Comments on: How to Pack for a Trip to Chicago

on 11/22/2005 This is more of a general travel tip, but I was doing some shopping on Michigan Avenue the other day, and saw a man in a Hawaiian shirt, cargo shorts, and A STRAW HAT. Chicagoans wear jeans year round because they're pretty good protection no matter what happens (because the weather CAN and DOES change drastically every few minutes, especially in the summer), and they're even great at keeping the humidity off your legs in the summer. Also, if you're here in the summer, you will get sweat marks on your t-shirts. No one will notice. We don't carry antiperspirant around with us all day either.

on 11/22/2005 In addition to the cold, cold winters and sweaty hot summers, here's another thing to keep in mind: Chicago isn't called the Windy City because of its breezes, the downtown high-rises do create a wind tunnel effect, which means some streets are gusty while others can have calm winds. If you're going to Chicagoland, but not downtown, these winds can make a huge difference in temperature. The lake effect means slightly colder temperatures downtown in the summer, say, at O'Hare.

on 7/18/2007 It really depends on what season you're going. In the fall, pack long pants, long sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts, a light jacket, and short sleeved t-shirts. In the winter, stick to HEAVY clothes and jackets. For spring, it's long pants, T-shirts, and basically the same as fall attire. In the summer, bring shorts, a sweatshirt, short sleeved t-shirts, and long sleeved t-shirts.

on 11/22/2005 I live in Chicago, and work outdoors year round. Checking the weather is a good starting point, but wind, dew point, and other factors can make a huge difference. I have worn a winter coat as early as mid-September and as late as early June. Your best bet is to pack a little of everything and don't forget your credit card just in case. The stores on State Street have lots of good deals for the confused traveler.

on 11/22/2005 DO NOT wear anything that is made of leather or satin/silk or a similar material. I went to Chicago right in the middle of February wearing khakis, a t-shirt and a leather jacket (lined with satin). The weather made my clothes so cold and when they touched my skin, it was more than enough to make me shiver. So wear something like wool, cotton, and other materials. I am surprised that I am still alive after being lost in Chicago for 8 hours.

on 11/22/2005 To women with long hair: During the summer bring your scrunchies! Ponytails reign here and going in and out of the air conditioning and into the humidity (80% humidity yesterday!) will wreak havoc on your hair. A nice tight ponytail will hold you all day long and keep your neck and back cooler, too!

on 11/22/2005 Honestly, I'm not from Chicago, but I'm from the twin cities, which have the same weather. Winter in the midwest starts in November and usually ends in March. However, this winter of 2001-2002, the winter was the warmest on record. Now it is April as I am writing and we are getting snow right now, so the weather is very unpredictable.

on 11/22/2005 Honestly, I'm not from Chicago, but I'm from the twin cities, which have the same weather. Winter in the midwest starts in November and usually ends in March. However, this winter of 2001-2002, the winter was the warmest on record. Now it is April as I am writing and we are getting snow right now, so the weather is very unpredictable. Also, the weatherman have rarely been right this winter, predicting snow several times when no snow fell.

on 11/22/2005 I was born and raised in Chicago, and we only have 2 real seasons: hot and cold. So make sure that in addition to that winter coat, you bring shorts and swimsuits because the summer gets pretty scorching.

on 11/22/2005 A word to the wise, in Chicago winter sometimes decides to start around October and last until April, depending on what day it is, basically it's unpredictable.. so if you'll be there during those months at least bring earmuffs & gloves to avoid being miserably cold. They don't call it the windy city for nothing! HOOHAH

on 11/22/2005 If you're visiting Chicago in the winter, bring a lot of warm clothes, no matter what the forecast says. In the summer, pack jeans, too, because Chicago weather is extremely unpredictable. I know, I live there.