Putting together a wardrobe of men's winter clothes isn't difficult - it simply requires some essentials that can last from year to year. Much of what you buy for the winter depends on where you live. Some men will need long coats, hats, gloves and scarves while others can survive with one parka. Selecting the right garments for winter can be a matter of choosing neutral pieces that will work with what you already own, but don't be afraid to add dashes of originality, if that's more your style.
Basics of Men's Winter Clothes
Typical garments that most men will wear in the winter include:
- Coat or jacket
- Hat
- Sweater
- Sweatshirt
- Gloves
- Scarf
- Boots
- Thermal underwear
While a lot of men don't have the same enthusiastic approach toward shopping that many women do, buying necessary items for cold weather doesn't have to be a chore. There are plenty of selections out there to satisfy each man's particular style. Whether you need winter clothes for business or casual settings, men's retailers provide a range of price and design choices.
If you wear suits to work, wool is a better material for the winter than linen and silk. Herringbone patterns and dark suits are always popular and classic. You don't have to go extremely dark, a medium gray or dark tan is still appropriate.
Coat
You may need more than one coat to take you through winter. A lightweight jacket will work for weekend and casual wear, while a long overcoat is the perfect complement to your weekday suit. You can find jackets and coats for around $50.00 or more. Because this is an item you only wear a few months out of the year, it makes sense to invest in a quality garment that will last. Buying a coat in a neutral color such as black, charcoal, or brown will ensure that it matches most of your wardrobe.
Sweater
When cold weather clothes hit retail stores, you'll find a large selection of sweaters in a variety of colors. You can wear a sweater over a T-shirt or collared shirt for extra warmth. Pullovers are a smart casual choice, but you can also sport cardigans if preppy is more your style. Sweaters work just as well with jeans as they do with khakis.
Accessories
Men who can appreciate extras such as accessories know how much they can add to a look. The right scarf, gloves and hat take a plain outfit into a properly prepared ensemble. Little details can reveal a lot about a guy's style, so even if you have to wear a suit and tie to work each day, you can express your individual fashion sense through your accessories. Wintertime provides more opportunity to do this through your outerwear, so instead of buying items that are purely functional, try selecting pieces that you really like and that say a lot about who you are.
While knit caps are great for the ski slopes, you can always wear a dressier hat to top your suit and overcoat.
Buying for Winter
Before summer officially ends, you'll see cold weather clothes moving into stores. This is a good time to shop for new styles, but you will have to wait until winter is almost over to get the best savings. When warm weather merchandise moves in, prices on men's winter clothes are usually reduced. Buy these items for less and put them away until next winter.
If you're shopping to add to your wardrobe, consider the colors you currently own so that any new purchases work with what you have. A lot of men's clothing comes in basic, neutral tones, so it's usually easy to match garments. Even if shopping isn't your favorite activity, finding a few new pieces for the winter can still be bearable.
