Monday, January 26, 2015

Dressing for Men: Long Johns

On a blustery winter day, the cold wind cuts right through the wool content of pants, biting into the frigid skin beneath. 

Perfect weather for long johns, me thinketh? Yet cotton long johns can be bulky

Enter: silk long underwear! 
http://www.rei.com/media/oo/99d23419-fd97-4ec6-827c-ed8a0a80482a.jpg
Silk is a great layering fabric as it keeps one warm in cold weather and cool in hot, and wicks away moisture. If one lives in a climate with more extreme weather patterns it probably won't provide sufficient thermalness, but if dealing with the New York 20 to 30 degrees it is ideal. 

I'm a big fan since it doesn't add weight, doesn't itch, doesn't suffocate, and does a dang good job keeping me cozy (especially since skirts can get drafty). I've purchased pairs for my menfolk who were quite appreciative, if I say so myself. 

The secret is to make sure the garment is actually 100% silk. Some will label their item "silk" or "silkweight," and it is composed mostly from synthetic. Silk is pricier, although I used to find pairs for myself in Daffy's before they (sob) closed for $15. Currently they are available on Amazon, L.L. Bean, and Land's End, just to name a few. 

2 comments:

Mighty Garnel Ironheart said...

It's not about the material, it's about the warmth and there ain't nothing better than John Stanfield's long Canadian underwear.

Princess Lea said...

The Biothermal, the Microfleece, the Merino, the plain thermal, the Superwash wool?