Clothes in February

Short answer: February is cold and wet at the same time. Snow that melts and freezes again makes your feet the weakest point in the whole wardrobe, and wet clothing cools far faster than dry.

Wet and cold at once

Meltwater is worse than frost, because wet clothing cools several times faster than dry clothing. One degree above zero with sleet can feel colder than five degrees of frost in dry air. So February is more about staying dry than about wearing as many layers as possible. See bamboo joggers for men.

Your feet get wet

Sleet and slush get into your shoes, and your socks get wet even if the shoes look sealed. Wet feet cool the whole body, and it is hard to warm up again until the socks are changed. A spare pair of socks in your bag is the simplest decision in February. See the range for men.

The light returns slowly

Late in February the mornings are brighter, but the temperature does not follow. Bright weather can fool you into wearing too little. Dress by the thermometer rather than the light, and keep taking a warm layer with you in the morning. See bamboo sweatpants for men.

Change when you come in

When you come in from sleet, it is better to change than to wait for your clothes to dry on your body. Take off the wet socks first and put on a dry pair. Hang the wet things up to dry, so they are ready the next day.

Layers that dry quickly

In February it helps if your base layer is not too thick. A thin layer dries faster when it gets damp from sweat or rain, and it is easy to swap during the day. Keep two base layers in rotation, so one can dry while you wear the other.

At home in February

The evenings are still long and dark. Soft joggers or sweatpants are nice to change into when you come home from wet weather. Clothes that do not pull at the waist make it easier to relax. Put on warm socks if the floor is cold.

Drying and washing in damp weather

In wet weather clothes dry slowly, especially indoors. Wash at 30 or 40 degrees and hang things with air around them. Do not put wet clothes straight on the radiator, as it can make the fabric stiff. Let bamboo clothing dry on a hanger or flat.

Plan by the forecast

February switches between frost, thaw and sleet within a few days. Check the weather in the morning and pick shoes and socks to match. A dry frosty day needs something different from a day of meltwater. With a few set combinations, choosing is quick.

Frequently asked questions

Why is February harder than January

Because it is both cold and wet. Meltwater and sleet make your clothes wet, and wet clothing cools much faster than dry, even above zero.

What should you watch most

Your feet. A spare pair of socks in your bag is the best decision you can make in February, because wet feet quickly cool the whole body.

Does it get warmer late in February

The light returns, but the temperature rarely follows. Late February is often colder than January, so keep the warm layers a little longer.