favorite long underwear for winter in Europe
Oct 8th, 2004, 09:46 AM
#41
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Trapped and dry air provides the insulation you are seeking. Silk is good for this purpose. Avoid man-made fabrics because they don't "breathe" as well. Nylon is a killer. Even cotton is better. Here is why:
Unless you are an arctic-weather hunter, avoid "union" suits -- the one-piece kind. Wear two-piece underwear, with the shirt hanging outside the drawers.
If you start to feel sweat forming, unbutton your shirt quickly. And leave it open. Sweat (moisture) is the enemy of insulation.
But most of all, you can avoid a lot of cold-weather problems by wearing a hat. 80% of heat lost by a person is lost through their head. Why? Because so much blood circulates close to the skin of the head. Ever notice how much a scalp wound bleeds? That's why.
Second, wear two pairs of socks, if you can. Keep your feet dry at all costs. The soldier who sweats under too much clothing, has a damp body, and has wet feet is well on his way to being a casualty. At zero, I would give him only a few miserable hours to survive.
How do I know this? I was a trained arctic specialist in the military.
Unless you are an arctic-weather hunter, avoid "union" suits -- the one-piece kind. Wear two-piece underwear, with the shirt hanging outside the drawers.
If you start to feel sweat forming, unbutton your shirt quickly. And leave it open. Sweat (moisture) is the enemy of insulation.
But most of all, you can avoid a lot of cold-weather problems by wearing a hat. 80% of heat lost by a person is lost through their head. Why? Because so much blood circulates close to the skin of the head. Ever notice how much a scalp wound bleeds? That's why.
Second, wear two pairs of socks, if you can. Keep your feet dry at all costs. The soldier who sweats under too much clothing, has a damp body, and has wet feet is well on his way to being a casualty. At zero, I would give him only a few miserable hours to survive.
How do I know this? I was a trained arctic specialist in the military.
Oct 8th, 2004, 10:41 AM
#43
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I would recommend buying a "non-traditional" pair of long johns from Eddie Bauer. I bought a SILK pair in black from EB 2 years and they were indispensable while in Europe during wintertime. They are inobstrusive and very lightweight under clothing, they don't pull at pants - even leggings - and lie smooth under garments, plus no obvious white/cream color showing under clothes! I got them on sale for ~ $19 from the eddiebauer.com website.
Oct 8th, 2004, 11:01 AM
#44
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Go silk. Eddie Bauer, Bean, Land's End, or any of the other places mentioned sell good merchandise. Silk is light, natural, and durable.
Six layers over the upper half of the body and only 1 over the lower half does not get it done, particularly in the wind. Yes Switzerland can be mild in the winter, but the wind is a factor many times if you are outside.
I doubt if you will need the extra in Italy.
I am reminded of the definition of an economist as a person who stands with one hand in the fire and one on dry ice and says that it all balances out in the middle.
Six layers over the upper half of the body and only 1 over the lower half does not get it done, particularly in the wind. Yes Switzerland can be mild in the winter, but the wind is a factor many times if you are outside.
I doubt if you will need the extra in Italy.
I am reminded of the definition of an economist as a person who stands with one hand in the fire and one on dry ice and says that it all balances out in the middle.
Oct 13th, 2004, 06:10 AM
#46
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LoveItaly: yes dear, it IS the clothes (isn't denial lovely?) Actually I have a love/hate relationship with spandex. On the one hand I think the inventor should be canonized, on the other I despise the fact that the first "ingredient" I look for in the garment description is that godsend word "STRETCH". I think there's a support group for us somewhere...
Oct 13th, 2004, 08:14 AM
#49
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I agree with Tallulah- stretchy tights are the best. I'm allergic to silk knit, so I would have hives in silk long underwear.
I like Danskin footless tights (for modern dance). They keep my legs warm without making me too hot indoors, and the lycra gives me a"sheer energy"- style massage to keep my legs feeling good all day. I prefer to cover my feet with cashmere or merino socks that breath more (try Target or TJ Maxx for good deals).
On top, I wear a nicely fitted stretch cotton v-neck, 3/4 sleeve t-shirt from Target. I take one for each day of the trip since they roll down to the size of, well, a small roll.
They keep me warm, provide a clean base layer each day, and in overheated restaurants I can remove all my sweater layers and feel presentable in my sleek top and chic psuedo-silk scarf.
I agree, Sandi, that I normally wouldn't worry about an under-layer, but when sightseeing all day in the cold, it makes life much more pleasant. Grappa works well, too.
I like Danskin footless tights (for modern dance). They keep my legs warm without making me too hot indoors, and the lycra gives me a"sheer energy"- style massage to keep my legs feeling good all day. I prefer to cover my feet with cashmere or merino socks that breath more (try Target or TJ Maxx for good deals).
On top, I wear a nicely fitted stretch cotton v-neck, 3/4 sleeve t-shirt from Target. I take one for each day of the trip since they roll down to the size of, well, a small roll.
They keep me warm, provide a clean base layer each day, and in overheated restaurants I can remove all my sweater layers and feel presentable in my sleek top and chic psuedo-silk scarf.
I agree, Sandi, that I normally wouldn't worry about an under-layer, but when sightseeing all day in the cold, it makes life much more pleasant. Grappa works well, too.
Oct 13th, 2004, 09:27 AM
#50
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Comment: Joe Namath caused some controversy when he wore pantyhose to keep warm on cold football fields. In Europe they are available in many different weights. No one has suggested wool slacks, why?
Oct 13th, 2004, 12:11 PM
#53
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sandi, I'm with you regarding long underwear, who wants to feel chilled to the bone when you are supposed to be having fun. I bought REI's brand of silk underwear, long pants, and a camisole as well as a long sleeved top. I wore them in Iceland, Scotland and England even in May. I plan on taking them along to France the end of October. Silk longjohns pack small, wash and dry quickly and feel good. Luckily you are shopping for them in the right season, try finding them in April in a warm climate like I did!! I am traveling by myself for the first time and have to tote my own luggage so I am really trying to pack light and the silk underwear is the way to go. Have a great trip. Deborah
Oct 13th, 2004, 12:21 PM
#54
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Hi hightide. And than there was the time this spring when I bought a darling pair of slacks that were spandex/strech. Perfect. NOT. Had them on at a luncheon (fortunatly with some good friends that also do the "stretch clothes". When we got up to leave the pants almost fell off of me! I had to go home and change before we went to do our shopping thing.
Oh, that was very humiliating. But we all had a good laugh.
Maybe to much of a good thing is too much?
Oh, that was very humiliating. But we all had a good laugh.
Maybe to much of a good thing is too much?
Oct 13th, 2004, 12:51 PM
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Oh no! Faulty spandex is a travesty and almost inconceivable - like 'bad chocolate' - say it ain't so!!!! My sympathies to you in your embarassing moment (I've had my share, but that's a whole 'nuther thread!!)
Don't give up though dear - cry, cry again!!! hehe (Maybe add a stretch belt / suspenders to the ensemble??? Oh now THAT'S a picture - stretch long johns, stretch belt / suspenders - just pray you don't get into an accident!!!)
But we digress from the original thread (fun, though, huh?) =)
Don't give up though dear - cry, cry again!!! hehe (Maybe add a stretch belt / suspenders to the ensemble??? Oh now THAT'S a picture - stretch long johns, stretch belt / suspenders - just pray you don't get into an accident!!!)
But we digress from the original thread (fun, though, huh?) =)
Oct 13th, 2004, 02:06 PM
#58
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Hi Sandi,
I use microfiber tights, Donna Karen or DKNY. Then you can wear with a skirt. I wore them in Venice in January. It was very cold and very damp, and the tights kept me quite comfortable.
Fogel of Switzerland makes tights with wool that are very fashionable, and Wolford makes tights and very thin tops that can be worn alone or layered.
Neimans should carry these in hosiery.
Good Shopping
I use microfiber tights, Donna Karen or DKNY. Then you can wear with a skirt. I wore them in Venice in January. It was very cold and very damp, and the tights kept me quite comfortable.
Fogel of Switzerland makes tights with wool that are very fashionable, and Wolford makes tights and very thin tops that can be worn alone or layered.
Neimans should carry these in hosiery.
Good Shopping
