Clothes in October

Short answer: October is the month when the weather becomes unreliable again. It is cold in the morning, mild in the afternoon and wet more often than dry. Dress in layers and pay extra attention to your feet, because they are the first to feel the damp.

Wet more often than dry

In October it rains on more days than it does not, and the moisture lingers. Even on dry days the air is saturated, and your clothes feel clammy after time outside. That is why it helps to have a soft layer to change into when you get home and want something dry and comfortable. See bamboo sweatpants for men.

Darkness comes early

From the middle of October it is dark before the end of the working day. Many hours are spent indoors, and the evening starts earlier than in September. That makes the inner layer more important, because you wear it all day, at work and at home. A soft layer that fits well makes long evenings nicer. See bamboo T-shirts for men.

Your feet get wet again

Wet leaves and mud soak your shoes, and the sock feels it first. Once the sock is damp, your feet get cold, and it is hard to warm up again until you can change. On rainy days, pack a spare pair of socks in your bag so you can change at work. See socks for men and women.

Three layers as a starting point

An inner layer against the skin, a mid layer that holds warmth and an outer layer that keeps rain and wind out. With three layers you can adapt when the weather changes several times a day. If the afternoon is mild, take off the mid layer, and put it back on in the evening.

Cold mornings

October mornings can be close to freezing while the afternoon is mild. This is where many people dress wrong, because they look either at the morning or at the forecast for the whole day. Dress for the morning and plan where you will put the extra layer when it warms up. A bag with some room solves most of it.

Change into dry clothes

When you come in after a wet trip, it is better to change right away than to wait for your clothes to dry on your body. Damp clothing draws heat away, even indoors. Keep a set ready to put on when you get home, and hang the wet things where air can reach them.

Drying indoors

In October clothes rarely dry outside, and indoors it takes longer because the air is humid. Hang your laundry with space between items and air out the room a few times a day so the moisture can escape. Socks and thin layers dry fastest, which is a good reason to own several.

Washing and care

Wash at a moderate temperature and let your clothes air dry, so they keep their shape and softness. Socks that have been wet should be washed before you wear them again, even if they look clean. Turn them inside out so dirt and lint from your shoes come out. Thin layers can be washed often.

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear in October

Three layers and a spare pair of socks. The weather changes several times a day and the moisture lingers, so it helps to be able to adjust and change along the way.

When should winter clothes come out

Late October for most people. That is when mornings regularly drop below five degrees and a warmer mid layer starts to make a difference.

What matters most in October

Dry feet. Wet leaves and mud soak your shoes, and a wet sock ruins the whole day, so a spare pair in your bag is a good habit.