These 5 essential pieces help even tough guys stay warm and dry.
A cozy sweater: Ecologyst’s thick, warm and naturally speckled fisherman sweaters are made from sustainable merino wool, warm enough for the outdoors but stylish enough to wear out to dinner. They come in pullover and full-zip styles, perfect for layering, with matching tuques to keep your head warm, too.
A warm overshirt: The sturdy melton wool shirt from Anián is woven from the same material traditionally used for mariners’ pea coats. In this case, it’s recycled post-consumer wool, making it sustainable as well as resistant to water and wind and ideal for wintry West Coast weather. While you’re at it, pick up a pair of classic wool camp socks.
A rugged boot: Since 1931, Victoria’s own Viberg has been designing footwear that is both good-looking and made to last, like the lace-up Service Boot, which comes in everything from sleek black calfskin to rugged rawhide. Pricey, yes, but this is a piece worth investing in.
A cool tuque: Call it a tuque, a beanie or a ski cap, this knit hat looks so much more stylish when it’s designed by one of coastal B.C.’s great Indigenous artists, such as Maynard Johnny Jr., Donnie Edenshaw or Leila Stogan.
A weatherproof jacket: The Apoc jacket from Vancouver-based Westcomb is ready to tackle any outdoor situation. It combines old-world tailoring with high-performance design and a technologically advanced Polartec NeoShell that fends off weather and rain while still being breathable. It’s literally made for West Coast conditions.
If you’re already geared up with these five essential pieces to tackle the elements, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of staying warm, dry, and stylish in the face of any weather. But why stop there?
For the ultimate holiday shopping guide, check out our 2024 YAM Holiday Gift Guide—it’s filled with the best local finds that are sure to elevate your winter wardrobe and holiday gifting game.
And if you’re a fan of outdoor adventures, our article Swinging in the Rain explores how to stay stylish and prepared, rain or shine, while embracing the unpredictable nature of the West Coast.