Types of Winter Clothes

For most of Americans in the North, winter clothing means thick socks, chunky woolen scarves and closed-toe shoes. In other parts of the world, cold-weather clothing might be a pair of "ice pants" combined with a super-thick goose-down jacket. Much of what makes winter clothing unique is fabric and composition; cold-weather apparel is made to trap heat and insulate against the cold. Because of the increased workmanship and more expensive textiles, winter clothing is more expensive than warm-weather garments.

History

In its earliest form, winter clothing was composed of animal products such as leather, fur and wool. In the 19th century, people of means wore simple-to-fabricate garments like woolen greatcoats, leather boots and fur-lined cloaks; simpler folk often resorted to layering their few garments in addition to adding knitted wool apparel. These textiles have stayed in heavy use for winter apparel up until the modern era. With the addition of 3M's Thinsulate® apparel insulation in the 1970s, along with synthetic cold-weather fabrics like polar fleece, cold-weather clothing has become cheaper, lighter and simpler to produce.

Types

Most clothing today is produced in both warm- and cold-weather versions, with variations in fabric type. Companies will often have a basic A-line dress, for example, and fabricate it from thin cotton for summer use, and a thicker wool for the winter. However, there are certain garments that are produced just for winter wear. Hats, gloves, earmuffs and scarves are cold-weather staples, as is thermal underwear and ski clothing. Footwear also changes for cold weather, with a switch from summer sandals to fleece-lined boots and sturdy shoes. Most animal-skin and fiber garments are for winter use only, with fur and leather boutiques doing a booming business in the winter-clothing market.

Geography

Cold-weather clothing is different in northern Alaska than it is in New York City. The general items is unchanged, but the composition is entirely different. Alaskan winter clothing must handle extreme conditions such as blizzards and sub-zero temperatures; a Northeastern winter seldom reaches 0° F, so the super-thick jackets and gloves with heavy-duty capabilities are overkill. The warmer the winter climate, the more fashion-oriented, rather than function-oriented, the clothing can become.

Identification

In the United States, most retail stores stock fall/winter clothing during the late summer, beginning in August or September. Winter tops have long sleeves, and there are more cotton and wool knits used in clothing designs. Cold-weather clothing also has a higher price point than warm-weather apparel due to increased labor and cost of materials. Sleepwear made of thin fabrics like silk give way to flannel pajamas, and sunglasses displays are removed in favor of hats and gloves.

Time Frame

Since some winter garments can be layered for increased warmth, it's possible to wear some pieces longer than others. Many people begin phasing in winter fashion apparel around October, and use hats and gloves in earnest in November or December. The arrival of spring weather varies, too, sometimes in March and sometimes in April.

References

• 3M: Thinsulate History
• McCord Museum: Winter Clothing in Quebec in the 19th Century
• Survival Topics: Eskimo Windproof Clothing Trick