I have been asked, I don’t know how many times, how I stay warm in this climate. Because whether the world realizes it or not, the ranch doesn’t close for inclement weather. With a massive winter storm sweeping across the US- you know it’s cold when it’s 17 degrees this morning where my parents live in North Texas- I figured there was no time, like the present, to share with you what I wear to stay warm. Maybe since we woke up to a -23 I was motivated to share my secrets!
It’s all about layers.
You cannot have too many long-sleeved cotton t-shirts, and cotton camisoles. Every girl knows this. And if she doesn’t, here’s your “heads up”.
I start with both of those.
And then add the following:
A mid-to heavy weight fleece– my favorite is of course by LL Bean. They’re strong, durable and super warm. I prefer a mock turtleneck. Zipper or no zipper works for me.
If all my fleece are in the wash, I will wear a heavy hooded sweatshirt over them. Hoods are very handy this time of year.
I don’t usually wear long-underwear unless I’m riding a horse in this God-forsaken cold (at which time I’ll don a pair of chinks- more on those later), so for pants I wear a heavy denim, such as a wranglers, or I’m even known to kick it in fleece PJ pants, soft yoga pants, or something of the sort that matches whatever top I’m wearing. I’m going to cover them up anyway. I figure with this many layers, I might as well be comfortable.
From there we add some Carhartt Bib Coveralls like these.
My parents blessed me with two pairs for Christmas. They are certainly one of the most practical, warm gifts ever. And two pairs, you need them. Trust me!
Over all of that, I will wear a heavy pull over fleece (more practical when you’re not wearing coveralls), or a fleece lined denim jacket. I wear a men’s jacket, because it allows more freedom of movement with all the layers underneath, and you don’t want tight clothing in the winter. You want to trap your body heat between the layers, and move the freezing point away from your body.
Mine is just like this one:
On my feet, I usually just wear plain cotton socks but cover up with some insulated Muck Boots.
I love my insulated Muck Boots. They’re good to ride in if you have to, and easy to get on and off. Mine are plain black like these. But they have all kinds of fancy colors if you’re so inclined.
For the finishing touches of outerwear, I love matching beanies and gloves such as this one from LLBean.
I don’t have this set (yet)- but I do have two pairs of insulated ragg-wool fold down gloves such as those you saw above. They come in handy when you have to remove net-wrap from 15-30 bales of hay per day.
And that my friends, is the very functional, not-so-fashionable, stay-warm, winter wardrobe of your South Dakota Cowgirl.
Happy Trails.
*I was not paid to endorse any of these products. None of these companies even know I exist. I’m just sharing what I love and what works for me.
[ad#Google Banner][ad#Kindle Banner]
Here in KS we don’t ususually get as cold as the Dakotas, but on weeks like this i stay warm in, heavy jeans, tshirt, hoodie, socks, gortex and thinsulate boots, gortex and thinsulate hooded parka, and carharts. Also any type of glove ranging from heavy cotton to gortex/thinsulate and a beanie or ski mask. It’s a a lovely picture isn’t it? 🙂