I grew up in Ohio. He isn’t going to freeze to death there, most likely. Polar fleece layers will work well. A pair of insulated boot things would work with the cotton socks…and waterproof because wet is what really makes you feel cold.
Agree with the suggestion for scarf, hat and gloves. Those can really make a difference outdoors.
I wear wool socks year round. Yes, even in the summer, even when I’m bicycling. Nothing else is as comfortable. I prefer my own hand-knit socks, but Darn Tough and Smartwool are good sources for durable, washable wool socks.
Polarfleece is not as warm as wool, because it doesn’t stop the slightest breeze. I like Smartwool and Icebreaker for wool garments, typically machine washable. I like Smartwool’s 250 weight as a warm shirt, and the 150 weight for a lighter shirt:
https://www.smartwool.com/shop/mens-tops
LL Bean also has some beautifully warm heavy sweaters, like this inexpensive commando sweater (not machine washable):
https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/43323
Wool is warmer than cotton, 'cause it has air pockets. Here’s a nice Scientific American video about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etT1mb1QhuA
Wool might be warmer…but if it makes your skin crawl, you can’t wear it!
Agree fleece isn’t wind proof, but neither is a wool sweater. A wind breaking shell over fleece (or wool) is a good thing to have.
Backcountry has socks on sale. Smartwool, Darn Tough and others.
Most business suits are wool, and people who need to wear business suits somehow nevertheless manage to wear them. This makes me believe that most people can tolerate wool. Of course, people who can’t tolerate wool shouldn’t wear it! And even people who love wool are probably not going to wear a scratchy coarse wool sweater next to their skin.
Ok, so update… we saw DS this past weekend and he was wearing one of the Hollister sweaters that I was originally going to buy more of. Yeah… no! It already had a massive hole in it and he said it was the first time he’d worn it.
We took him to the mall and instead I suggested he check out LL Bean. It was a huge hit!
It’s funny to me what kids don’t know, that we take for granted. He claims to have never heard of LL Bean. I mean, ok he hasn’t lived somewhere cold since he was 12, but still. So yeah, very successful trip and he now has a reliable store to order from if he ever needs anything.
Also, the Nike Pro tights were hugely welcome. I got him the winter weight ones and was wearing them the very next morning under his running shorts.
LOL maybe the Hollister sweater was meant to have a hole! You never know! 