two winters but I wear them often so that might be why they don't last long. 

 

I have bought two items from Columbia this winter and both are thin but very warm. One was a flannel shirt and the other was a fleece pullover. Thinner than the Lands End ones from earlier years but warmer. 

 

Haven't had any luck with sweaters in a couple of years. Everything looks more geared toward fashion and not function. Loose weave and low quality yarn.  

 

The trend of multiple layers for fashion seems to have led to the shirts being super thin so they can be layered, but not warm because most people don't want the warmth of multiple layers. I do. But teens here wear a bra, a cami, a t shirt, them a sweater.  Add a scarf and a coat...and the shirts need to be thin or the girls will dehydrate from overheating. g

 

[justasque]

...  Where can I find winter weather clothes that are actually warm??

Don't overlook the possibility of buying used, via your local thrift or consignment shop. Since the stock will be a little older, you may be able to find shirts with thicker fabric.

 

That said, I find I am warmer with layering, and with the right fabrics. A thin cashmere sweater can be much, much warmer than a thick cotton one. Fleece is also warm; you can do it as an under-layer or as the topmost one. And as PPs have said, silk or wicking poly undershirts add a layer of warmth.

 

Don't neglect the extremities. A scarf can be not only fashion accessory but part of your warmth strategy. (A reversible polar Buff is super-warm - it's a fleece-lined version of the regular kind of Buff, and can simply warm the neck, or be pulled up to cover ears and nose if you go outside in windy weather.) Wool or fleece socks can make a huge difference. Fleece tights are super-cozy. And if you top it off with a cute hat you may find you are so warm you need fewer layers of shirts.

 

Hiking/outdoor stores carry this kind of clothing; much of it is made for sporty activities. You may also want to sew something yourself - I have a great long wool skirt that is great over fleece-lined leggings for winter weather.

[Artichoke]

Dillard's and Macy's have Cuddleduds on clearance right now. These are thin but super warm.

Edited February 18, 2016 by Artichoke