Winter Clothing in Pittsburgh

[fleetiebelle]

Since the OP will be working downtown, the above is good advice. Some people can get away with less if they hop in their cars, drive straight to work, and have only to walk across a parking lot. But if you're going to be waiting at bus stops and walking around downtown, layering and covering up is key.

[digi_groove]

I have lived in PA all my life, in colder areas than Pittsburgh.

I just wear jeans/cargo pants. Throw on a t-shirt with hooded sweatshirt and a normal winter coat. I still just wear sneakers. Only time I think it's necessary for boots is if you plan on playing in the snow.

A knit hat sometimes, and gloves sometimes if I know I'll be taking a cold winter night walk, otherwise I just choose to wear those depending on the temperature that day.

I really do not think it's necessary to dress in many layers, wear wool coats/socks, or buy heavy duty parkas. It's PA not North Dakota, you'll be okay with the basics.

[Hopes]

Originally Posted by digi_groove

I have lived in PA all my life, in colder areas than Pittsburgh.

I just wear jeans/cargo pants. Throw on a t-shirt with hooded sweatshirt and a normal winter coat. I still just wear sneakers. Only time I think it's necessary for boots is if you plan on playing in the snow.

A knit hat sometimes, and gloves sometimes if I know I'll be taking a cold winter night walk, otherwise I just choose to wear those depending on the temperature that day.

I really do not think it's necessary to dress in many layers, wear wool coats/socks, or buy heavy duty parkas. It's PA not North Dakota, you'll be okay with the basics.

Be realistic. This person is coming from Florida. The adjustment is going to take a lot of time for someone from the south.

Just because we offered advice on how to be warm doesn't mean we're all bundled up in the winter.

We just have the sense to realize that our normal winter days will feel like our coldest to the OP!

[epitathpunk]

"Pittsburgh winters" usually run from November through March. There's a bit of cold in April, but it's rather short-lived. March is usually the mildest of the winter months. December, January, and February are hands-down the worst of it, with December being the mildest of the "bad" months. In December, typical winter gear is required. Heavy coat, scarf, that sort of thing. In January and February, your best bet if you're planning on being outside for more than five minutes is a space suit with an internal heating mechanism and climate control, as well as an oxygen source so that your lungs don't flash-freeze and shatter. That's what kills most of the deer that you see lying on the side of the road. The intact ones, that is.