Winter clothing in Kiev?

[calmissile]

I am wondering what type of clothing folks in Keiv wear during the winter.  As I recall, from many years ago in Montana we all wore jeans and sometimes long underwear underneath.  Also wore flannel shirts.

I don't want to get off the plane next week looking like a lumberjack so thought I would ask those that might be there what the locals are wearing.  I will only be in Ukraine for a few days this time, so only need to buy one outfit before I leave.  As you can imagine, living in southern california for many years I don't really have a winter wardrobe.

The leather jacket with fur lining that my wife bought me last trip should be good, but what about shirts and shoes?

Hopefully, the airport and US embassy will still be open and accessible.  They are talking about 1/2 million people in a protest next week and the forecast says +20 F. and snow when I arrive.

BRRRRRR!

[calmissile]

Problem solved.  Forum member called me on Skype and gave me the lowdown.  I should be warm as toast.   

[Daveman]

Problem solved.  Forum member called me on Skype and gave me the lowdown.  I should be warm as toast.   

Well, then maybe you could fill in the rest of us who weren't privy to the clandestine, discreet, surreptitious Skype toasty warming tips as to what the typical winter fashion is in Kiev at the moment? 

[calmissile]

Well, then maybe you could fill in the rest of us who weren't privy to the clandestine, discreet, surreptitious Skype toasty warming tips as to what the typical winter fashion is in Kiev at the moment? 

LOL, did not think it would be of interest to many.
Suggested REI or Big 5 for underwear (new lightweight long johns).
Light/medium weight hiking boots.  Light cotton socks for plane ride, heavier warm socks for daily use.
Good hat, even if I look like a gangster.
Scarf
Layer clothing.

I think this is a good excuse to buy one of those Russian hats when I get there.   
Any other suggestions, Dave?

[ML]

Ochka has been busy buying lots of clothing to take back to the females in her family when she goes back in a week.

So I decided to buy clothes for her father.  I bought some Wrangler jeans with flannel lining inside.  6 pairs of very heavy socks, some wool, some cotton.  Very heavy gloves that look like the type skiers wear, although bulkier and heavier.  Two heavy flannel shirts that loggers wear.  A heavily insulated cap with ear flaps that can be folded up or down and fastened under the chin.

Probably not the clothing to be worn by those on romantic trips, but should help keep a person warm.

[calmissile]

Ochka has been busy buying lots of clothing to take back to the females in her family when she goes back in a week.

So I decided to buy clothes for her father.  I bought some Wrangler jeans with flannel lining inside.  6 pairs of very heavy socks, some wool, some cotton.  Very heavy gloves that look like the type skiers wear, although bulkier and heavier.  Two heavy flannel shirts that loggers wear.  A heavily insulated cap with ear flaps that can be folded up or down and fastened under the chin.

Probably not the clothing to be worn by those on romantic trips, but should help keep a person warm.

Thanks for the tips ML.
I had totally forgot about gloves.  Duh!  I still have them from earlier times, so no problem.
Curious about the wranger jeans with lining.  I will look in the stores today, but had never heard of them.  Sounds like a good idea if I can find them.

Not worried about looking romantic.  Just don't want to scare the natives when I get off the plane.  It's been a while, so suspect wifey will keep me locked up in the apartment.     

[ML]

Curious about the Wranger jeans with lining.  I will look in the stores today, but had never heard of them.  Sounds like a good idea if I can find them.

They are a standard item in most large department stores; and in the stores that no-one here, except Turbo and I, admits to shopping at:  KMart, WalMart, Costco, etc.

The lined jeans are available under other brand names too;  I have seen them before, but don't have stores readily available to mention.

Is it believable that OSU lost again to OU; at home and favored?

[Daveman]

LOL, did not think it would be of interest to many.
Suggested REI or Big 5 for underwear (new lightweight long johns).
Light/medium weight hiking boots.  Light cotton socks for plane ride, heavier warm socks for daily use.
Good hat, even it I look like a gangster.
Scarf
Layer clothing.

I think this is a good excuse to buy one of those Russian hats when I get there.   
Any other suggestions, Dave?

Yeah, I got one of those cool Russian hats in Omsk several years ago.  Not the fur kind, but a very warm "old style" hat. I found, personally, that I really don't care for hats of any type.  I prefer a good pair of newer stylish ear muffs.  Not really the style there as few wear them, but they're very comfortable, warm, and possibly a cool conversation starter sometimes.


Good boots are a must.  I have a pair of fine Italian winter shoes, with soles designed, supposedly, for snow/ice. However, as warm and comfortable as they are I continually experienced MAPs (multiple ass plops -- you know, slip and fall, then plop a few times back on the ass, face, etc. while attempting to rise).  Not necessarily beneficial for one's coolness factor.  One does gain a rarely glimpsed perspective from viewing a city from sidewalk level, though.  One may also begin to empathize with the view from the rat population.  I finally bought some decent boots and haven't fallen in snow or ice again since.  I think it was Italian sabotage, to be honest.


The sports underwear is also a must.


The coat you mentioned should suffice.  You really don't want anything too warm. Kiev really isn't that cold compared to, say, Canada, so if you wear a serious "northern" winter coat, you'll wind up becoming way too warm after walking for only a short period.


Gloves - don't skimp.
Scarf.
Foam padding to tuck into the back of your pants - just in case gravity calls (and while inside, you can roll them up and tuck it in the front for the ultimate Machismo effect).


Sounds like you're ready to rock!

[CanadaMan]

The coat you mentioned should suffice.  You really don't want anything too warm. Kiev really isn't that cold compared to, say, Canada, so if you wear a serious "northern" winter coat, you'll wind up becoming way too warm after walking for only a short period.

Absolutely right!

I have a serious "northern" winter coat that I used many decades ago.
It's good for -30C to -40C, no problem.

It would be overkill in Ukraine for the winter.

[mendeleyev]

Overcoat should be long to protect legs from wind. Stay clear of leather and any other fabric that doesn't breathe well. Wools and furs are preferred on the street largely as those allow the body to breathe. Trapped body moisture that turns from hot to cold is a factor in pneumonia.

[calmissile]

Thanks for the tips.  I went on a shopping spree after my last post.  Found everything but the fleece lined jeans.  Actually there was only one store locally that had them (Boot Barn) but the length is too long.  Might go back and buy them and have them shortened in Kiev.

Drove about 30 miles to Ontario, Ca. to the Bass Pro Shop.  What an experience!  The place is huge and part of a very large mall called Victoria Gardens.  Only one pair and they are even longer than the other ones.  The trip was probably worthwhile though just to see the inside of the Bass Pro Shop.

Made a compromise on the boots.  I really have a disdain for lace up shoes and boots while visiting in Ukraine.  A few trips ago, I bought only slip on shoes because you are always taking them on and off when entering an apartment.  The boots are black and made of some kind of synthetic rubber.  They look nice and are fur lined and waterproof.  Should do the trick, I think.

The sports underwear is a little expensive at $19 for top and $19 for bottom, but I suspect it is worth it.  Also bought a hat is called an Aviators hat with the ear muffs you can pull down and strap under your chin.  Although it probably wasn't necessary, I bought another jacket.  It was called a snowmobile jacket and comes a little below the waist.  Naturally, it is lined and waterproof and has a zip off hood as well.

I think I am reasonably good to go except for finding a scarf.  It is a good thing because it reminded me that I should also get one for a gift for wife and daughter.  It would be nice to find scarfs with either California or USA woven into it.  Not sure if I have time to find them, but will try tomorrow.

Mendy, have several overcoats that I have not worn for years.  I might take one if it will fit in the suitcase.  We don't have any photos of the whole family together so hopefully we will be able to take some this time.

I wanted to take some photos of the protests in Independence Square, but wifey says No Way.  We will see!     

[Daveman]

...

I think I am reasonably good to go except for finding a scarf.  It is a good thing because it reminded me that I should also get one for a gift for wife and daughter. 

*** WARNING *** WARNING *** WARNING ***


The mistake you are about to make is critical.  Regardless of the clothing item, even a scarf, you purchase without your wife present, will not be adequately fashionable. Scarfs are part of the fashion statement and you are a man and therefore always wrong, even if she would have picked that very one herself had you not picked it first. The fact that you picked proves to her that it is not fashionable enough for her taste...


*** END  WARNING *** END WARNING *** END WARNING ***

It would be nice to find scarfs with either California or USA woven into it.  Not sure if I have time to find them, but will try tomorrow.

For the daughter, yes. for the wife - see above warning... 

[calmissile]

*** WARNING *** WARNING *** WARNING ***


The mistake you are about to make is critical.  Regardless of the clothing item, even a scarf, you purchase without your wife present, will not be adequately fashionable. Scarfs are part of the fashion statement and you are a man and therefore always wrong, even if she would have picked that very one herself had you not picked it first. The fact that you picked proves to her that it is not fashionable enough for her taste...


*** END  WARNING *** END WARNING *** END WARNING ***



For the daughter, yes. for the wife - see above warning... 

LOL!  Thanks for the tip.     

She wants earrings for her birthday (yesterday), so per your advice I will wait and take her shopping.

[LAman]

Now that the wardrobe is complete and several suitcases will be  packed..... be careful with the protests in Kiev, seems things are not very peaceful!!!

[mendeleyev]

ROTHLMAO, that is soooo true.

[BillyB]

I am wondering what type of clothing folks in Keiv wear during the winter. 

Based on the current situation, start with a bullet proof jacket. Actually, if you wear what the natives are wearing, look angry, scream, shout, jump up and down, and wave your fists at government buildings, you should stay warm enough with all the body motions.

[lonedrake]

The first trip I made to Ukraine was in January. I heard all about how cold it was and was a little worried about it.

Turns out it is generally warmer over there than where I live in Minnesota. This morning it was -16 F (-27 C) here. When I told my wife she could not believe it. She now wants to live in Africa

Doug, Sounds like you have what you need. I would not worry about the scarf. With the hat you have and the jacket with the hood you will be fine.

[ML]

I would not worry about the scarf. With the hat you have and the jacket with the hood you will be fine.

I would  worry about the scarf (or lack thereof).

Hats and hooded jackets rarely protect the front of the neck.

Sore throats probably lead directly from cold throats.

That can seriously cut into intimate time.

[lonedrake]

 

I would  worry about the scarf (or lack thereof).

 Well...I wouldn't

 

[Gator]

 Well...I wouldn't

    ML leads a more sheltered life than you.  Plus he has lived with a FSUW long enough that she has inculcated her Slavic health concerns (you know, no ice in drinks, no drafts of air, etc.).
 
I was in Kiev when it was -27C (-17F).  It was tolerable, and I did not have a heavy winter coat. 
 
I wrote about it but the photos don't show for some technical reason.   
http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=2923.msg54651#msg54651
 
A heavy winter coat is not needed unless you are one of those men who were working outdoors.  I saw men on high scaffolding.   Looked cold and dangerous. 
 
As a tourist one does not stay outside for long.  I ventured into a coffee house or a pub after about 30 minutes of walking.  So it is more important to dress in layers and slowly robe/disrobe dependent upon how you are feeling.  And the UW keep their flats at 30C (86F) so one's blood is superheated before heading outside.  Finally, it is not windy in Kiev compared to Chicago.  A leather jacket will suffice plus sweater, long silk underwear,  etc.   
 
I had corduroy trousers; however, RW gave me thumbs down.  They gave thumbs up to my flannel lined, heavy cotton twill trousers.   I wore Ecco shoes, not boots with heavy wool socks.
 
 

[2tallbill]

The first trip I made to Ukraine was in January. I heard all about how cold it was and was a little worried about it.

Turns out it is generally warmer over there than where I live in Minnesota. This morning it was -16 F (-27 C) here. When I told my wife she could not believe it. She

I am in North Dakota so the temps in most of the FSU are warmer than what 
we have here. -23F (-30) on Saturday and windy. Right now it's about-12F
(-24C) I go to the FSU for the nice weather 


Udachi!




Bill


\\

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[Faux Pas]

They are a standard item in most large department stores; and in the stores that no-one here, except Turbo and I, admits to shopping at:  KMart, WalMart, Costco, etc.

The lined jeans are available under other brand names too;  I have seen them before, but don't have stores readily available to mention.

Is it believable that OSU lost again to OU; at home and favored?

Yes, I live among them and while the Poke fans were hopeful, most expected that particular end.