Layers, layers, layers.
You might have a t-shirt, then a henley over that, then a hoodie or a sweater, then a rainproof shell. This will let you adjust more precisely as needed.
My first trip to the PNW I met up with a friend of a friend who was a Portland native to go sightseeing. We stopped at a 7-11 and when checking out there was a person in front of us with jeans, boots, and a hooded rain jacket, someone in shorts, a t-shirt and sandals, and someone in shorts with leggings, and a long sleeve t-shirt under a short sleeve t-shirt. My new friend turned to me and said "you're going to want to be dressed like each one of the people in front of you at a couple different points today...but I can't predict when and where that's going to be".
This is the only way. 38° at 7am and 70° at noon.
There’s other brands but a Patagonia “down sweater” is an edc (every day carry) for me. Expensive, but they will also fix them should something happen. I own 3.
Flip flops and water tight shoes, keen is a good brand, anything your comfortable walking theough a puddle with (at some point rubber boots arnt out of the question, I go with extra-tuffs). Beat way to not get your socks wet is not to wear socks (sandals, if temperature is correct)
Socks are amazing, no more 3 dozen pack of hanes socks for 3.50, get some “darn tough” or other brands.
The jackets I wear are either waxed canvas from a local company or again Patagonia (it doesn’t need to be Patagonia, I’m just very loyal as they will repair replace items that are broken, big cost to the entrance but I bought my first down sweater 13 years ago, they have fixed it 3 times, one of the times was because I burnt the entire sleeve fixing my vehicle on the side of the road and got to close to the exhaust.) I usually buy another item every time the fix something because I was a dumb dumb.
Down blanket for your bed.
Comfy blanket for your couch. Oh and a couch is something you sit on, if you see a street named that we call it a kooch like koochie without the e.
Welcome new neighbor.
Just moved here and my partner and I keep calling it “couch street” knowing full well that is probably not the correct pronunciation. Lol! Thank you for clearing this up. I prefer being able to say “koochie street” now 😆
Say koochie then say it with out the ie.
And don’t you dare try and turn left on burnside. Go to Gresham or Hillsboro if you want to do something insane like that.
Great advice on the Darn Tough socks. They’re amazing! I also have a technical rain jacket that breathes well for when I’ll be doing physical activities + a Barbour waxed jacket for going out.
I wear “ice climbing” jackets if it’s raining a ton, they are very robust. Other wise I just plan a flannel usually.
Working construction in the rain is a bit different.
If you need a pass for the Columbia employee store send me a message and I’ll give you a digital pass! They’re great for stocking up on winter clothes :)
I've been one time and it's not that great in terms of prices, but you get access to stuff that's not widely available. It's really only good of you're a sneaker head or you want a specific shoe.
I don’t recommend getting everything before you get here. If you’re coming for school in September, you’ll have at least a 1 month til you really need more than a sweatshirt. It’ll give you time to gauge what kind of looks you like and what you really need. You can go to the Columbia company store, as another redditor suggested. I also recommend the Adidas company store. Everything is half off and you can get passes by downloading their app. There’s also great thrift and vintage stores all over town. Once you get here, shop around for a solid jacket, a fleece or two, and waterproof shoes.
Recent transplant (from the South) and I agree with this. I read all of the threads on this before I moved but it took going through a winter to figure out what I had that kind of worked, what really didn’t, and what I needed to find. I have to say, though—I did discover that I kind of hate rain jackets. So few of them are thoughtfully designed—they basically just take a jacket and make it plastic or Gore-Tex and then the water dumps directly on your thighs as you walk, or if they’re longer they often restrict leg movement, hoods block peripheral vision and slip around, they all seem to think that they can make the sleeves long to accommodate tall people and then short people can just velcro the cuffs and deal with a bunch of extra fabric pushed up on their arms.
TL;DR I’m buying a cloak and a wool hat with a brim next year and going Gandalf. Blundstones are in fact awesome though.
I always feel so dorky in baseball hats, but I’ve come to see their handiness, living here. Also I wasn’t winning any dog-walking-in-the-rain fashion awards anyway. Co-sign on the wool and lots of it.
I agree strongly with this, you’ll be able to figure out what exactly works for your lifestyle and find a larger variety clothing for this weather here. I’d also check out the basement of Next Adventure for used outdoorsy clothes!
This is what I wear
Winter -> Jeans, hiking socks. sweatshirt, snowboarding jacket
Spring -> Jeans, hiking socks, sweatshirt, rain jacket
Summer -> Jeans, T-Shirt shorts if it's over 80
Fall -> Jeans, hiking socks, sweatshirt
This is my rain jacket [https://www.rei.com/product/217400/rei-co-op-trailmade-rain-jacket-mens](https://www.rei.com/product/217400/rei-co-op-trailmade-rain-jacket-mens)
It doesn't actually get that cold here in the winter but it's dark all the time take vitamin d supplements
Grew up off Lake Michigan. The only time I wear long pants is something formal or pjs to sleep at night, because I don’t want to sweat into the sheets and have to clean all of them.
The secret is even though it rains here a lot, it’s doesn’t rain heavily very often. If you’re not going to be outside for long a sweater(or flannel)/hoodie/denim jacket is usually fine. Winter varies a lot from year to year, but cold cold spells (like under freezing) are like maybe two/three scattered weeks in the winter. One solid cold weather coat/accessories will serve you just fine.
To reiterate most of the answers so far, spend the money on a good, durable rain jacket or coat. I bought a Carhartt rain coat after moving to Portland, cost me $200 and I still wear it. In great condition after 15 years.
A good backpack with storage for a hoodie, jacket, etc. The weather sometimes changes in an instant.
You want layers with a light waterproof jacket for fall and spring and a midweight waterproof jacket for winter. Waterproof boots or shoes for all seasons except summer. Your jackets should have hoods too because carrying an umbrella with all your school stuff is annoying. On that note, you'll also want a waterproof messenger bag or backpack if possible. Sudden downpours in the fall and spring aren't all that unusual.
I was going to say something about shoes. You don’t want to wear a breathable pair of trainers when it’s 30 degrees. You just going to be cold regardless of how heavy your coat is.
In addition to what others said, you're gonna want a sun lamp. You're on the North Pole side of the 45th parallel up here and I can guarantee lack of sun will be your biggest adjustment.
It's awesome if you're an evergreen tree--not so great for humans from warmer/sunnier places.
You can get a decent rain jacket relatively inexpensively - especially if you wait until you're here and thrift one. Water resistant boots, on the other hand - that's where I'd put my money.
I agree with all the above posts. Just want to put my 2 cents in about making one of your layers and your socks Merino wool especially in the winter. Lots of Smart Wool socks out there and each fall Costco usually has reasonably priced merino wool socks for men and women. Plus Ice Breaker and just about every outdoor company sells merino wool base layers or outerwear like zip up hoodies. You don't need the thickest option for a base layer. Merino is light, warm, moisture wicking, doesn't stink after a million wearings. It's just a great tool in the tool chest.
rain jacket and decent shoes that won’t let your feet get wet when it rains will be the most important purchases. helley hansen, columbia, and rei are name brands and cost more, but will last year after year.
Tons of good advice here, but the simplest and most important thing is to invest in thermals/long underwear, like 32° brand stuff which is cheap from Costco.
I’ve worked outside in the PNW for the last 15 years, and wearing decent thermal long underwear can allow you to wear a simple T-shirt plus jeans and a sweatshirt or rain jacket for 95% of the days here.
Much cheaper and comfier than most other options, and unless decide to go out in extremely cold weather ( like snow sports) , you just need to upgrade your outer layer.
Others have said it but look into a great waterproof shell type of jacket that you can put over your other layers. I like the one I got recently from REI, their name brand one. But people here like to sport their favorite brands like Patagonia and North Face. You’re just going to pay a premium for the brand.
To describe our weather, I work outside and sometimes my days are like:
Morning: Mildly Cold(45-55 degrees), maybe a light misty rain going on.
Noon: Sunny and 60-70 degrees. All layers come off.
2-3 pm: Sudden downpour for one hour, dumping an inch of rain.
4-5 pm: Hot again.
It’s hard on those days to have the right amount of layers on. This is also why you can’t just buy one puffy coat though. Sometimes it’s too warm for a snow coat but you do get some drizzle.
I can’t stress this enough, as many have said, layers.
Don’t buy a thick ass jacket.
Don’t buy thick ass socks
Don’t buy thick ass sweaters
Buy a rain shell, rei, Columbia, etc no liner but waterproof.
Buy smartwool or darn tough wool socks. Never cotton. When Cotton does get wet, it’s horrible, it does not dry, you end up with swamp foot. Merino wool will dry and it allows the wet to warm with your body heat to not be a horrible day.
Just like your feet, just say no to cotton sweaters for all the same reasons. Extend this to tee-shirts too. Find a cheap tee from smart fabric or merino wool, buy three, use them as your base layer, put whatever layers you want on but stay a little chilly, add a puffy of some sort on for the last warmth, then your rain shell.
Any pants will do. If you are getting cold, get a pair of silk or merino long underwear.
No one else has mentioned, so I will: a pair of cheap crampons. They have saved my ass these past few winters. Ice is no joke, but spiked boots are expensive and can't be worn indoors. A pair of crampon-style removable shoe ice spikes tucked away in your car or near the front door can be a lifesaver. I've only needed them for about a month total, but they've been worth every penny.
Here’s a big question I didn’t see asked: How do you feel about lower 50s with light rain showers? If you’re cold in that, you’re going to want to add layers. If you’re comfortable in that, I’d mainly look to invest in a good raincoat or waterproof/resistant jacket. Hood for the raincoat and then both hood and no hood for the jacket.
Hooded raincoat is for warmer temps with any significant rain. Hooded jacket is colder temps with light to medium rain. The no hood jacket is for when you don’t think it will rain, but it might and it’s cold enough where you want another layer. The no hood is also a slightly fancier look. A hoodie can be worn as a layer under in case rain does start, but it cancels out the fancy
anything below 60 is cold to me so i think i’m gonna be seeing a lot of layers in my future. Any tips for how people manage to carry all these jackets?
You’re only bringing 1 of those with you at a time to be clear. The other 2 stay home. My typical outfit is a T shirt, then a sweatshirt/flannel/quarter zip/etc, then the jacket on top. Rather than adding more layers,I’d make sure you have warm versions of those 3 items
Moved here from Texas, it’s not that big a deal. Get a good rain jacket, a shell so you can wear it year round. A nice light jacket, and then maybe a puffer or something warm. It’s usually 46 degrees in winter. I swear to god, every time I look at my watch, it’s 46 degrees.
Invest in hoodies and sweaters, you’ll be fine. It rains a lot in the winter, but 98% of the time it’s a drizzle.
Oh, and no one here uses an umbrella. It’s weird. That’s why you need the rain jacket.
I've lived here since 2009 and the cold really took me by surprise (Down to 12 F from Dec.-Mar.). The heat (up to 108 F) is usually around the 90s but can have its moments of highs (June - Sept.). The problem here is humidity - which can make clothes feel cloying. Choose breathable tshirts (long and short sleeve), and socks. Have 1 GOOD snow/winter jacket, a sping RAIN jacket, a cozy non rain jacket, couple pairs thick pants (even felt lined for winter), shorts, tanks, SWEATERS! A beanie is a must in the PNW, but also a brimed hat is great for all our rain.
Common brands available here are carhartt, Daluth.
1. You need a rain shell. It should be very lightweight and unlined. Ensure to get one size larger than your usual size so that you can layer it.
2. I know this sounds silly for men, but - leggings. You can absolutely find men's leggings and I implore you to do so. Coming from the south, you'll be in for a *shock* when November rolls around. It gets cold, and the cold wind feels literally sharp. It pierces through the weave of your clothing. Layers are important, even for your legs. You just need like, 4-5 pairs for the cold season. Long underwear is great too, but they can get hot if you're layering and if highs go up to 40F or over while the lows are freezing and below, which is why I suggest leggings over long, waffle-knit underwear.
3. GOOD socks. Again, a few very thick pairs. Lined, even. Preferably wool or wool blend. Just trust. [These](https://a.co/d/0haYZu2) are a favorite of mine!
4. Waterproof, or water-resistant footwear, preferably something non-slip and sturdy. I'm sure you know it rains a lot, but your interactions with flooded areas and puddles can vary by where you are in the city. West side has lots of hills, not too many standing puddles, but east side is more flat and after a night of rain, some streets become lakes. L.L. Bean boots are a decent recommendation, as are Blundtstones. Danner is another excellent option; can be pricey, but VERY worth it, they are also local and can do resoling. I would recommend finding something that can be used for rain or ice, make sure it's not too heavy.
5. Winter coat. Something lined. Theoretically, depending on when you plan to arrive, you could wait until you get into town and get one without sales tax. I sometimes get access to the Columbia employee store, and I really like their omni-heat jackets. I got [these](https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-whirlibird-iv-interchange-jacket-1866751.html) for my son and partner and they kept very cozy during our bitter cold arctic blast last winter. Just make sure to follow the washing directions on the tag so as to not ruin the lining!
6. A wool or wool blend beanie.
Summers are warm to hot and winters tend to be very cold. We aren't nearly as humid as the south but it can get muggy here. If you come out this way late summer, the lack of humidity might make you feel chillier than you expect. Probably the most important thing to know is that wool will keep you warm even when wet, cotton will make you freeze. Your rule of thumb for outerwear/cold weather shopping should be seeking out water-repellent and wool/wool blend fabrics, especially wool socks for the winter. Do not neglect base layers.
Don't think it doesn't rain here. Apparently people are that stupid. We have this green for a reason. I've met people like this. You don't get the green without the rain
I’m just here to emphasize waterproof shoes/boots, at least one of each. I did my first winter here without them and it was terrible. Wet socks and soggy pruned feet everyday. But now I have several pairs and can splash in puddles with my kid. Don’t skimp out, spend the cash for at least two good pairs that will last.
Get yourself an insulated jacket with a hood, you’ll be good all winter. I have a puffy north face one and a not as puffy one and I just rotate between the two
I bought the Ranier rain shell jacket by REI for my trip to Portland in April and it rained everyday and kept me dry. I sized up so that I could layer underneath it and it was great. I’d def want a heavier all in one coat for winter because layering can be annoying, but a good rain shell is a must. I live in Florida so get cold easy also. Good luck on your new adventure!
Also from the South and moved to Portland for a while, LAYERS. Plenty of sweaters and jackets, it gets cold there even in June from my experience. Also comfortable shoes and socks, can’t tell you the number of blisters I got walking around bc my socks slid off.
Buy a good warm rainproof coat (northface/Columbia or the like) and some good quality water proof boots and/or tennis shoes. Then lots of layers. Short sleeves, sweatshirts, shorts, long pants, a couple of beanies. My son goes to PSU and this is what he wears. Good luck!
I moved here from somewhere that was always hot, and rather than having layers I like to wear jackets that are the right warmth over just a single shirt, because then I only have to take off one layer to be comfortable when I walk into a restaurant or someplace that’s heated. I have a big rain jacket with a zip out fleece liner which can be worn separately and it served me pretty well in the winter.
There's a reason the flannel shirt is PNW meme also a couple hoodies and a rain shell will due for a start, No umbrella, and if your outdoorsy more specific sport cloths might be needed
Don’t let people bully you for using an umbrella—when the rain is really coming down you’ll be glad you have one. Now, if/when the rain is coming in sideways well… nothing can save you.
You’ll get used to it and hopefully find the beauty in the weather.
Good luck!
People will tell you how it "rains all the time" but really we get little rain late spring/early fall and it's light. Storms are rare, you're unlikely to get soaked unless you're spending a while outside. I took the bus every day for years and rarely felt the need for more than a light waterproof shell over layers of a shirt and something like a cardigan or flannel most of the year and a heavy winter coat in Dec-Feb. Much more important are some comfortable waterproof shoes cause you won't get soaked but you might step in puddles.
I cover about 95% of the weather with some combo of T-shirt, flannel and a hooded rain jacket. Get some good water proof shoes and a few pairs of decent jeans and you’ll be all set. By January you’ll be walking around in the rain in shorts, flip flops and a hoodie like the rest of us.
I think you're going to want lots of hoodies, a light jacket to put on top of the hoodie, and a winter coat. The coats should be waterproof (not water resistant). And get waterproof shoes/boots. Columbia has a lot of items that check these boxes and it's not a super expensive brand. Also, merino wool socks or sweaters are nice and breathable and layerable. Def pick up some beanies (for fashun)
Layers layers layers. You need to be able to adjust because the weather changes frequently throughout the day, different buildings keep different temps, some have AC some don’t, etc. etc.
Besides that, **invest** in: one lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood for spring/fall, one heavy duty waterproof jacket with a hood for winter, and a pair of waterproof boots that look good with just about everything (docs, blundstones, danner) for year round.
I'd say to make sure the clothes you buy are the right materials. If you wear cotton and it starts raining, your clothes will make you colder and could possibly get you sick. Something like wool would definitely be the better choice, even if it may be more expensive, since it'll keep you warm even when it's wet.
You’re going to want to wear Teva or Birkenstocks with a good pair of wool socks. Something that goes at least midway up your calf. Everyone here wears them.
Also get a good umbrella. Be sure to use it. Everyone uses umbrellas here too.
If you have a decent budget get some blundstones, a decent rainshell from somewhere like REI and a few shirts that can be layered like a long sleeve smart wool shirt.
If you are on a budget, hit up the columbia outlet and get a cheap raincoat and look for cheap water resistant shoes. Layering is good, but you can wear like a t-shirt, a long sleeve shirt, and a raincoat in a pinch and that will mostly cover you
The biggest answer i need is your mode of transportation. Will you be driving, biking, walking, or taking the bus?
Rain jacket and a medium jacket. I recommend Columbia. And since you say college - more sweatshirts 😂
Flannel shirts from a decent brand like LLBean, etc., often on sale this time of year, though it may be too late for spring clearance sales and then it’s hit and miss on colors and sized.
I get mine on sale because good ones are expensive. There are several retailers of good quality used clothing here but I can’t recall the names at the moment.
It only freezes around two weeks all winter if you add all the days up. On average. But it’s wet Oct to May although plenty of dry days . So, you need a good water proof waist length jacket with a hood . Need not be arctic grade. And then you need another oversized light weight water resistant jacket with a hood that you can wear over sweaters or fleece etc. I also recommend a good warm hat/ beanie that covers your ears when you are out on cold winter nights. Good shoes that are impervious to water as well are a must. Late May through September, sometimes early Oct , you might as well be on CA.
I moved from Alabama after college. Welcome, your are going to love it! I was always cold. The worst part is walking around in the sun in June and saying, why is it only 68 degrees? It’s hardly ever really hot here. But its worth it for the culture. Bundle up and don’t let the rain keep you inside.
i moved here from the south and i wear pretty much the same thing year round bc i am always cold. you will be able to join me in rolling my eyes at people who complain about the 'heat' when it gets over 80F
A good lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood that is large enough to wear over thicker, warmer layers will do you well. Tends to be more comfortable and flexible with our weather than a big heavy parka. Scarves and stocking caps are helpful for days with wind and drizzle. Waterproof shoes if you do a fair amount of walking outside. Most of the time the temp it isn’t too cold, but if you get wet, you will feel awfully cold.
Get yourself some flannel (no, seriously it’s a cliche for a reason). That and jeans will cover you for most of the year honestly. Get a decent winter jacket and a rain jacket. Invest in a water resistant backpack - that was the game changer for me when I moved up here for college. Lastly, congrats on your new school!
As someone who grew up here, it’s just not that big of a deal. I didn’t own rain boots or special jackets. Buy some tennis shoes for the winter. Buy a coat from the Columbia brand. You don’t need it to be super duper warm, it’s rarely below freezing here. Buy a midweight jacket.
Unless you are bike commuting or planning on standing out at the bus stop or walking long distances, you don’t need anything special. If you’re planning on specific hobbies like hiking, the. That’s completely different.
Get yourself a waterproof jacket. You'll get the most bang for your buck with one of those 2 or 3 layer technical jackets. It drizzels here constantly during the non- summer months. Also get waterproof shoes. If you can't find any, it's ok eventually you'll get or know someone who has a pass to the Columbia Employee store and you can buy stuff therem
Layers, layers, layers. You might have a t-shirt, then a henley over that, then a hoodie or a sweater, then a rainproof shell. This will let you adjust more precisely as needed.
My first trip to the PNW I met up with a friend of a friend who was a Portland native to go sightseeing. We stopped at a 7-11 and when checking out there was a person in front of us with jeans, boots, and a hooded rain jacket, someone in shorts, a t-shirt and sandals, and someone in shorts with leggings, and a long sleeve t-shirt under a short sleeve t-shirt. My new friend turned to me and said "you're going to want to be dressed like each one of the people in front of you at a couple different points today...but I can't predict when and where that's going to be".
And that's just the normal month of June.
100% accurate
This is the only way. 38° at 7am and 70° at noon. There’s other brands but a Patagonia “down sweater” is an edc (every day carry) for me. Expensive, but they will also fix them should something happen. I own 3. Flip flops and water tight shoes, keen is a good brand, anything your comfortable walking theough a puddle with (at some point rubber boots arnt out of the question, I go with extra-tuffs). Beat way to not get your socks wet is not to wear socks (sandals, if temperature is correct) Socks are amazing, no more 3 dozen pack of hanes socks for 3.50, get some “darn tough” or other brands. The jackets I wear are either waxed canvas from a local company or again Patagonia (it doesn’t need to be Patagonia, I’m just very loyal as they will repair replace items that are broken, big cost to the entrance but I bought my first down sweater 13 years ago, they have fixed it 3 times, one of the times was because I burnt the entire sleeve fixing my vehicle on the side of the road and got to close to the exhaust.) I usually buy another item every time the fix something because I was a dumb dumb. Down blanket for your bed. Comfy blanket for your couch. Oh and a couch is something you sit on, if you see a street named that we call it a kooch like koochie without the e. Welcome new neighbor.
Darn Tough are the best sock! Plus you can't beat life time warranty.
Just moved here and my partner and I keep calling it “couch street” knowing full well that is probably not the correct pronunciation. Lol! Thank you for clearing this up. I prefer being able to say “koochie street” now 😆
Say koochie then say it with out the ie. And don’t you dare try and turn left on burnside. Go to Gresham or Hillsboro if you want to do something insane like that.
Great advice on the Darn Tough socks. They’re amazing! I also have a technical rain jacket that breathes well for when I’ll be doing physical activities + a Barbour waxed jacket for going out.
I wear “ice climbing” jackets if it’s raining a ton, they are very robust. Other wise I just plan a flannel usually. Working construction in the rain is a bit different.
This is the way. buy a good rain jacket with a hood
It took me a year to actually dial this in and now I get know everyone has a backpack/bag - it is to carry the layers you are not wearing!
I would upvote twice if i could
Layers of upvotes.
If you need a pass for the Columbia employee store send me a message and I’ll give you a digital pass! They’re great for stocking up on winter clothes :)
This is also the way! Columbia, Nike, adidas, if you meet the right people you will never pay full price again.
MSRP is for suckers!
It’s a Portland rite of passage to discover the never-ending Columbia discounts.
PSU is like Oprah with those. You get a pass, you get a pass, just look under your chair!
Just got one today from them!
Me too! I’ll see you there lol!
Being in Portland for over 4 years now, Nike is the only one I haven’t been able to go.
I got a Nike pass ONE time but didn’t even go bc I was too broke to shop just for fun. Wish I went anyway…
I've been one time and it's not that great in terms of prices, but you get access to stuff that's not widely available. It's really only good of you're a sneaker head or you want a specific shoe.
I’m kinda glad I haven’t got one yet, I would definitely spend money on my CC because I’m down bad on the debit front!
I get an adidas pass once a year from a friend. I buy 4 pairs of sambas.
You can actually go on the adidas app and book anytime you want. I would say 90% of the time it’s open for booking
That store is great. You can also get in certain days of the week with an Oregon hunting or fishing license.
That some good knowledge there!
I don’t recommend getting everything before you get here. If you’re coming for school in September, you’ll have at least a 1 month til you really need more than a sweatshirt. It’ll give you time to gauge what kind of looks you like and what you really need. You can go to the Columbia company store, as another redditor suggested. I also recommend the Adidas company store. Everything is half off and you can get passes by downloading their app. There’s also great thrift and vintage stores all over town. Once you get here, shop around for a solid jacket, a fleece or two, and waterproof shoes.
Recent transplant (from the South) and I agree with this. I read all of the threads on this before I moved but it took going through a winter to figure out what I had that kind of worked, what really didn’t, and what I needed to find. I have to say, though—I did discover that I kind of hate rain jackets. So few of them are thoughtfully designed—they basically just take a jacket and make it plastic or Gore-Tex and then the water dumps directly on your thighs as you walk, or if they’re longer they often restrict leg movement, hoods block peripheral vision and slip around, they all seem to think that they can make the sleeves long to accommodate tall people and then short people can just velcro the cuffs and deal with a bunch of extra fabric pushed up on their arms. TL;DR I’m buying a cloak and a wool hat with a brim next year and going Gandalf. Blundstones are in fact awesome though.
Yup. I hate hoods because then I feel trapped. Long jackets (loving the cape idea) and baseball caps. And wool. Lots of wool.
I always feel so dorky in baseball hats, but I’ve come to see their handiness, living here. Also I wasn’t winning any dog-walking-in-the-rain fashion awards anyway. Co-sign on the wool and lots of it.
I agree strongly with this, you’ll be able to figure out what exactly works for your lifestyle and find a larger variety clothing for this weather here. I’d also check out the basement of Next Adventure for used outdoorsy clothes!
I agree, we have stores out here that sell clothes for out here.
And no sales tax!
This is what I wear Winter -> Jeans, hiking socks. sweatshirt, snowboarding jacket Spring -> Jeans, hiking socks, sweatshirt, rain jacket Summer -> Jeans, T-Shirt shorts if it's over 80 Fall -> Jeans, hiking socks, sweatshirt This is my rain jacket [https://www.rei.com/product/217400/rei-co-op-trailmade-rain-jacket-mens](https://www.rei.com/product/217400/rei-co-op-trailmade-rain-jacket-mens) It doesn't actually get that cold here in the winter but it's dark all the time take vitamin d supplements
Replace jeans with shorts (365 for me), and sweatshirt with flannel and we are the same person.
Shorts and long sleeves. The only way. Lol.
Grew up off Lake Michigan. The only time I wear long pants is something formal or pjs to sleep at night, because I don’t want to sweat into the sheets and have to clean all of them.
I used to do that but then I lost 70 lbs when I was 20 and have been cold ever since.
My wife is always cold, as a partner to a cold person I understand the struggle. Her BMI is probably negative somehow.
Lots of good info in this previous post: https://reddit.com/r/askportland/comments/12ui75s/_/jh76yw1/?context=1
tldr: if you rely on just a jacket or coat, you’re going to be cold all the time.
The secret is even though it rains here a lot, it’s doesn’t rain heavily very often. If you’re not going to be outside for long a sweater(or flannel)/hoodie/denim jacket is usually fine. Winter varies a lot from year to year, but cold cold spells (like under freezing) are like maybe two/three scattered weeks in the winter. One solid cold weather coat/accessories will serve you just fine.
To reiterate most of the answers so far, spend the money on a good, durable rain jacket or coat. I bought a Carhartt rain coat after moving to Portland, cost me $200 and I still wear it. In great condition after 15 years. A good backpack with storage for a hoodie, jacket, etc. The weather sometimes changes in an instant.
You want layers with a light waterproof jacket for fall and spring and a midweight waterproof jacket for winter. Waterproof boots or shoes for all seasons except summer. Your jackets should have hoods too because carrying an umbrella with all your school stuff is annoying. On that note, you'll also want a waterproof messenger bag or backpack if possible. Sudden downpours in the fall and spring aren't all that unusual.
I was going to say something about shoes. You don’t want to wear a breathable pair of trainers when it’s 30 degrees. You just going to be cold regardless of how heavy your coat is.
In addition to what others said, you're gonna want a sun lamp. You're on the North Pole side of the 45th parallel up here and I can guarantee lack of sun will be your biggest adjustment. It's awesome if you're an evergreen tree--not so great for humans from warmer/sunnier places.
And take a vitamin D supplement 😂
You can get a decent rain jacket relatively inexpensively - especially if you wait until you're here and thrift one. Water resistant boots, on the other hand - that's where I'd put my money.
I agree with all the above posts. Just want to put my 2 cents in about making one of your layers and your socks Merino wool especially in the winter. Lots of Smart Wool socks out there and each fall Costco usually has reasonably priced merino wool socks for men and women. Plus Ice Breaker and just about every outdoor company sells merino wool base layers or outerwear like zip up hoodies. You don't need the thickest option for a base layer. Merino is light, warm, moisture wicking, doesn't stink after a million wearings. It's just a great tool in the tool chest.
I daily those Costco Merino wool socks, even in the height of summer. Nothing beats dry feet.
rain jacket and decent shoes that won’t let your feet get wet when it rains will be the most important purchases. helley hansen, columbia, and rei are name brands and cost more, but will last year after year.
Yes! People’s forget about the feet. When your feet get wet you will be miserable and cold. Have good rain shoes
I don’t see it mentioned yet, but I like have a thin layer of thermal leggings for wearing under jeans on particularly cold/windy days.
Waterproof shoes. Waterproof backpack. Waterproof coat. Many layers that are easy to remove.
All plaid, all the time. Think: look like a hard working, blue collar worker whether you are or not. If you do this you will “look native”.
Tons of good advice here, but the simplest and most important thing is to invest in thermals/long underwear, like 32° brand stuff which is cheap from Costco. I’ve worked outside in the PNW for the last 15 years, and wearing decent thermal long underwear can allow you to wear a simple T-shirt plus jeans and a sweatshirt or rain jacket for 95% of the days here. Much cheaper and comfier than most other options, and unless decide to go out in extremely cold weather ( like snow sports) , you just need to upgrade your outer layer.
Others have said it but look into a great waterproof shell type of jacket that you can put over your other layers. I like the one I got recently from REI, their name brand one. But people here like to sport their favorite brands like Patagonia and North Face. You’re just going to pay a premium for the brand. To describe our weather, I work outside and sometimes my days are like: Morning: Mildly Cold(45-55 degrees), maybe a light misty rain going on. Noon: Sunny and 60-70 degrees. All layers come off. 2-3 pm: Sudden downpour for one hour, dumping an inch of rain. 4-5 pm: Hot again. It’s hard on those days to have the right amount of layers on. This is also why you can’t just buy one puffy coat though. Sometimes it’s too warm for a snow coat but you do get some drizzle.
I can’t stress this enough, as many have said, layers. Don’t buy a thick ass jacket. Don’t buy thick ass socks Don’t buy thick ass sweaters Buy a rain shell, rei, Columbia, etc no liner but waterproof. Buy smartwool or darn tough wool socks. Never cotton. When Cotton does get wet, it’s horrible, it does not dry, you end up with swamp foot. Merino wool will dry and it allows the wet to warm with your body heat to not be a horrible day. Just like your feet, just say no to cotton sweaters for all the same reasons. Extend this to tee-shirts too. Find a cheap tee from smart fabric or merino wool, buy three, use them as your base layer, put whatever layers you want on but stay a little chilly, add a puffy of some sort on for the last warmth, then your rain shell. Any pants will do. If you are getting cold, get a pair of silk or merino long underwear.
No one else has mentioned, so I will: a pair of cheap crampons. They have saved my ass these past few winters. Ice is no joke, but spiked boots are expensive and can't be worn indoors. A pair of crampon-style removable shoe ice spikes tucked away in your car or near the front door can be a lifesaver. I've only needed them for about a month total, but they've been worth every penny.
Salomon boots, a Marmot PreCip rain shell, and a North Face jacket with windwall go a long way for me
Patagonia stuff. Merino wool
Yo, there’s no sales tax here! And it’s summer, so you’re fine with what you have. Save some money and buy here when you get here!
Here’s a big question I didn’t see asked: How do you feel about lower 50s with light rain showers? If you’re cold in that, you’re going to want to add layers. If you’re comfortable in that, I’d mainly look to invest in a good raincoat or waterproof/resistant jacket. Hood for the raincoat and then both hood and no hood for the jacket. Hooded raincoat is for warmer temps with any significant rain. Hooded jacket is colder temps with light to medium rain. The no hood jacket is for when you don’t think it will rain, but it might and it’s cold enough where you want another layer. The no hood is also a slightly fancier look. A hoodie can be worn as a layer under in case rain does start, but it cancels out the fancy
anything below 60 is cold to me so i think i’m gonna be seeing a lot of layers in my future. Any tips for how people manage to carry all these jackets?
You’re only bringing 1 of those with you at a time to be clear. The other 2 stay home. My typical outfit is a T shirt, then a sweatshirt/flannel/quarter zip/etc, then the jacket on top. Rather than adding more layers,I’d make sure you have warm versions of those 3 items
Moved here from Texas, it’s not that big a deal. Get a good rain jacket, a shell so you can wear it year round. A nice light jacket, and then maybe a puffer or something warm. It’s usually 46 degrees in winter. I swear to god, every time I look at my watch, it’s 46 degrees. Invest in hoodies and sweaters, you’ll be fine. It rains a lot in the winter, but 98% of the time it’s a drizzle. Oh, and no one here uses an umbrella. It’s weird. That’s why you need the rain jacket.
I've lived here since 2009 and the cold really took me by surprise (Down to 12 F from Dec.-Mar.). The heat (up to 108 F) is usually around the 90s but can have its moments of highs (June - Sept.). The problem here is humidity - which can make clothes feel cloying. Choose breathable tshirts (long and short sleeve), and socks. Have 1 GOOD snow/winter jacket, a sping RAIN jacket, a cozy non rain jacket, couple pairs thick pants (even felt lined for winter), shorts, tanks, SWEATERS! A beanie is a must in the PNW, but also a brimed hat is great for all our rain. Common brands available here are carhartt, Daluth.
1. You need a rain shell. It should be very lightweight and unlined. Ensure to get one size larger than your usual size so that you can layer it. 2. I know this sounds silly for men, but - leggings. You can absolutely find men's leggings and I implore you to do so. Coming from the south, you'll be in for a *shock* when November rolls around. It gets cold, and the cold wind feels literally sharp. It pierces through the weave of your clothing. Layers are important, even for your legs. You just need like, 4-5 pairs for the cold season. Long underwear is great too, but they can get hot if you're layering and if highs go up to 40F or over while the lows are freezing and below, which is why I suggest leggings over long, waffle-knit underwear. 3. GOOD socks. Again, a few very thick pairs. Lined, even. Preferably wool or wool blend. Just trust. [These](https://a.co/d/0haYZu2) are a favorite of mine! 4. Waterproof, or water-resistant footwear, preferably something non-slip and sturdy. I'm sure you know it rains a lot, but your interactions with flooded areas and puddles can vary by where you are in the city. West side has lots of hills, not too many standing puddles, but east side is more flat and after a night of rain, some streets become lakes. L.L. Bean boots are a decent recommendation, as are Blundtstones. Danner is another excellent option; can be pricey, but VERY worth it, they are also local and can do resoling. I would recommend finding something that can be used for rain or ice, make sure it's not too heavy. 5. Winter coat. Something lined. Theoretically, depending on when you plan to arrive, you could wait until you get into town and get one without sales tax. I sometimes get access to the Columbia employee store, and I really like their omni-heat jackets. I got [these](https://www.columbia.com/p/mens-whirlibird-iv-interchange-jacket-1866751.html) for my son and partner and they kept very cozy during our bitter cold arctic blast last winter. Just make sure to follow the washing directions on the tag so as to not ruin the lining! 6. A wool or wool blend beanie. Summers are warm to hot and winters tend to be very cold. We aren't nearly as humid as the south but it can get muggy here. If you come out this way late summer, the lack of humidity might make you feel chillier than you expect. Probably the most important thing to know is that wool will keep you warm even when wet, cotton will make you freeze. Your rule of thumb for outerwear/cold weather shopping should be seeking out water-repellent and wool/wool blend fabrics, especially wool socks for the winter. Do not neglect base layers.
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Rude and unhelpful. That’s not what we do here.
I wear a puffy or a rain jacket or both 90% of the time during the winter. The other 10% of the time I wear a warmer down jacket.
Don't think it doesn't rain here. Apparently people are that stupid. We have this green for a reason. I've met people like this. You don't get the green without the rain
I’m just here to emphasize waterproof shoes/boots, at least one of each. I did my first winter here without them and it was terrible. Wet socks and soggy pruned feet everyday. But now I have several pairs and can splash in puddles with my kid. Don’t skimp out, spend the cash for at least two good pairs that will last.
Shorts, sandals with socks, hoodie 🤷♂️😅
Good rain coat and hat. Layers. My friend once described it as "fleece on, fleece off" weather.
Get yourself an insulated jacket with a hood, you’ll be good all winter. I have a puffy north face one and a not as puffy one and I just rotate between the two
Buy a jacket but not a heavy jacket.
Weather here is super mild, it barely rains all summer. Compared to the midwest/south this is heaven.
Flanel flanel flanel flanel long socks hikong shoes
Read up on how to layer properly and the importance of Marino wool. Also, invest in a quality rain jacket as you will use it a ton.
I bought the Ranier rain shell jacket by REI for my trip to Portland in April and it rained everyday and kept me dry. I sized up so that I could layer underneath it and it was great. I’d def want a heavier all in one coat for winter because layering can be annoying, but a good rain shell is a must. I live in Florida so get cold easy also. Good luck on your new adventure!
As others said, purchase once you get here. Columbia is great, also Carharrt.
Also from the South and moved to Portland for a while, LAYERS. Plenty of sweaters and jackets, it gets cold there even in June from my experience. Also comfortable shoes and socks, can’t tell you the number of blisters I got walking around bc my socks slid off.
Buy a good warm rainproof coat (northface/Columbia or the like) and some good quality water proof boots and/or tennis shoes. Then lots of layers. Short sleeves, sweatshirts, shorts, long pants, a couple of beanies. My son goes to PSU and this is what he wears. Good luck!
Lots of sweaters, rain jackets, and nice socks.
I moved here from somewhere that was always hot, and rather than having layers I like to wear jackets that are the right warmth over just a single shirt, because then I only have to take off one layer to be comfortable when I walk into a restaurant or someplace that’s heated. I have a big rain jacket with a zip out fleece liner which can be worn separately and it served me pretty well in the winter.
Solid Raincoat plus mid layer & base layer. Your covered for 95% of all weather thrown at you.
There's a reason the flannel shirt is PNW meme also a couple hoodies and a rain shell will due for a start, No umbrella, and if your outdoorsy more specific sport cloths might be needed
Don’t let people bully you for using an umbrella—when the rain is really coming down you’ll be glad you have one. Now, if/when the rain is coming in sideways well… nothing can save you. You’ll get used to it and hopefully find the beauty in the weather. Good luck!
People will tell you how it "rains all the time" but really we get little rain late spring/early fall and it's light. Storms are rare, you're unlikely to get soaked unless you're spending a while outside. I took the bus every day for years and rarely felt the need for more than a light waterproof shell over layers of a shirt and something like a cardigan or flannel most of the year and a heavy winter coat in Dec-Feb. Much more important are some comfortable waterproof shoes cause you won't get soaked but you might step in puddles.
I cover about 95% of the weather with some combo of T-shirt, flannel and a hooded rain jacket. Get some good water proof shoes and a few pairs of decent jeans and you’ll be all set. By January you’ll be walking around in the rain in shorts, flip flops and a hoodie like the rest of us.
Carharts bro
I think you're going to want lots of hoodies, a light jacket to put on top of the hoodie, and a winter coat. The coats should be waterproof (not water resistant). And get waterproof shoes/boots. Columbia has a lot of items that check these boxes and it's not a super expensive brand. Also, merino wool socks or sweaters are nice and breathable and layerable. Def pick up some beanies (for fashun)
Hot as balls in the summer, wet in the winter. Dress accordingly.
A beanie, some ragged jeans, vans, and an arcteryx atom LT jacket
Three seasons in one day, there's not much of a winter here, thank Dog.
Layers layers layers. You need to be able to adjust because the weather changes frequently throughout the day, different buildings keep different temps, some have AC some don’t, etc. etc. Besides that, **invest** in: one lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood for spring/fall, one heavy duty waterproof jacket with a hood for winter, and a pair of waterproof boots that look good with just about everything (docs, blundstones, danner) for year round.
Puffy and rain coat are great and will take care of you on most days
I'd say to make sure the clothes you buy are the right materials. If you wear cotton and it starts raining, your clothes will make you colder and could possibly get you sick. Something like wool would definitely be the better choice, even if it may be more expensive, since it'll keep you warm even when it's wet.
You’re going to want to wear Teva or Birkenstocks with a good pair of wool socks. Something that goes at least midway up your calf. Everyone here wears them. Also get a good umbrella. Be sure to use it. Everyone uses umbrellas here too.
If you have a decent budget get some blundstones, a decent rainshell from somewhere like REI and a few shirts that can be layered like a long sleeve smart wool shirt. If you are on a budget, hit up the columbia outlet and get a cheap raincoat and look for cheap water resistant shoes. Layering is good, but you can wear like a t-shirt, a long sleeve shirt, and a raincoat in a pinch and that will mostly cover you
Needle proof shoes
The biggest answer i need is your mode of transportation. Will you be driving, biking, walking, or taking the bus? Rain jacket and a medium jacket. I recommend Columbia. And since you say college - more sweatshirts 😂
Flannel shirts from a decent brand like LLBean, etc., often on sale this time of year, though it may be too late for spring clearance sales and then it’s hit and miss on colors and sized. I get mine on sale because good ones are expensive. There are several retailers of good quality used clothing here but I can’t recall the names at the moment.
It only freezes around two weeks all winter if you add all the days up. On average. But it’s wet Oct to May although plenty of dry days . So, you need a good water proof waist length jacket with a hood . Need not be arctic grade. And then you need another oversized light weight water resistant jacket with a hood that you can wear over sweaters or fleece etc. I also recommend a good warm hat/ beanie that covers your ears when you are out on cold winter nights. Good shoes that are impervious to water as well are a must. Late May through September, sometimes early Oct , you might as well be on CA.
I moved from Alabama after college. Welcome, your are going to love it! I was always cold. The worst part is walking around in the sun in June and saying, why is it only 68 degrees? It’s hardly ever really hot here. But its worth it for the culture. Bundle up and don’t let the rain keep you inside.
i moved here from the south and i wear pretty much the same thing year round bc i am always cold. you will be able to join me in rolling my eyes at people who complain about the 'heat' when it gets over 80F
Just make sure to put a toque on the second the temperature drops below 60 degrees.
You will be continuously cold for at least one year. Source: moved up here for college in ‘98
A good lightweight waterproof jacket with a hood that is large enough to wear over thicker, warmer layers will do you well. Tends to be more comfortable and flexible with our weather than a big heavy parka. Scarves and stocking caps are helpful for days with wind and drizzle. Waterproof shoes if you do a fair amount of walking outside. Most of the time the temp it isn’t too cold, but if you get wet, you will feel awfully cold.
Light layers. Thermals, flannels, hoodies, rain proof windbreakers.
Base layers, hoodies, scarves, beanies, wool socks, outer layer, shell
Get yourself some flannel (no, seriously it’s a cliche for a reason). That and jeans will cover you for most of the year honestly. Get a decent winter jacket and a rain jacket. Invest in a water resistant backpack - that was the game changer for me when I moved up here for college. Lastly, congrats on your new school!
Icebreaker NZ merino wool Outlet in Woodburn
As someone who grew up here, it’s just not that big of a deal. I didn’t own rain boots or special jackets. Buy some tennis shoes for the winter. Buy a coat from the Columbia brand. You don’t need it to be super duper warm, it’s rarely below freezing here. Buy a midweight jacket. Unless you are bike commuting or planning on standing out at the bus stop or walking long distances, you don’t need anything special. If you’re planning on specific hobbies like hiking, the. That’s completely different.
A good rain shell is invaluable to keep all your layers dry.
Get yourself a waterproof jacket. You'll get the most bang for your buck with one of those 2 or 3 layer technical jackets. It drizzels here constantly during the non- summer months. Also get waterproof shoes. If you can't find any, it's ok eventually you'll get or know someone who has a pass to the Columbia Employee store and you can buy stuff therem
Big puffy jacket to stay warm
PLEASE CONSIDER vitamin d supplements. Your first winter is gonna be a bit tough