Thanks. Will check it out.
The majority of silk garments are washable. Just use no heat gentle/delicates cycle and air dry.
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I believe the LLBean silk ones are machine washable. You would need to check.
Another option (but not as think a silk) is “waffle” fabric.
I have a long sleeved waffle knit undershirt that my always-cold little grandfather gave to my Dad. Dad loved it for skiing but gave it to me when it got too small for him. LOL - it still has Pop’s name labeled on the tag from its time at the nursing home… not at all fashionable (luckily covered by other layers). I’m a sucker for sentimental attachment.
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Unbound Merino is a popular brand for lightweight, warm layers.
https://unboundmerino.com/collections/womens-merino-wool-clothes
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IMO, it is hard to beat Helly Hansen engineered merino base layers. Like this one!
https://www.hellyhansen.com/en_us/w-lifa-merino-midweight-crew-49378?color=629127
I would have told you I’m kind of “allergic” to wool, but some of the wool products these days “aren’t like they used to be.”
I never liked old, scratchy wool but the new soft merino wools are ok against my skin and great at regulating temperatures. I like the heavier ones so I don’t have to wear quite so many layers.
My husband recently shopped for a merino wool base layer for cycling (limited selection in size XXL). The brand he tried was slightly scratchy. He ended up with more of a waffle knit and likes it.
I swear by Uniqlo heat tech. They have different weights and styles. One of their Airism camis under a long sleeved heat tech shirt can have another layer over it without being too heavy.
32 degrees heat from Costco are also good for layering. On sale right now, two shirts for $9.99.
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My daughters boyfriend was appalled when she brought 10 pairs of underwear on their 7 day trip. Until he saw the tiny packing cube ( the size of her hand) they were in. “ I forgot how small girls stuff is! “
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Ha, some stuff yes… other stuff NO.
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I bought a pair of Woolx pants to wear on my upcoming trip. I tried them out on thanksgiving- very comfortable. BUT, they’re petite as all of my pants have to be, and they are at least one inch, if not two, too long. Like below my heels. They have a folded and serged hem so I can shorten them, it’s just not what I wanted to be doing this weekend.
Today is a day for testing layers, 40° and sunny.
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I am someone who feels cold all the time. But in the NY winter, if I have my neck, ears and hands warm, I don’t feel the cold as much. So, I always wear scarves, gloves, hat or headband whenever I go outside. I also find rechargeable hand warmers improve the feeling of warmth and I use them all the time, especially when I’m on a plane.
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Warm feet are also important. I always wear wool socks and good, comfortable shoes too.
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Actually, when I am properly layered, I am rarely cold. I have to wear wool tank, heavy wool 1/2 zip pullover, and a omniheat vest. If I want to be fancy, I can wear a nice blouse over the pullover before I put on the vest. For bottoms I wear a wool thermal bottom or ultra warm Uniqlo bottoms plus an omniheat pair of pants or any pants with thick plush lining. If we are walking outdoors, I add a omniheat jacket plus omniheat hat and a pair of glove liners. This is for temps down to 50 degrees. Don’t know how I will deal with colder temps—definitely would need to add a wool scarf and limit time outdoors until I got more acclimated.
If it’s colder I wear the wool long john’s with the ultra warm long johns over them plus whatever very warm pants. May add another layer of thin wool sweater under thick wool sweater too.
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Just an update—my Minus33 midweight base top arrived in emerald green. I love the price ($59.99), color and it fits nicely and isn’t scratchy. I think it will be a nice addition to my wardrobe but it wasn’t as heavy as I thought it would be. The sweater I had been wearing most of the time when I was on my last trip is heavier than this base layer, so I guess the sweater must be “expedition” or similar weight. Oh well, I’ll figure it out one of these days.
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In Germany right now, enjoying the Christmas markets with my sisters. I’m wearing various combos of Uniqlo thermals, Costco base layers, thinner merino sweaters, heavier wool quarter zip, jeans, Costco travel pants, and Woolx pants. My primary outerwear is a rain jacket (mid-thigh length) with or without a short Uniqlo down jacket under.
As I’m in the process of losing weight and having surgery that will affect my middle and top, buying economically is a priority.
Layers are definitely the key to comfort in the cold.
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Any suggestions for men’s socks. Going to Italy in May and want to travel light. My husband normally brings his white ankle cotton socks that we buy at Costco. They don’t dry quickly without a dryer. I wear Smartwool socks that dry quickly. We looked at Smartwool ankle socks but he can’t get with the idea of spending $20 one pair of socks. He’s back to planning on bringing his regular socks. Has anyone found an inexpensive brand that are fast drying. He wears shorts 90% of the time so would need to look decent with shorts.
Thanks
@mom60 – first, no, I don’t have a brand to recommend. (How CC is that? Responding without a true answer.) But one option is to just pack older socks – as in almost ready to be tossed – and throw them out as you go.
I admit to doing this with underwear (and then wondering what the cleaning staff must be thinking.)
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