Layer layer and mare layer!
I still think wool is good, come on think about it soldiers wore wool jumpers and fisherman wore wool jumpers, and I bet Paddington bear had a wool jumper too.
PS did I mention my tartan wool scarf

I politely disgree. The investment in scientific development of technical fibres and materials to combat cold/wet/wind isn't just a gimmick. This stuff actually works, better. Plus better pockets, linings, zip covering etc all contributes to attire that is more than just a marketing fad.

However, some of the stuff is just that, I accept.

R.

Wool - it smells when damp. Smells like the old folk.

R.

Wool may smell when damp, but at least it stays warm.... try wearing a damp cotton or acrylic sweater one day and going out in the cold, and you will know what I mean. I can cope with smelling like an old granny as long as I don't have goosebumps!

I would go for lots of layers too, and natural fibres wherever possible because they keep you warmer than synthetics.

And as for coats - I use a 3in1 that I bought from Canadian tire. That plus a thin sweater and a tshirt and I am often TOO hot! Hat and scarf, and thick warm gloves, plus boots for your feet...

Since we moved here, I have taken to wearing hand-knitted socks in the winter because they are made from wool and again keep your feet warmer. Strangely, I haven't suffered from chilblains once since I started doing that, but suffered terribly in the UK.

Ah. Modern man-mades are "wicking".

R.

Only on the label, not in fact. For example I have a "wicking" shirt from REI, I wear it when feeling fat as within moments of putting it on my body is sweat soaked and that makes me feel as if I've exercised.

You misunderstand me. Things like Goretex or other breathable shells are good to have, particularly if you are going to be outside, working up a sweat...but do you need to spend hundred of dollars on a north face or Berghaus technical shell when you can buy a breathable no name shell at marks for a third of the cost? No, you dont

If you are going from a heated house to your car to the parking lot at work to the office do you need a Goretex shell? Absolutely not.

I paid a fair amount for my Sprayway Goretex and Fleece before I came out here, hundreds of quid, more than ten years ago now. Money I could have saved by buying a Columbia 3 way for $100ish once I got here. They are good and have lasted well, but I could have saved by dealing with it on arrival.

Sounds delightful!

there is no vomiting emoticon on here... it needs one!

Give me granny-smelling wool over sweaty shirts any day!

I concur. There is not a need, just a want.

R.

Cotton is definitely a mistake in the winter if you are workingup a sweat. Its the stuff hypothermia results from. Polyester retains warmth when wet. Technical coatings on some artificial fibres can much improve wicking performance and the performance when wet.

When Im sitting for hours freezing my arse off during the winter parade season I go with wool socks and insulated boots, poly thermals, poly fleece sweater and jacket and wind proof nylon pants and shell. Plus assorted earwarmers and santa hat. Keeps me snug enough. At least you can play a Sax with gloves on...Here a tip for you all...Never volunteer to play Clarinet outside in the winter

It is, two minutes in a synthetic wicking shirt and I automatically roll over, smoke a cigarette and silently fall asleep.

Iain's right about not needing an elaborate coat if you just drive to work and back. Until we moved to the country I just had a crombie and gloves. Now, for being out long periods clearing snow, I have a puffy Timberland coat I got from Ends, a local TK Maxx type store, for fifty bucks.

Sound advice.

By the way, if you are working outside in the winter, working up a sweat is the last thing you want to do. Thats why layering is so important.

Thats the problem with down filled puffer coats...the are fine if you are standing about waiting for a bus when its -20, but if you are moving the logs into the house, or clearing snow, they are way too hot. Once you start to sweat you run the risk of getting really cold once you stop again. You need to be able to remove layers so you dont sweat when you are working.

One great feature on my expensive sprayway fleece is the armpits are fully zippered so you can open them right up to keep cool. Thats something I havent seen on cheaper jackets.

Fleece needs to be lined and/or windproof too if you are going to wear it without the shell, and those features are usually only found on more expensive ones. Otherwise any wind will cut right through no matter how warm it is when it still.

You'll be old too one day, young whippersnapper.

<Said in the best old geezer voice I could manage.>

No I do not consider myself to be old yet.

If you wash your wool clothes with a little smelly softner after you used it then the smelly granny smell isnt so bad, or why not try putting a bit of Vicks on the wool?