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Last time we visited the Seattle area for a week, it was in the 30s every day with constant rain/snow. The layers thing is key. All I wore most days was a t-shirt, long sleeve flannel-type shirt, and a light, water-resistant jacket. The jacket (Dockers brand I think) was completely style neutral, as in it is completely unremarkable. I think I got it at Kohl's on sale. I had a knit hat which was mostly sufficient to keep my head dry. Not the best choice but it worked. My shoes are high top, WATERPROOF (allegedly), but completely normal looking (not clunky hiking style). They are Cole Haan bought on clearance around $40. Kept my feet bone dry and warm even in the snow, and supremely comfortable. We hit Rainier, Leavenworth, Seattle, Bainbridge and lots of points in between. There was always precipitation, and temps in most of those locations were close to freezing. I stayed dry and warm with good capability to regulate temperature by removing layers or buttoning/zipping up. You can dress cheaply but effectively, and you don't have to look like everyone else.
Last time we visited the Seattle area for a week, it was in the 30s every day with constant rain/snow. The layers thing is key. All I wore most days was a t-shirt, long sleeve flannel-type shirt, and a light, water-resistant jacket. The jacket (Dockers brand I think) was completely style neutral, as in it is completely unremarkable. I think I got it at Kohl's on sale. I had a knit hat which was mostly sufficient to keep my head dry. Not the best choice but it worked. My shoes are high top, WATERPROOF (allegedly), but completely normal looking (not clunky hiking style). They are Cole Haan bought on clearance around $40. Kept my feet bone dry and warm even in the snow, and supremely comfortable. We hit Rainier, Leavenworth, Seattle, Bainbridge and lots of points in between. There was always precipitation, and temps in most of those locations were close to freezing. I stayed dry and warm with good capability to regulate temperature by removing layers or buttoning/zipping up. You can dress cheaply but effectively, and you don't have to look like everyone else.
This was a great post, thank you! I decided not to go crazy with trying to find a mystical-magical-perfect-for-any-type-of-Seattle-weather jacket just yet. I got a waterproof (alledgedly) trench-style hooded jacket that wasn't too expensive. The jacket felt pretty warm, and I bought it with enough room to layer if necessary. I also ended up going to the Cole Haan outlet and scoring a couple of waterproof yet attractive boots. If I still feel I need something more waterproof/warmer/etc then I'll get it, but I think my current idea will be effective (and will still fit my personal style preference).
I just spent four days/nights in Seattle and it is indeed funny how many people wear North Face. Just as prominently as frat boys wear Izod or Polo.
I think Columbia outerwear is very good and a bit cheaper. Lots of choices for rain protection and layering for warmth. I think if I lived in Seattle I would consciously choose not to wear North Face "just because." Not per se rational but I see nothing really special in it.
I don't think Seattle people per se dress badly. But I come from Austin which is very casual and not very fashion conscious. I certainly didn't see anyone that dazzled me with their choice of clothes - either men or women.
I just spent four days/nights in Seattle and it is indeed funny how many people wear North Face. Just as prominently as frat boys wear Izod or Polo.
I think Columbia outerwear is very good and a bit cheaper. Lots of choices for rain protection and layering for warmth. I think if I lived in Seattle I would consciously choose not to wear North Face "just because." Not per se rational but I see nothing really special in it.
I don't think Seattle people per se dress badly. But I come from Austin which is very casual and not very fashion conscious. I certainly didn't see anyone that dazzled me with their choice of clothes - either men or women.
The anti-conformist conformist. Funny.
Maybe because North Face makes good, durable products?
My jacket lasted me 15 years. Invest in good clothing and you'll get a lot of life out of it.
Maybe because North Face makes good, durable products?
My jacket lasted me 15 years. Invest in good clothing and you'll get a lot of life out of it.
Choices in clothing aren't always rational, right? And yes I understand North Face makes good gear. But it's funny how some people will automatically choose the favorite, when there are so many good choices, possibly equal or better.
Millions of people buy Toyota Camrys. A perfectly good car. A safe and popular choice. But so many others to choose from that are indeed better.
Choices in clothing aren't always rational, right? And yes I understand North Face makes good gear. But it's funny how some people will automatically choose the favorite, when there are so many good choices, possibly equal or better.
Millions of people buy Toyota Camrys. A perfectly good car. A safe and popular choice. But so many others to choose from that are indeed better.
I'd dispute the notion that there are many other better options in that class range (Camry). Yes, some people follow the crowds, but when something is a best seller, it's usually for a reason.
Everyone has their own comfort level. If I like something, I buy it, and don't give a rat's starfish who else likes it or care what others think.
I'd dispute the notion that there are many other better options in that class range (Camry). Yes, some people follow the crowds, but when something is a best seller, it's usually for a reason.
Everyone has their own comfort level. If I like something, I buy it, and don't give a rat's starfish who else likes it or care what others think.
moderator cut: ...the Camry has degenerated into a very ordinary, very bland (well - it has always been that), and mediocre car. It is very much a follow the herd vehicle.
But this thread isn't about cars so I'll stop.
Last edited by scirocco22; 03-03-2011 at 03:07 PM..
Right! Isn't it about rain jackets?
So let me bring it back on topic...
I was following the various opinions on this thread about what jackets are suitable for Seattle rains ... and next thing I knew, I was online, looking up "rain jackets"...and I found one I liked (it's pink, waterproof, and cheap) ... and I ordered it ... and I like it!
So, as soon as my house sells and I move up to the PNW, I will have the perfect jacket ... THANKS TO THIS THREAD!!!
Last edited by scirocco22; 03-03-2011 at 03:08 PM..
Reason: quote removed because of orphaned text
I love you Seattleites - a very opinionated but intelligent (at least when compared to some people I've come across in the Southeast) bunch.
Any way, I'm here in Seattle now, and based on this thread, I got the perfect jacket -- waterproof, slightly heavy (but not too heavy), nicely fitted but with enough room to layer underneath, and with a hood. Ended up getting it on sale for pretty cheap. It wasn't a North Face, but certainly does the job (and is stylish enough that I don't mind wearing it everyday).
And just to interject my 2 cents in the car debate, I drive a great, nicely styled car that has over 100,000 miles on it but has only cost me $25 in repairs (excluding regular maintenance) since I've had it. It's a 2005 Nissan Altima.
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