Winter Insulated Dressing
Well, my previous article is all fine & dandy for late spring through early fall, but what about in the winter? I want to introduce you to Carhartt for Women and for men. There are several different styles, such as this barn coat . When you need it, these insulated overalls are handy. Yes, I know I said that overalls are a stereotype, but I was talking about denim overalls ! LOL Actually, there is nothing wrong with denim overalls, if that is what you want. Just don’t think you MUST wear them.
If you prefer an all-in-one garment, try insulated coveralls . We actually own and use both options, insulated coveralls or jacket and overalls.
Keep your Face and Neck WARM
Neck scarves are nice for extra warmth, but remember that I want you to be safe around equipment, so I suggest a neck gaiter or a balaclava. For men, a full beard is also nice, but you bearded men can add these to your winter wardrobe, too!
Gloves
Other things to consider are your gloves. Buy your brown jersey gloves by the dozen. You should be able to find them for $1/pr or less. These gloves with dots are also an economical option, since they can be worn on either hand! When the weather is more severe, wear something like these ski gloves.
Long Johns
Dressing in layers is always important. Long Johns! Grandpa wore them when he farmed, you’ll love them, too. Tops and Bottoms Get the best quality you can afford. Farmer Graybeard likes to put on his Tee shirt, then his Long Johns, then a sweatshirt or hoodie, then the insulated coveralls. He has no plans of getting cold! LOL He was thankful when Grandma Honey found tall sizes for him. So much more comfortable for him!
What about your FEET?
Your feet need love, too. These are my personal favorite wool socks that I actually wear around the house. I put on my normal socks , then the wool socks over top and pad around the house with my feet & calves warm. Farmer Graybeard wears the same ones in his boots.
To save on laundry, we wear lighter layers next to the skin (tees, socks) and cover them with heavier layers. The lighter layers are changed daily, while the outer layers may be worn numerous times before washing.
Don’t try to skimp on your boots. You NEED good support working on your feet all day! Red Wing boots are a favorite here, but there are many good name brands. A rubber boot or muck boot is also a necessity. If you are working with larger animals, you may wish to consider getting steel toe type boots to protect your feet.
Since you don’t really want to TOUCH those boots with your hands after you’ve been to the barn, you can make a handy boot puller.
Don’t forget the Farm Kids
With a little searching, you can find all these products for children, too. They need to be as warm as mom and dad. Kids’ Insulated Coveralls or Two-Piece Insulated Gear for Kids
I stumbled onto a way to keep little tootsies warm and dry out in the snow. Put a pair of wool socks on them after their normal socks, but before their snow pants. This provides an extra layer of warmth for their feet and legs, then use just plain rubber boots. They will wear the rubber boots year round, but with that extra layer of wool socks, they are best protected in the winter. I think I discovered this with our 6th child … yep, years of frustration solved!
I probably don’t need to mention this to you, but it is sure handy to have a plastic tote box just for kids winter outerwear. Each fall, bring out the box to see what-fits-who this year, then pack it away again in the spring with laundered and thoroughly dry & repaired coats. During the summertime, as you go to yard sales, watch for good gear at cheap prices. That is how we got most of ours. Yard sales and thrift stores and hand-me-downs from friends.
Of course, the same will be true for rubber boots. Watch for sales and keep all sizes on hand. You will get unexpected or infrequent visitors who will inevitably arrive without boots, but want to help you feed the chickens!
Add your comments:
Let me know what challenges you face while dressing for the farm and homestead.
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