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Raincoat in winter – Useful tips on winter wardrobe

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winter raincoat

Quite often our clients say they need one size bigger coat because they plan to wear the raincoat in winter with some extra layers underneath. This is why we decided to make a blog post for those who have never even thought about it. Do you know which factors are the most important to keep you warm? Let’s find out. 

layering in winter

Layers

If there is one thing to learn about clothing for cold weather – it’s layering. Think about it as a story: a good story has the beginning, the middle and the end, and so does your clothing. 

  • Start with a base layer

    It’s the one closest to your skin. Pick materials which draw perspiration away from the skin, such as polyester, polypropylene, silk or similar. Do not wear a base layer made from cotton – it is not good for cold weather because it absorbs moisture and locks it in next to your skin. Save the cotton for summer, when you might want a little extra moisture to keep you cool. 

  • Continue with a middle layer

    This will do the hard work for keeping you warm. Depending on how cold is it, your middle layer can vary from a sweater to an insulated down coat. Make sure it is snug, but not tight (we will talk more about this later). 

  • Finish with an outer layer

    This layer is less about the warmth and more about defending you from the wind or rain. A waterproof and windproof raincoat in winter time really comes in handy. Remember how important it was to choose the right material for your base layer in order to let the sweat evaporate? The next step is to pick the right material for your outer waterproof/windproof layer. It has to be breathable if you want your experience outside to be a fun adventure rather than a frigid disaster. 

winter clothing

Space

The biggest misconception about dressing for the cold weather is that the layers should be tight. The thin air gap between a wool sweater and your skin is vitally important. Think of it as a double-glazed window. The glass itself is not much of a thermal insulator. Double-glazed windows are engineered so there is simply an air space in the gap between the window panes. That space is what actually saves you from the cold. The same with clothing – your body heat will warm the boundary layer and the sweater will prevent the layer from being blown away from your body.  

winter wardrobe

Rain

Moisture is the most deadly weapon in winter‘s arsenal, especially when combined with the wind. Remember, why it’s important to have the base layer made of the material that wicks sweat away from your body? Evaporation is a cooling process, and if you’re wet, the cooling process is happening right on your skin. Breathable outer layer is crucial for getting rid of all that sweat you generate while walking outside (we assume, no one just stands and waits for the cold to get you).

Wind

Rain and wind combined can make your time outside miserable even if the temperature isn’t that coldWind can blow away this thin warm layer of air which our bodies heat up around usThe best way to counter the wind is with a windproof outer layer, which keeps the warm layer of air next to our skin, where it should be. This is why you shouldn’t forget about your raincoat in the winter. 

What do I do?

In case you have no clue about how to style the raincoat in winter time, we gathered some inspiration for layering. These are the useful tips from our stylist: 

  1. Choose only one “heavy” looking piece in the outfit.

For example, if you go for an oversized jumper, mix it with something more defined like a skirt or skinny jeans. Balance is the most important thing in life – no exceptions for your style eitherRemember that accessories are also one extra layer which can work as a statement piece. Make it bold. 

raincoat styling idea
2. Stick to 3-4 colors in general and have only one accent color.

When it comes to style, less is often more. For instance, black, white, blue and a hint of red will go well for a French inspired look. Pick the colors that suit you best or according to the style you are going for.  

raincoat styling tips
3. Start layering from the lightest color next to your skin and finish with darker colors for your outerwear.

This will help your silhouette look more defined and the black raincoat does a perfect job of finishing up this look. 

raincoat styling
4. Do not be afraid to show a little bit of your base layer.

White T-shirt is a safe option but feel free to get creative! 

 Don’t forget about your raincoat in winter and follow us on Instagram for daily inspiration. 

raincoat outfit