Recommended clothing for new residents? (Seattle, Kirkland: fit in, sales, buying)

[DIYMama]

Hello -
We are moving to Kirkland in July, and I am wondering what the best rain jackets/boots might be for both adults and kids?

I have been told Lands End Squall 3-in-1 jacket is good, plus Bogs rain boots.

Any other advice for things to get before we head out to the Seattle area?
Thank you!

[fluffydelusions]

I haven't lived here long but I've heard good things about the marmot precip jacket though don't yet own one myself just yet. They are less than $100 though. Also northface and Columbia have good options. From what I gather it is all about dressing in layers out here. I've learned as such in my short stay here so far. Back in northeast where I'm from if it is hot during the day it is usually the same at night which is not the case here where it cools down significantly at night due to the coastal influence. I'm sure long time residents will be able to answer this better however.

[Hemlock140]

We have been here 22 years now, and I use 3 regular jackets. The first two are Columbia, the 3rd Cabella's. Days like today when it's 61F but light rain, I use the hooded windbreaker. Generally it's good for May-early July. When the rain stops it will be no need for any jacket day or night until about mid September when the windbreaker makes it's appearance again. Then when frost comes in late October I go to a lined, but still light Jacket. That will suffice until we get below freezing, and then the heavy, hooded but water repellent coat comes out. With the short summers, shorts come out when the day times reach 55 about May, though we see high school kids wearing them well into fall and even early winter. I haven't used an umbrella in years, and then only when watching kids sports events like soccer games. We have many micro-climates influenced by elevation, mountains and water. Kirkland is among the milder, especially in the lower elevations near the water, but the hills are not much colder in winter. Then it depends on weather the person is more comfortable being cool or warm. I'm fine with t-shirts all year (at home) while my wife will be in layers with long sleeves with the furnace set at 70 in winter.

[CrazyDonkey]

Easy to over-dress or under-dress (sweat in the day, chill at night), which is why layers matter. In summer, light jacket/pullover might be all you need. Get a good rain/sun hat(s). Forget umbrellas. Unless wearing fancy shoes, forget rain boots. In winter, forget heavy coats (add a warm sweater, scarf, and gloves to your layers).

[Thom52]

wow, you really fell for that soggy seattle hype.

I have one word.

Layers.

Also depends, if you are running from car to building and back as your only outside exposure, or going on 8 hour hikes in the mountains.

In town, you will rarely need more than a light fleece and maybe a windbreaker, and don't forget the socks to wear under your Keen sandals in the winter. Best way to fit in is a cozy fleece, shorts, socks with Keens. Year round.

Very rare to get downpours and many people wear shorts right through winter. Typical weather this last week or so and looking forward..... Gray skies, threatening rain, but after a week or two, your rain gauge says maybe .008 inch of rain has fallen and you notice the lawn is getting brown because the dampness is not enough to actually keep it green.

Now I should say, I am Old School Seattle area, and probably a dying breed. The entire area is getting much more Hipstered, trendy and urban. Sad trend IMHO, but that is why I am finally moving on after decades.

If you are out for longer periods, wear whatever as a base layer (except never ever wear cotton hiking....THAT can kill), and grab your fleece and gore-tex or similar jacket and you are set for whatever the day will bring you in July or January....which are often remarkably the same in weather.

[mhays25]

I walk to work every day. Maybe three days per year a raincoat is justified. I don't own a working umbrella, but carry a baseball cap for rain and sun. Otherwise a light jacket for the shoulder seasons, a heavy coat in the winter, and no coat in the summer.

[flyingsaucermom]

Depending on where you're from I would wait to get here before buying stuff. One of my first excursions when I moved here was to the flagship REI and it was more than sufficient to gear up for my new life in the PNW.

[StealthRabbit]

Your Lands End stuff should be fine.

On your way...

I usually recommend a stop at
1) Cabelas, Sidney, NE outlet / returns section
2) Helley Hansen outlet in Bend, OR (no sales tax), or Centralia, WA.

I saved for 7 yrs for my Helley Hansen, it was stolen in the first week.
Back to sitting in the rain during kids soccer, and baseball.

Layers and zip-in fleece.

Dry socks

Spiked golf shoes if over 1000' elevation (to get out and fetch the mail, and feed livestock / outdoor pets during freezing rain.)

[homesinseattle]

Layer and you'll be fine. Brimmed hat (baseball cap, Irish cap) is very helpful. Just remember, only tourists use umbrellas. I get the most use out of my micro down jacket, fall through spring.