I'm from California so I don't own a jacket and I need to get one prior to my visit. Can you please suggest some brands of clothing you wear (for a young person) for outerwear - jackets etc. I just have no idea where to start and I know it rains a lot in the winter there so I want to get the right jacket that is waterproof etc. Any suggestions? Thanks!
2006-11-03 05:21:44 · 8 answers · asked by Des Demona 3 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Portland
Depending on when you come here, it may be anything from 60 degrees and drizzling (like today) to 35 degrees and pouring down rain, so the best advice is to wear layers. A waterproof outer layer is essential, then add a layer of fleece over a longsleeved shirt.
I buy a lot of things from L. L. Bean (http://www.llbean.com), and I recommend them highly. Their clothing is well-made, they have a GREAT guarantee, and they really hold up in bad weather. I've added their Web site to the Sources field; even if you don't buy anything from them, it's great to get ideas about what you CAN get. These guys know bad weather.
Whoever recommended waterproof footwear is spot-on -- I have a pair of rubber-bottomed boots (lined with Gore-tex, which is a waterproof insulating fabric) which I just love in this weather. I *hate* having wet feet, so I slip on these boots and stay warm and dry.
If you're here between mid-December and mid-February, there's a VERY slight chance you'll see snow. (That chance goes up considerably if you head up Mt. Hood to go skiing...) In general, if it snows at all it's astonishing; if the snow lasts a day it's incredible; and if the snow lasts three days it's a miracle.
The other two brands you should be able to find locally are Columbia River Sportswear (the Columbia is actually one of the two rivers that flow through Portland; the Willamette is the other) and REI.
Your best bet, though, might be to go to a sporting-goods store (you should have the Big 5 chain in your neighborhood, right?) and ask someone who skis to set you up with a good spring ski jacket. That's the same basic idea as dressing for Portland, because it'll stress a wind- and water-proof outer layer but not TOO hot. Then get it big enough that you can wear a sweatshirt or fleece pullover under it. That and a pair of good waterproof shoes/boots should get you through your visit.
Enjoy your stay!
2006-11-05 13:36:21 · answer #1 · answered by Scott F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it rains a lot in the winter. However, it's not really "rain" in the sense that people elsewhere think of it. Most of the time it's more like a heavy mist. Maybe drizzle. People in Portland do not generally use umbrellas. A hat with a brim to keep your glasses clear will usually suffice.
The most common label you'll see is Columbia Sportswear. Although winter temperatures are comparitively mild, like mid 40s during the day, it certainly can get cold sometimes. Layers are good. An ideal combination would be a warm fleece jacket and a shell to wear over that. On the east side you get the winds, so if you're headed that way I'd be more concerned with wind proof than water proof.
2006-11-03 19:36:03 · answer #2 · answered by EQ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Try visiting some local stores for a coat that suits you. I can sit here and say that Burberry coat is your best option, but a coat from Target may work just as well.
You also need to wear smart shoes. No open toes. No mules. Your feet will be SOAKED by the end of the day.
Also, avoid light coloured pants if you will be walking outside. When you walk, your feet will kick water & dirt up the back of your legs. Avoid this by wearing darker clothes on the bottom.
Depending on what you plan on doing, jeans ans sweaters are appropriate for most things. Sweatshirts are frequently seen around town for college aged students and people running errands.
Good luck to you and have fun.
2006-11-04 19:59:54 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In addition, get good water proof footware. While the rain is more like mist mostly, the road surface gets pretty wet and nothing dampens the mood more than wet feet.
For clothing, think hiking gear. Water proof shell, with removable layers. Leather is okay, if you have cotton under layers.
2006-11-04 12:54:16 · answer #4 · answered by minijumbofly 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are several Columbia sportswear stores in Portland and some of them are even outlets! You could get a shell for the rain and a liner in case it is cold. Northface is good also.
Enjoy!
2006-11-05 17:08:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
find a cute colorful umbrella, they are a fun accessory
color is key in all clothing, since we have a gray backdrop in the winter it's the best nuetral color to have that will make you look better in colorful clothes. Try not to wear black, gray or white they look don't look as good as ppl think.
People here aren't really a slave to brandnames, unless they're from california. Just wear the same brands as you wear there.
2006-11-05 17:40:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Try layering a Gore-Tex (rain proof) jacket over fleece jacket or a heavy sweater.
2006-11-04 21:42:09 · answer #7 · answered by ckm1956 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
jacket and umbrella should be sufficient
2006-11-05 00:13:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋