Silk Long Underwear - YouLookFab Forum

The photo is an unrelated shot of my daughter and dad in a honkin-big, hollow tree, just because the iPhone app really wants me to post a picture.

I'm emerging from near-lurkdom with a boring request for advice. My family and I will likely be moving from Oklahoma to either South Bend, IN or Toronto this Fall. I'm trying to think ahead to winter weather clothing needs as this is probably the last moment to get this year's sales. I haven't ever lived that far North (or close to the Great Lakes), so I'm not sure what things to look for.

I've heard good things about silk long underwear. Will we need that? What brands are good? I'm looking at WinterSilks right now. What weight?

What other things do we just have to have? I can't really try on anything that I want to look fashionable for myself (big baby bump), but I can at least get to work for my husband and the kids (almost 3 year-old girl and baby due in May). Thanks for any tips!

Becky

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12 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

You will need a heavy winter coat, most likely a puffer.

You will need waterproof warm gloves and a hat.

You will need waterproof, warm boots.

Silk underwear is a good idea. Wintersilks has them, but Lands End are a lot of people's favorites.

Welcome to the frozen tundra!

bj1111

uniqlo heat tech stuff is a favorite around these parts.

Nicole D

I only wear long unders if I am going to be outdoors all day - like skiing or iceskating. It isn't a bad idea to have some on hand for such activities, but in general, a long coat will be fine. Boots are very important since cold toes are such a drag! Otherwise i agree with Thistle. Kids definitely need snowpants - I usually buy two pairs per kid once they get over age 6. And for sure get really good boots for your kids too, there is nothing worse than wet socks.

Jules

I live in Toronto but would only wear long underwear for skiing or other full-day outdoor activity. If I go out to play with the kids (sledding, snow angels etc) I want snow pants (usually heavy nylon but not lined for me - kids' are definitely lined) anyway to protect against the snow, and don't find that I also need long underwear. Basically if it's that cold (below -10 C perhaps) we're not spending that long outside anyway. Even when I was a MOTG and went for a long walk every day with baby in stroller I did not feel the need for long underwear when wearing a decent, long (mid thigh or knee-length) puffer.
I don't know about the US, but kids shopping in Canada, you will find decent snowsuits at good prices at Costco, Joe (Loblaws grocery stores) and all the kids' chains at a good price starting in September-October, but getting them now, unless you find clearance online, you will probably pay top dollar for "ski" gear. The snowsuits are warm enough that kids don't wear long underwear for school days and would sweat to death indoors if they did (same for adults - workplaces, malls and public transit are kept too warm relative to outdoors!).

Day Vies

I agree with Thistle wholeheartedly. Because I am a huge fan of toasty tootsies I recommend Smart Wool socks in thick and thin weights for the entire family. Also make sure your boots are waterproof regardless of the brand. There is nothing worse than the feeling of melting snow seeping into your boot. *shivers*

DonnaF

Per Day Vies recommendation for Smart Wool socks, or should I say $ock$, I understand they go on sale at NAS in July. I have them on my NAS list to try!

Anonymous

There is the heavier silk underwear for skiing and then there's the thin layer that you can wear under anything to add a little warmth.

I like Lands End and LL Bean best and now is a good time to get some on sale. I like a lower scoop or V neck and 3/4 sleeves so that it doesn't show.
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....-scoopneck
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....elle-pants
http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop.....e-camisole
http://www.landsend.com/ix/ind.....=newSearch

Janet

(website)

I have some lightweight ones from Wintersilks that I like -- very lightweight but a welcome additional layer when it's one of those days when you can feel the wind through your jeans. I also have a slightly more substantial pair of Hot Chillys that have worn and washed beautifully for years.

I also recommend sock liners for active days outdoors, if your feet tend toward coldness like mine do. Again, that extra thin layer under some Smartwool socks can make a big difference.

cobaltblue

Thank you for all the tips. Looks like I need a puffer coat and waterproof boots! I will certainly check out Lands End for the underwear, too. It's interesting that many of you find the long underwear unnecessary for daily use. I hate it when my legs are cold! I will also check out the Smart Wool socks, for sure. And snowsuits for kids. This is a lot to consider. When it snows here, I usually wear a polar fleece something-or-other stolen from some XL person in my family, whatever ragtag gloves and hat I can find, and my insulated mud/garden type boots. I then scud from my house to the barn or to my parents' place but never really go into public. So needing real winter weather stuff seems like a shopping nightmare!

I do find a longer coat essential - not full length, but has to cover my hips and most of my thighs. Used to try to get away with shorter puffer jackets but no more. Between a good coat and tall boots, knee socks on the coldest days, my legs are okay, and as mentionned I'd rather not overheat indoors. A lot will depend on your actual location and lifestyle though. Mine is very much urban WOTH mom, commute by subway. An hour north of Toronto you hit the snowbelt so that requires more gear. Although people probably spend more time in their cars there and less time walking, they may do more actual outdoors activity. In Toronto the snow gets dirty/slushy pretty quickly so while we love our real snow days outside with the kids it can amount to only a few days a year, especially with a seemingly changing climate (had barely any snow last winter, quite a bit this year but lots of warmer temps too). Kids are outside several times a day at school so they need snowpants to protect from the slush etc even when it's not that cold.

hedgiehog

I lived in Russia for a while and it was extremely cold, especially as I did not drive and either walked and/or used public transport. I invested in a neutral puffer coat with a hood that kept me very warm as well as a mid length wool coat for not so frozen days, a pair of waterproof boots and gloves. As far as undergarments, I found a brand called cuddl duds. I can't recall where I purchased them but an online search yielded several results.
I purchased light and dark sets and they were worn under practically everything. They kept me very comfortable and were soft without making me hot.
It sounds like you're in for an adventure! Best wishes on your move.

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