Observe: What Should I Wear?

Clothing can help you look great, but don't forget its other important function—protecting you. Alberta can have some weather extremes. In cold weather, you need to bundle up to stay safe and warm. When it is windy, you need protection from wind chill. When it is raining, you need to wear something to keep you dry. What are the best choices for clothing when you must go out into harsh weather? Consider these tips when dressing for the weather:

Weather Dangers and Solutions
Clothes
Cold weather:

  • Cold weather can "sneak up on you".  If you are not prepared, your skin could freeze and suffer frostbite.
  • If you do not have proper protection, your body could lose heat and you could get hypothermia.
  • Your best friend is air!  Air is a good insulator against cold.  That is why winter dress should include several layers to trap air.
Mittens, loose layers of shirts and sweaters, thick jacket (parka), scarf or toque for head and ear protection, thick socks, and warm boots
Windy weather:

  • Cool windy weather presents a real problem.  Although the temperature may not feel so cold, wind chill makes you lose heat faster.  The faster the wind, the faster you lose heat.
  • Layers are also a great idea in windy weather, but your outer layer should be windproof.
Undershirt, thin loose shirt layers, vinyl or plastic coated jacket that prevents wind from entering, hood or "hoodie" to keep wind from striking the head
Rainy weather:

  • Rainy weather presents a special problem – how to stay warm AND dry.  You must keep your skin dry because wet skin loses heat faster that dry skin does.
  • In warm rainy weather, you need to keep dry, but you do not want to overheat.
  • Keep your feet dry!  Water-resistant shoes or boots are necessary.
Undershirt, thin loose shirt layers, rainproof jacket (many choices here – new plastic coverings keep rain off but let your body sweat out), rain resistant pants, rubber boots

  Aboriginal Connection


Courtesy of the Library of Congress

Inuit peoples live in the Arctic region, and they know how to prepare for harsh weather.  Now, some Inuit wear clothing that uses modern materials, but historically, the Inuit made their clothes from animal skins and fur.  Note the huge hoods on the amauti (women's parka).  This keeps her warm, but it also leaves enough room to keep her baby warm against her back and neck.

How should I change my clothes to match the weather?


Notebook

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