What to wear visiting England and France during winter?
Oct 13th, 2016, 02:16 PM
#1
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What to wear visiting England and France during winter?
We have plans to visit London and Paris during Christmas break. As someone that lived in southern california all my life I am not sure how thick does the jackets have to be for actual winter.
The thickest jacket I own is probably this jacket: https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/me...jacket-clb6-c1. I assume this isn't thick enough for the actual winters temperatures right?
As for pants, I always just wore jeans in the winter here in california, will that be enough or what should I buy?
As for shoes, I always wore sneakers (runners, nike/adidas) I am assuming these mesh shoes will not cut it for rainy days. Will leather sneakers be thick enough? I am trying to find shoes that I can reuse after the trip so I want to avoid buying thick boots if possible
The thickest jacket I own is probably this jacket: https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/me...jacket-clb6-c1. I assume this isn't thick enough for the actual winters temperatures right?
As for pants, I always just wore jeans in the winter here in california, will that be enough or what should I buy?
As for shoes, I always wore sneakers (runners, nike/adidas) I am assuming these mesh shoes will not cut it for rainy days. Will leather sneakers be thick enough? I am trying to find shoes that I can reuse after the trip so I want to avoid buying thick boots if possible
Oct 13th, 2016, 02:34 PM
#2
>> I assume this isn't thick enough for the actual winters temperatures right?<<
That jacket will be fine - don't worry about 'thickness'. You will want to wear layers under it. Like a turtleneck or pull over sweater.
Jeans would not be my 1st choice. They are not all that warm and take years to dry if you get wet. Take a pair of jeans - sure -- but take others like a wool blend or something like that.
You want good walking shoes - not boots.
Something like these would work:
http://www.zappos.com/new-balance-mw813-black-black
http://www.zappos.com/rockport-prowalker-m7100-black
That jacket will be fine - don't worry about 'thickness'. You will want to wear layers under it. Like a turtleneck or pull over sweater.
Jeans would not be my 1st choice. They are not all that warm and take years to dry if you get wet. Take a pair of jeans - sure -- but take others like a wool blend or something like that.
You want good walking shoes - not boots.
Something like these would work:
http://www.zappos.com/new-balance-mw813-black-black
http://www.zappos.com/rockport-prowalker-m7100-black
Oct 13th, 2016, 02:59 PM
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Water-resistance footwear, which sneakers are not unless they are leather. An umbrella, of course, and a hat, one to pull over the ears in a cold snap. This could be a souvenir purchase at Marks and Spencer or elsewhere on the high street, along with a scarf (male and female alike.) While scarves in football colours are attractive, some pubs may not be happy to see the insignia of an opposition team. Now there's a souvenir, a grumpy publican!
Oct 13th, 2016, 03:13 PM
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Jeans are fine. If you are really concerned about being cold, wear a thermal base layer.
For shoes, something waterproof is great (hiking boots, if you have them, work well for walking around), but I've worn sneakers year-round in much colder climates than Paris and London.
Your jacket is fine, add a sweater if needed.
For shoes, something waterproof is great (hiking boots, if you have them, work well for walking around), but I've worn sneakers year-round in much colder climates than Paris and London.
Your jacket is fine, add a sweater if needed.
Oct 13th, 2016, 03:21 PM
#5
If you live near an REI, I'd stop in for some accessories.
I would throw into your suitcase some light gloves (NorthFace has some in similar fabric to your jacket), a warm scarf and some type of hat (although I think the jacket has a hood). Also, take warm socks, not what you would wear with sneakers.
My husband wore Merrells on one winter trip, and they worked out well. He got them at REI.
Personally, I wouldn't take jeans. As janisj mentioned, if they get wet, they stay wet... and cold.
I would throw into your suitcase some light gloves (NorthFace has some in similar fabric to your jacket), a warm scarf and some type of hat (although I think the jacket has a hood). Also, take warm socks, not what you would wear with sneakers.
My husband wore Merrells on one winter trip, and they worked out well. He got them at REI.
Personally, I wouldn't take jeans. As janisj mentioned, if they get wet, they stay wet... and cold.
Oct 13th, 2016, 04:57 PM
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Many dress pants are wool. Somebody like Ibex would have wool performance wear.
But, honestly, people in both cities wear jeans all the time. People in even colder places wear jeans all the time. I wouldn't bother buying wool pants when jeans will work. Yes, if you are caught in a downpour and your jeans get soaked, it will be miserable, but walking around in wet wool pants isn't fun either.
But, honestly, people in both cities wear jeans all the time. People in even colder places wear jeans all the time. I wouldn't bother buying wool pants when jeans will work. Yes, if you are caught in a downpour and your jeans get soaked, it will be miserable, but walking around in wet wool pants isn't fun either.
Oct 13th, 2016, 05:32 PM
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I would do cords instead of jeans - since the latter take more than overnight to dry since a lot of people are allergic to wool.
Outer layers are great - but inner layers - as in ski underwear - are a problem when you will be going in and out of various buildings all day as opposed to out on the slopes all day.
Shoes should be leather and waterproofed and you need 2 pair, since when one gets wet - and it will - it may not be dry the next am.
Outer layers are great - but inner layers - as in ski underwear - are a problem when you will be going in and out of various buildings all day as opposed to out on the slopes all day.
Shoes should be leather and waterproofed and you need 2 pair, since when one gets wet - and it will - it may not be dry the next am.
Oct 13th, 2016, 05:35 PM
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Google washable wool pants. A lot of the outdoor companies make them. But I wouldn't spend the money unless you really like them- I'd buy base layers and wool socks instead (look up smart wool and ibex). I usually wear jeans in the winter unless it drops below 20- but in your case you may want a pair of heavy thermals (mid weight) and a pair or light thermals. Wear the light pair under your jeans when you'll be doing a lot of indoor stuff and the heavy pair when your walking around at night. My legs do not get that cold and I overheat if I wear the base layer pants in the city during the day.
If you can keep your core, head, hands, and feet warm, and generally keep dry, you are good for just about any weather. basically, think layers, not heavy coat. As your bottom layer, wear something you can wear inside- then fleece or light down layer- then waterproof layer. If your feet get cold easily, take extra socks and maybe even buy ski socks. If you don't have water proof boots/shoes- take two pairs of water resistant shoes so if one gets wet you can swap them out.
Rei is a good suggestion- buy a hat even if your jacket has a good. They sell liner weight wool beanies and I wear those underneath my hood often. Keeps the warmth around your ears. (I said wool a lot, but you can swap out for fleece- I just buy wool because it lasts longer but is the more expensive option. Except socks. Wool socks really help keep your feet warm).
Btw- actually, they make waterproof sneakers. I generally do those instead of boots. Rei will carry them. That is generally why I buy ski socks- those are the insulation while the shoes keep the water out. You want water proofing and a good tread. If you want something more stylish, rei also sometimes carries waterproof dress boots. Or there is waterproof technical spray at rei you can use on your leather sneakers. If your leather sneakers are supportive enough to wear all day walking, that's what I would do. Known and broke in is better than unknown and brand new.
If you can keep your core, head, hands, and feet warm, and generally keep dry, you are good for just about any weather. basically, think layers, not heavy coat. As your bottom layer, wear something you can wear inside- then fleece or light down layer- then waterproof layer. If your feet get cold easily, take extra socks and maybe even buy ski socks. If you don't have water proof boots/shoes- take two pairs of water resistant shoes so if one gets wet you can swap them out.
Rei is a good suggestion- buy a hat even if your jacket has a good. They sell liner weight wool beanies and I wear those underneath my hood often. Keeps the warmth around your ears. (I said wool a lot, but you can swap out for fleece- I just buy wool because it lasts longer but is the more expensive option. Except socks. Wool socks really help keep your feet warm).
Btw- actually, they make waterproof sneakers. I generally do those instead of boots. Rei will carry them. That is generally why I buy ski socks- those are the insulation while the shoes keep the water out. You want water proofing and a good tread. If you want something more stylish, rei also sometimes carries waterproof dress boots. Or there is waterproof technical spray at rei you can use on your leather sneakers. If your leather sneakers are supportive enough to wear all day walking, that's what I would do. Known and broke in is better than unknown and brand new.
Oct 13th, 2016, 07:03 PM
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Since you are not looking for clothes that you would not wear again at home, take your jeans, and bring a spare pair. you can layer with tights under the jeans and if that becomes too hot a visit to the rest room can remedy it.
you can find lightweight wool hiking socks, in stores like Rei or tj maxx. and for shoes either leather sneakers or light hiking boots are fine. mesh sneakers can be cold if the weather is raw and wet if its rainy.
a hat, scarf and light gloves. and other clothing that you can layer. you can always buy a scarf on the trip.
you can find lightweight wool hiking socks, in stores like Rei or tj maxx. and for shoes either leather sneakers or light hiking boots are fine. mesh sneakers can be cold if the weather is raw and wet if its rainy.
a hat, scarf and light gloves. and other clothing that you can layer. you can always buy a scarf on the trip.
Oct 13th, 2016, 07:28 PM
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Just a quick note is response to many of the suggestions which are generally very good. I lived in Germany for three years and England ( Oxford ) for a year as well as having visited the U.K. during winter months. Never have I worn thermals or tights along with jeans or pants nor did anyone I know. It's not that cold. Also, I never owned a pair of waterproof shoes. I recently bought a pair of packable Hunter boots which I have taken to Scotland and recently Iceland. Love them. They are fashionable, comfortable for walking and, of course, great for rain and puddles. Only caveat is that while they are packable they do take up packing space. I wear mine on plane.
My usual uniform during winter months ( city ) is pants ( even jeans ) a sweater ( T- neck with silk undershirt because I often find even cashmere can be itchy ) a water repellent longer length jacket ( I love my lightweight Burberry but there are some really great choices at REI ) and compact umbrella. A packable down vest is good too. I always wear a wool scarf. Gloves but any light weight glove will do. I'd also bring hat just in case. My Hunter boots are now my go to fall/ winter shoe but I went for years wearing leather loafers. A pair of flats ( love the sequined Tom's very packable ) If just touring cities, I'd avoid anything too clunky. Comfort is important.
My usual uniform during winter months ( city ) is pants ( even jeans ) a sweater ( T- neck with silk undershirt because I often find even cashmere can be itchy ) a water repellent longer length jacket ( I love my lightweight Burberry but there are some really great choices at REI ) and compact umbrella. A packable down vest is good too. I always wear a wool scarf. Gloves but any light weight glove will do. I'd also bring hat just in case. My Hunter boots are now my go to fall/ winter shoe but I went for years wearing leather loafers. A pair of flats ( love the sequined Tom's very packable ) If just touring cities, I'd avoid anything too clunky. Comfort is important.
Oct 13th, 2016, 07:45 PM
#12
>>Never have I worn thermals or tights along with jeans or pants nor did anyone I know.<<
Ditto -- and I lived in the UK for 5 years. Now, I do/have worn tights under a skirt -- but under slacks -- nope. Just too hot. It might be cool/cold outside but you'd die of the heat indoors. Slacks and good socks is what you want. I wear exclusively Nordstrom own brand cashmere blend socks, but SmartWool or any warm socks will do.
>>if that becomes too hot a visit to the rest room can remedy it. <<
On a typical London winter day that would have you popping in and out of the loo and stripping down/pulling the tights back on many times a day.
(by 'tights' I mean the American definition)
This isn't a trip to the Arctic. Water resistant and layers is more important than heavy winter outerwear. A warm scarf and gloves of some sort are good.
Ditto -- and I lived in the UK for 5 years. Now, I do/have worn tights under a skirt -- but under slacks -- nope. Just too hot. It might be cool/cold outside but you'd die of the heat indoors. Slacks and good socks is what you want. I wear exclusively Nordstrom own brand cashmere blend socks, but SmartWool or any warm socks will do.
>>if that becomes too hot a visit to the rest room can remedy it. <<
On a typical London winter day that would have you popping in and out of the loo and stripping down/pulling the tights back on many times a day.
(by 'tights' I mean the American definition)
This isn't a trip to the Arctic. Water resistant and layers is more important than heavy winter outerwear. A warm scarf and gloves of some sort are good.
Oct 13th, 2016, 10:04 PM
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I wear jeans most of the time, Summer, Winter, home,Travel, different weights and materials at different times. I don't find drying times a problem, but when it is damp or cold, the fabric can feel cold on skin, so I have a variety of tights from super thin silk to thin fleece. They make just the right layer to have jeans feel warm in cold and/or wet. For winter travel, a longish jacket with a zip out lining, plus one warm sweater and several turtle neckks. Any piece alone or altogether as needed. All the same as I wear at home in winter. Also take warm socks.
Oct 13th, 2016, 10:34 PM
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Yes. What sassafrass said. It's less about thickness and more about the way jeans can feel cold/damp. The base layer or tights serves as barrier. But I run really cold. I know a lot of people who don't wear tights on their jeans- but under a certain temperature, I have to, or it's going to be a miserable day. (If you plan to take a lot of taxis, this matters less. I walk a lot, and I get coldest when waiting for the bus).
If you've been skiing in California, or spent time in SF (as that is not very warm) then you can probably figure out how your body handles the cold. If the sun is out, I can strip layers off. If it's windy and dark, the layers go back on.
If you've been skiing in California, or spent time in SF (as that is not very warm) then you can probably figure out how your body handles the cold. If the sun is out, I can strip layers off. If it's windy and dark, the layers go back on.
Oct 14th, 2016, 12:46 AM
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Bring two pair of jeans. If one gets wet, it will only be from the knees down, so will dry overnight. Roll jeans in a towel to get most of the water out and dry on the radiator or towel warmer.
Bring two pairs of pantyhose or lightweight tights. They don't weigh anything and you can wash them in the sink and dry overnight.
Bring one or two sleeveless cotton undershirts. They will keep you warmer than you think, don't take up space and might be useful.
Bring two or three pair of medium-weight cotton/wool blend socks. You won't need anything more, if you're wearing tights.
Bring leather sneakers or medium-weight leather hiking boots. Break them in well before you arrive, using the same socks you plan to bring.
If you can fit two pair in your luggage, that might be a good idea.
An umbrella can be useless, because the wind is often blowing hard.
Better to have a water-repellent coat with a hood or just bring a water-repellent rain hat.
Bring two pair of woolen gloves.
Most stores and restaurants will be overwhelmingly over-heated.
Bring a tote bag if you have to strip off layers.
Bring two pairs of pantyhose or lightweight tights. They don't weigh anything and you can wash them in the sink and dry overnight.
Bring one or two sleeveless cotton undershirts. They will keep you warmer than you think, don't take up space and might be useful.
Bring two or three pair of medium-weight cotton/wool blend socks. You won't need anything more, if you're wearing tights.
Bring leather sneakers or medium-weight leather hiking boots. Break them in well before you arrive, using the same socks you plan to bring.
If you can fit two pair in your luggage, that might be a good idea.
An umbrella can be useless, because the wind is often blowing hard.
Better to have a water-repellent coat with a hood or just bring a water-repellent rain hat.
Bring two pair of woolen gloves.
Most stores and restaurants will be overwhelmingly over-heated.
Bring a tote bag if you have to strip off layers.
Oct 14th, 2016, 12:53 AM
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It's not the actual temperature that is important. This is influenced by hummidity and wind chill which can make it feel a lot colder than the temperature makes you believe - particularly if it is a dull day.
Your jacket looks great and with teh fleece lining gives flexibility.
DON'T bother with an umbrella - they are a menace and chances are you will forget it somewhere. Your jaceket is waterproof and has a hood.
I personaly dislike jeans as they can really chill you if you get wet and this can make you feel really cold. They also take an age to dry.
Don't bother with tights under your jeans - again a pain. Instead do a google search for Craghoppers lined trousers. These are designed for walking but are actually quite smart and have a fleecy lining and are really cosy to wear. They are also quick drying if they get wet and won't chill you like jeans. They also have a good range of pockets too.
I wear the classic kiwis all year round and live in Lincolnshire and it can get pretty cold here when the wind blows off the north sea.
Your jacket looks great and with teh fleece lining gives flexibility.
DON'T bother with an umbrella - they are a menace and chances are you will forget it somewhere. Your jaceket is waterproof and has a hood.
I personaly dislike jeans as they can really chill you if you get wet and this can make you feel really cold. They also take an age to dry.
Don't bother with tights under your jeans - again a pain. Instead do a google search for Craghoppers lined trousers. These are designed for walking but are actually quite smart and have a fleecy lining and are really cosy to wear. They are also quick drying if they get wet and won't chill you like jeans. They also have a good range of pockets too.
I wear the classic kiwis all year round and live in Lincolnshire and it can get pretty cold here when the wind blows off the north sea.
Oct 14th, 2016, 12:57 AM
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We are aussies so we freeze
when we went one January I wore thermals..long johns then corduroy jeans...thermal spencer-woollen...then a woollen turtle neck thin layer ...then a cashmere turtleneck...
the peel off layer was a woollen long cardigan and a quilted jacket that I wore in a canadian winter lol
I wore synthetic knee length boots with a good sole...flat..
and woollen socks
a very warm hat with earflaps and gloves and a scarf
I was warm...I couldn't feel the temperature outside ...just on my face lol
it was a chore to peel off the layers but id rather do that than be cold for one second
there are cloakrooms in the museums so we were fine
have fun..stay toasty
when we went one January I wore thermals..long johns then corduroy jeans...thermal spencer-woollen...then a woollen turtle neck thin layer ...then a cashmere turtleneck...
the peel off layer was a woollen long cardigan and a quilted jacket that I wore in a canadian winter lol
I wore synthetic knee length boots with a good sole...flat..
and woollen socks
a very warm hat with earflaps and gloves and a scarf
I was warm...I couldn't feel the temperature outside ...just on my face lol
it was a chore to peel off the layers but id rather do that than be cold for one second
there are cloakrooms in the museums so we were fine
have fun..stay toasty
Oct 14th, 2016, 01:12 AM
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I can't imagine anything more uncomfortable than tights under jeans. And yes, Europeans wear jeans all winter - they have washers and dryers to go home to.
I'm in Budapest now. Yesterday it was 11 C. Today it is 14 C. At night it goes down to between 3 and 7 C. The rest of the weekend it will be cold and rainy. I have one pair of dark gray/black stretchy jeans, which I'll wear when it's not raining. For the rest of the days, I have super-thick black wool footless leggings. I wear them with ski socks and the ankle boots I wear all over Europe. If it's really cold I slip on those wool knee warmers that go from your calves to just above your knees. A wool turtleneck on top with a sleeveless mid-length wool tunic dress over it and I'm totally comfortable and warm and even feel a bit stylish. And it all washes and dries easily and fast.
Oh, and a scarf and gloves and a hat or ear warmer. Never an umbrella - PITA.
I'm in Budapest now. Yesterday it was 11 C. Today it is 14 C. At night it goes down to between 3 and 7 C. The rest of the weekend it will be cold and rainy. I have one pair of dark gray/black stretchy jeans, which I'll wear when it's not raining. For the rest of the days, I have super-thick black wool footless leggings. I wear them with ski socks and the ankle boots I wear all over Europe. If it's really cold I slip on those wool knee warmers that go from your calves to just above your knees. A wool turtleneck on top with a sleeveless mid-length wool tunic dress over it and I'm totally comfortable and warm and even feel a bit stylish. And it all washes and dries easily and fast.
Oh, and a scarf and gloves and a hat or ear warmer. Never an umbrella - PITA.
Oct 14th, 2016, 03:07 AM
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FWIW my regular winter outerwear is a rainproof jacket just like yours with a zip-out fleece lining, which is also sometimes useful on its own. But I would usually need to wear an additional layer (sweater or sweatshirt or similar) between it and my shirt, plus usually a scarf and gloves (you can get those here, and relatively cheap all over the place, even in plenty of corner convenience shops). The rainhood on the jacket is fine for me - I can't be bothered with umbrellas either. It's not as though it rains all the time.
Definitely not cloth sneakers, just ordinary leather shoes would do (and in a sneaker-look style if you prefer), as long as they're already broken in for all-day wear.
I do have some old silk thermals, but it's rarely cold enough in either London or Paris for long enough for it to be worth while (more likely in Amsterdam or central Europe); no harm in packing some extra T-shirts, just in case you need additional layers. Mostly in the winter I'm wearing fairly thick cotton corduroy trousers, but I have no idea how much more sensitive you would be to our temperatures - they could be anywhere between freezing and 50F, but the damp may indeed be more perceptible to you.
Definitely not cloth sneakers, just ordinary leather shoes would do (and in a sneaker-look style if you prefer), as long as they're already broken in for all-day wear.
I do have some old silk thermals, but it's rarely cold enough in either London or Paris for long enough for it to be worth while (more likely in Amsterdam or central Europe); no harm in packing some extra T-shirts, just in case you need additional layers. Mostly in the winter I'm wearing fairly thick cotton corduroy trousers, but I have no idea how much more sensitive you would be to our temperatures - they could be anywhere between freezing and 50F, but the damp may indeed be more perceptible to you.
Oct 14th, 2016, 03:25 AM
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I live in Ca and spread December in Paris and don't bring anything much different. A coat and heavy scarf for outdoors, indoors whatever you would normally wear (not shorts or flip flops!). I never wear any kind of long underwear.
Europeans bundle up beyond my comfort level as soon as it drops below 60 and take scarves to a new level.
Europeans bundle up beyond my comfort level as soon as it drops below 60 and take scarves to a new level.
