<p>We are from California, my son was raised on the beach…he knows nothing about cold weather…</p>
<p>He just just returned to Philadelphia from sunny CA, he has had very mild winters the last 3 years and barely saw any snow…he informed me while home he couldn’t find any of his hats, gloves, or his winter jacket from last year…</p>
<p>So, we went shopping, knowing how cold it has been the last few weeks I loaded him up on winter gear and stressed how he needs to layer. He does own boots but told me he has never wore them, just sneakers…and our biggest joke while shopping was his refusal to get a scarf…for any reason…what-so-ever!! As a joke, I was going to send him one but have not got around to it…</p>
<p>Today, back at school, he needs to walk from him apartment to school…just a few blocks but hey, it is 6 degrees…</p>
<p>I just texted him:</p>
<p>Mom: “Are you freezing”</p>
<p>Son: “Just my face”</p>
<p>Mom: “Gee son, I guess that is why you need a scarf”</p>
<p>Son: NO RESPONSE</p>
<p>I just had to share, it is one of those “I told you so” moments that only a mother can appreciate…;)</p>
<p>My son went through a winter in Osh Kosh Wisconsin without breaking out his winter coat. He didn’t think it got cold enough. </p>
<p>I am sure he doesn’t own a scarf. I am lucky that he owns waterproof hiking boots (but they are cracked and he can’t find another pair he likes).</p>
<p>My S, born and raised in a California beach town and now living in NYC, has a lot of winter gear that I’ve bought him throughout the years. But he will NOT wear a scarf or a hat either.I just gave him another cashmere scarf at Christmas and I can’t be sure he will wear it. He did wear beanies while at college though.</p>
<p>Our S went off to Minnesota for college 3 winters ago and doesn’t own a single long sleeved shirt there. He wears a warm jacket over a t-shirt on cold days. Like the OP’s son, he would never ever consider a scarf. No wool socks either. He’s a smart guy and I figure some day he will come to his senses. I have given up offering advice about such things.</p>
<p>Many guys won’t wear scarves. My H said that his brothers, dad, and he never wore scarves (chicago suburbs). </p>
<p>I like the idea of the neck rings (silent scrarf). </p>
<p>My older son will wear a scarf, my younger son won’t.</p>
<p>However, to keep warm…my H and my boys will wear 100% silk long underwear from Lands End. Wont help with the neck, but keeps the other parts warm.</p>
<p>My Chicago born-and-bred husband and son won’t wear scarves, either. They barely wear hats and gloves, even in this weather. I wouldn’t worry. They’ll be miserable and they’ll figure it out.</p>
<p>While I wear my scarf when it gets really cold and windy (freezing and below), I am like your son in my refusal to wear hats. BTW, I am a NYC native, attended college in rural Ohio, and lived for several years in the Boston area. </p>
<p>You may want to check if it’s a fashion preference or if like me and hats*, it’s mainly a concern about having to keep track of one more item that’s “non-essential” in his mind because he has a greater tolerance for the cold than most. </p>
<ul>
<li>I’ve seen too many people lose their hats…including my own parents. I’d rather wear a hood attached to my winter coats. :)</li>
</ul>
<p>If it’s any consolation, NYC street vendors sell winter scarves starting at $4. People wear and toss them away. Maybe sons are wearing them but won’t tell on themselves!</p>
<p>Our S didn’t put on a pair of long pants until his 3rd or 5th semester in LA, even though temps were down to the 40s. At that point, he started grumbling that they didn’t fit well but it was just finally too dang cold for shorts! LOL! He is in Arlington, DC. He DOES wear scarfs and wool hat because he HATES being cold. I think one of the things he likes best about his rental is that the garage is kept a toasty 65+ degrees and the lobby of his floor is about 70 degrees or so. It is warmer than he keeps his unit, so pleasant when you step out into the hall. ;)</p>
<p>Also wanted to mention that I have been wearing my sports sandals on and off in NYC until just around Christmas when we got all the snow - so, it could be worse :)</p>