Monday, January 18, 2016

Layer, Layer, Layer

My southern friends and family constantly comment on how they absolutely could not live in a place that get as cold as the Montana prairie.  Especially when I tell them things like, "It was -9 (9 below zero) when I left for church this morning.", like it was yesterday.  I always reply, "It really isn't that bad if you dress properly."
Although it was -9 degrees when we left for church yesterday morning and had warmed up to only 3 degrees by the time we drove home, Songbird and I still wore skirts.  Today's post is specifically for all the southerners who just can't wrap their heads around how anyone could survive, much less keep the cold out, when it is below zero outside.  By the way, -9 translated to -28 by the time the wind chill was factored in.

Brrr.... It's Cold Outside



Yesterday's first layer of clothing included a cotton tee, a polyester/nylon slip and chocolate brown fleece lined tights that matched my skirt . Because my blouse had 3/4 length sleeves, I chose a cotton tee over my cotton lined, polyester/nylon shelled long handles which are long sleeved. The outer polyester/nylon shell of my usual long handles allows women's fabrics to drape well and it doesn't bunch under clothing like cotton can.  Fleece lined tights are incredibly warm.  I think the only thing warmer are wool tights.  But for those who are allergic to wool or can't afford it, fleece is a fabulous substitute.  My slip is a regular polyester/nylon slip that ensures ease of movement, especially under the corduroy fabric my skirt was made of.  Although it is thin, it adds an another layer and every layer insulates against the cold.


It is important to consider fabric choices when dressing for the bitter cold.  The blouse I chose is 100% cotton.  I chose it because it contained both my jacket and skirt colors. The print also added dimension and interest to the outfit.  A cotton blouse vs. a knit sweater worked for yesterday's -9 degree temperatures primarily because the jacket I wore is a thick sued leather with a polyester/nylon lining.   I keep mentioning polyester/nylon for linings and under garments specifically because it prevents clothing layers from bunching, which is not only unattractive, but also, uncomfortable.  Although polyester/nylon is thin it is also an excellent insulator.  The skirt I chose falls just below the knee.  It is made from a thick corduroy and is an excellent insulator from the cold and wind.


On very cold days, like yesterday, one should never choose to wear dainty ballerina flats, or open toed anything.  Loafers or heels are also a poor choice.  They simply do not cover enough of one's foot.  Snow and ice will most certainly get inside any of those pretty or cute shoes, not to mention icy sidewalks and high heels are a recipe for an emergency room visit.  My answer is a pair of women's dress boots that have traction soles and a low stable heel.  If I had chosen to wear my thick denim skirt and a western style jacket or vest, I might have chosen my dress cowboy boots.


Finally, ones outer layer is of utmost importance.  I prefer my coats to be made out of wool.  Wool truly is your best winter time friend if you live on the Montana prairie.  When purchasing a coat I always make sure it is large enough to comfortably fit over a vest, jacket or suit blazer.  There is nothing more uncomfortable than an outer coat that is too tight.  Finally, when stepping out into the bitter cold I always wear my wool gloves and wrap my neck with a scarf.  The scarf keeps any wind from blowing down my blouse or shirt.  Even if I'm only rushing to a warmed up auto and don't want my hair messed, I ALWAYS carry a hat, a comb/brush and small bottle of hairspray with me.  If it is especially windy, I will certainly wear a hat and will most definitely need to touch up my hair when arriving at my destination.

When dressing in layers the goal is to keep one's core body warm.  When your core is warm that heat is transferred to your appendages.  Our bodies emit excess heat through our head and feet.  Properly covering ones head and feet with wool or fleece socks and a hat is like closing a window and door on your body.

After removing my gloves, hat, scarf and coat, our church building was too warm for my outfit so, I also removed my sued leather jacket.  This is another example of why proper layering is so important when going out into bitterly cold temperatures.  One must be able to easily remove various layers when indoors otherwise you could get too hot and perspire which causes damp clothing.  If one's clothing gets damp from perspiration, regardless of how many layers you wear, the cold will literally chill you to the bone.

Any of my readers who have additional advise, tips or suggestions on dressing for the cold, please feel welcome to add them to the comments section.

18 comments:

  1. Brrrr... is right! It has dropped to 30 degrees at night and we thought we were freezing to death. :-) Today was sunny. I hung our sheets on the line and they dried (except for 5 minutes in the dryer). I'm spoiled! :-) Stay warm!

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    1. Good Morning Georgene,

      We can't hang our wash out during this time of year. I do, however, have one line in the basement for items that should not be placed in a clothes dryer. I must admit that as much as I enjoy the scent of line dried bedding during the summer months, removing warm flannel bedding from the dryer in the winter is luxurious.

      Blessings,
      Mrs.B

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  2. Well while you are putting clothes on in that -9 degree weather, we down here in Houston, TX are taking them off. I had my windows open today. Tomorrow it is supposed to be 72 for a high. Might have to mow the grass. It hasn't had the chance to go dormant this year.

    I would suffer through the -9 if it meant I would get to see you, as long as I didn't have to leave the dryer-warmed flannel sheets!

    Love you!
    Mrs. A

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    1. My Darling Sister,

      As I keep telling you ... "If you layer the proper types of clothing (fabric choice is key), it really isn't as bad as you imagine." And besides, you may be mowing the grass right now, I only need to mow our grass once every two weeks for 4 1/2 months a year ... AND I don't risk a heat stroke during July and August while doing it.

      If you were here right now, I would alternately keep two blankets rotated out of the warm dryer to keep you nice and toasty. I miss you and hope to see you soon.

      Love,
      Mrs.B

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  3. Well I have never heard of fleece lined tights, wonder if they even sell them here in Australia? Am enjoying your blog and going back through it to learn about your life and picking up tips I can use.
    We have had bad bushfires and quite hot weather this summer so I look at your layered clothing in envy. Ruth.

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  4. Hello Ruth,

    Thank you for visiting my blog. Regarding fleece lined tights, I did not know about them until I moved north the the Montana prairie - it just doesn't get cold enough in s.e. Texas to market them to the consumer there. Besides department stores up here, they can also be found through Amazon.com.

    Blessings,
    Mrs.B

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  5. I love this style of clothing. And it is very much what I think of when a prairie comes to mind. Stay warm!

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    1. Hello Quaint Housewife,

      Thank you for the lovely comment.

      Blessings to you and yours,

      Mrs.B

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  6. It's actually going to be 'cold' overnight with a high in the 50's tomorrow. You know how our weather is down here. LOL

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    1. Keeper of the Home,

      A low temp in the 20's or 30's and a high in the 50's IS cold when one is accustomed to 80's & 90's. When the temps plummet rapidly not giving one time to acclimate to the changes, it feels very cold. Stay warm and know that you all will be sporting sandals soon.

      Blessings,
      Mrs.B

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  7. I loved reading how you keep warm in the cold winter weather. The pictures are also nice to see!

    It is very cold here in Vermont too. But the joy of seeing the snow, and going into a warm cozy house by the fire make the cold weather a pleasant season. Especially when one can read and enjoy a cup tea.

    blessings
    Mrs. White

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    1. Yes, Mrs. White, returning to a warm home and a hot cup of tea or cocoa after doing outside chores or running errands in town is one of the greatest pleasures of winter time in northern areas. There is something heartwarming, cozy, and peaceful about sipping a warm beverage by the fire while gazing out the widows at all the lovely white snow.

      Thank you for stopping by,
      Mrs.B

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  8. Burrrrrrrrrrr, but as I remember the out fits look about right, layering is where it is..thick leotards and long skirts..Oh yeah I live in Florida/Georgia border but was born and raised in Michigan, used to ice skate in 8 below temps..Yep it is cold here too, only a high of 68 today *giggles* just had to gloat a little..Stay warm and be blessed.

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    1. Mrs. Barbara, I'll bet as a kid ice skating in -8 degree weather you had a terrific time and didn't even think about the cold ... I know our children often don't seem to notice it as much as the older folks do. Enjoy those cool 60 something temps. ... I know it won't be long before your heat index is over 100 degrees.

      Blessings,
      Mrs.B

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  9. Great post! I often wonder about this kind of thing (my in-laws live in the plains of South Dakota, where the temperature often drops quite a bit. I have a funny story about my husband's definition of "nice" and mine when we went to South Dakota for Easter when we were newly weds. (I ended up wearing jeans and a hoodie.) Very informative! I will have to return to this post when we move to a colder location next year. :) May the Lord continue to bless you!

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    1. Hello Tegan,

      Yes, when one is not acclimatized to our "cooler" temperatures, "nice" to the rest of the U.S. equals "bitterly cold".

      I know you are eager to move and have your lovely family reunited all in one place again.

      Praying your Easter season is abundantly blessed,
      Mrs.B

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  10. Okay cousin,teach me about socks!! Even here in Texas I really struggle with keeping my feet warm. I have bought various brands of wool socks and none have been sufficient. Even doubling them doesn't do it. Do you have any recommendations as far a material content or brand or anything?

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    1. Hello My Dear Cousin,

      I'm so glad you had an opportunity to peruse my blog. I hope you were able to find a few good farm photos for the children.

      Socks and cold feet ... the two primary reasons my feet seem to stay cold all the time comes from 1. low blood pressure, OR 2. my feet get too warm which causes them to perspire causing damp socks which causes very cold feet.
      I generally wear a medium wight wool sock in the winter months (I do have some heavy weight for use when it's 20 below or more). When indoors during winter, I wear wool socks w/ house slippers. In summer months, I wear cotton socks but if indoors during summer I'm usually in bare feet. Since we live on a homesteading farm, I always wear shoes (usually boots) & socks when outside. Also, because we live on a farm, we do not wear outdoor shoes or boots inside our house ... way too much yucky stuff gets on the soles.

      The above has not been a magic fix all for my cold feet, but it does seem to help.

      Eagerly awaiting y'alls visit,
      Mrs.B

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Thank you for taking time to read my blog and leave a comment. I try my best to respond to each one. God Bless You, Mrs.B