Moved from Philly to Pittsburgh last year. One thing I noticed is that my coat which did fine in those philly winters was not providing adequate warmth in the nastier Pittsburgh winters. So I’m thinking about buying a new coat. Is a thick leather jacket good for the sort of weather (pittsburgh winters, dry, temperature often around freezing point of water, sorta windy) I plan to wear it through, or is there some other type of material that you guys would recommend?
I’m not from that area, but I can attest that down is the warmest thing ever. If your winter temps are only around the freezing point, however, down might be too warm. The key is layers (and, for your feet, wool or acrylic socks–my bestest Alaskan buddy taught me that).
By the way, “leather jacker” sounds very S&M.
Thick leather is okay if you can layer it with a decent sweatshirt. Remember to channel your mother and have a hat and gloves as well. (A scarf doesn’t hurt either. It gets the parts between the hat and the coat, and can be made to make up for any leak-y bits around top buttins.)Remember to get a coat with a zipper, not just snaps/buttons. Personally, I ditched my leather coat last year, but that was because I hated it more than because it didn’t work.
I would reccomend wool, actually, over leather. While Pgh doesn’t get much much snow, we do get some memorable freezing rains, and leather doesn’t like water.
And, if you get to Grove City Outlets soon, London Fog is having a 50% off sale, plus an extra 15% if you’re a AAA member. I just got my new winter coat there Saturday. Great buys.
I keep seeing Pgh people on here, I may have to try to set up another Pgh Dope Dinner or something.
If I could only hang out here long enough without getting banned…
A thick leather jacket would probably be fine, although I favor heavy winter coats (I’ve got a Columbia coat) because then I can layer my clothes underneath.
As a former resident, I heartily recomend a flight jacket. You can find them at army surplus stores. There are several around the city. Warm, washable, lots of pockets, a variety of colors and weights… Many come with a removable liner as well. They’re much less expensive than a leather, too.
A leather jacket is good, warmth-wise, but as Medea’s Child mentioned, it does rain a good bit- some years more than others. If you decide on a leather, make sure you treat it with waterproofing. You can use the spray can kind or something that you rub in. Check the label or ask a salesperson.
Make sure you waterproof leather boots, too. The salt on the streets and sidewalks will kill them fast if you don’t. Bovvers (a shoe/boot store that specializes in Doc Martens- assuming they’re still open) on Forbes Avenue will have what you need. Stuff for the jacket too, maybe.
The best, never fail coat is a Peacoat. Your run of the mill wool Navy issue Peacoat. Pick one up at the Red White And Blue on Route 51.
Plus, they are stylish, too.
By the way, gloves are mandatory. Hats are optional.
Hat or hood, you need one of them. You lose too much heat through your head to just let it go. (Unless you’re such a manly man you don’t need to keep your ears attached.)
And six-03 Its not actually that hard, the rules are publically stated and easy to follow, warnings from the administration are generous and clearly stated.
Get a black and yellow Stillers toque–bonus points if it has a puffball on top.