Michigan winters are notorious for being cold; from freezing wind chills to severely icy conditions, it can be hard to spend a few seconds outside, let alone walk to class or stay outside for long durations.
When I decided to attend Albion, I knew the winters wouldn’t be a big transition for me, having been a Connecticut resident for most of my life. The same can’t be said for a percentage of the student body hailing from states that barely get snow. For those students, here are some tips for dressing for the weather, based on my experience.
Keeping Warm and Staying Safe
At times, wearing layers of proper gear can feel bulky or unflattering; however, this fashion-based discomfort is necessary. Not only do these layers prevent you from not experiencing pain when stepping outside, they also prevent medical conditions with long-lasting effects, such as hypothermia and frostbite.
According to the National Library of Medicine, both conditions occur at very low temperatures – 20 F and below – and symptoms are painful and can set in relatively quickly:
“Frostbite can occur on exposed skin within 30 minutes. Although frostbite can happen anywhere on the body, it typically affects exposed areas like the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes,” their article states.
Essentials and Layering
My basic essentials for everyday wear during winter are a thick insulated jacket – I use a puffer personally, but any double-layered coat will suffice – thicker long pants that keep out the cold, such as cargo pants or my personal favorite, jeans and fleece-lined socks. I don’t recommend fluffy socks, as they can be hard to fit into boots.
If you’re having trouble getting these items or staying warm with the items you have, the Cutler Center facilitates a free winter clothing program – which primarily serves first-year out-of-state and international students – and has coats in all fits and styles. Some other affordable options for warm clothing are The Bins, located in downtown Albion, or the Label Shopper near Family Fare.
Another one of my strategies to ensure long-term comfort during these long winters is layering. This option is not only affordable, primarily using things you already have in your closet, but it can also be very versatile when the weather is inconsistent. Layering might look like wearing long thermal pants and shirts as a base, a sweater or sweatshirt over that and a jacket such as a windbreaker on top.
In my experience, thicker puffer-like jackets over many layers can cause overheating. When layering on the bottom, I recommend medium to lightweight pants, such as thinner cargos or jeans.
Other must-haves in my winter closet include insulated gloves, a thick scarf and a fleece-lined or thick wool hat. These accessories, although small, are sometimes the most useful. Hats, gloves and scarves can really keep the cold out, whether you’re trekking to the Bohm or walking to your 9 a.m. across “The Quad.”
I’ve found that, when spending long periods of time outside, scarves are useful safety-wise for high wind chill and preventing frostbite on your face.
Footwear; Hand and Foot Warmers
Another necessity for winter is the correct footwear. Closed-toed insulated shoes are the best choice to ensure warmth. Winter boots lined with fleece are always my preferred option, but heavy-duty rubber boots and even, in some cases, really thick sneakers, can also work. Any insulated shoe that keeps you warm and dry during the winter is a good choice.
One of my go-tos when proper footwear and gloves just aren’t cutting it are hand and foot warmers. These are a great fit if you struggle to keep your hands and feet warm during the winter, and they are so easy to use.
For foot warmers, you attach them sticky side down to the bottom of your sock, and they will immediately start to warm up when you put shoes on. As for hand warmers, you can put them in your pockets, or if you want more hand mobility, you can put them inside your gloves at the palm. Both hand and foot warmers last up to eight hours and may come in packs of multiple sets.
The Gist
A good thing to keep in mind every winter is what the proper steps are to take care of your body, even if that looks like wearing bulky clothing or multiple layers.
It’s all worth it to keep yourself warm and healthy.
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