When was it that dressing for the weather became uncool?
I first noticed this trend a few years ago as I drove past a school bus stop. It was winter, and the temperature was maybe in the 20s. Of the six kids waiting for the bus, only two had coats on; the other four were wearing either hooded sweatshirts or fleece tops. And not a single kid in the bunch had on a hat or gloves.
It’s a sight you’ll see throughout the winter at pretty much every middle school and high school in the area. But the phenomenon isn’t confined to the cold weather months. Nor is it specific to teenagers.
The other day I was at Geneva Commons. It was a warm day, but also wet. The rain had been falling, more or less steadily, for about three days. And yet I could count the number of people with raincoats, hats or umbrellas on one hand. Everyone else was scurrying about, trying to dash between the drops, acting as though the wet weather was a complete surprise. Not surprisingly, most wore looks that ranged from disdain to disgust as they went about their business in a somewhat soggy state.
While I can appreciate the fact that it’s no fun to get wet—I got uncomfortably damp during a fast-moving rain shower just this past Thursday—I don’t get why more people don’t dress for the weather.
Those of us who spend a great deal of time outdoors, and who make their living encouraging others to do the same, spend lots of time fretting about the increasing numbers of people who would rather stay inside than venture out. But maybe rather than beating ourselves up over that disturbing trend, we simply need to hold a class on how to dress for the elements, a sort of “What Not to Wear” run by naturalists.
I really think if folks would add just a few articles of clothing to their various seasonal wardrobes, they’d feel a lot better about being outside. Flannel-lined blue jeans changed my attitude toward winter when I added them to the lineup about 10 years ago. Likewise, a breathable waterproof jacket (and pants if you’re really serious about staying dry) makes all the difference on a damp day.
Then there’s the subject of hats. Remember how Grandma always said you’ll catch your death of cold if you don’t wear a hat in winter? She was right. Although scientists continue to bicker on exactly how much heat is lost via the head, the fact is that if it’s uncovered, and it’s cold or wet out, you’re going to lose heat faster than if you were wearing a lid.
I’ve got knit wool caps in two thicknesses for cold winter days, and a ridiculously overpriced but extremely functional Tilley hat for rain. (The only hat, I might add, that came with an owner’s manual.)
But my all-time favorite is an oilcloth hat my friend Lisa gave me years ago. Billed as The Ultimate Hat back then, it’s still tough to beat even today. Its wide brim keeps snow and rain off my face, and a chinstrap keeps it in place on even the windiest of days.
Staying warm and dry, even when the weather is anything but. What’s so uncool about that?
Pam Otto is the manager of nature programs and interpretive services for the St. Charles Park District. She can be reached at potto@stcparks.org or 630-513-4346.