How to dress for Manchester weather: the three-layer rule
Anyone who lives in Manchester knows the forecast is a suggestion. Rain at nine, sun at eleven, a cold wind off the Pennines by three. After two years of choosing coats and knitwear for exactly this weather, we have landed on one rule that works: three layers, each with a job.
Layer one: something you can wear on its own
A fine-knit jumper, a shirt or a simple long-sleeve top. The test is whether you would be happy sitting in a warm office in it. If it only works under a coat, it is not a base layer.
Layer two: the one that comes off at lunchtime
This is the cardigan, the quarter-zip or the chunkier jumper. It goes on at the bus stop and comes off in the pub. Choose it in a colour that works with everything in layer one, so you never have to think about it in the morning.
Layer three: the coat that handles the rain
Hooded, belted or quilted, the coat is the piece that gets the most use between October and April, so it is worth getting the fit right. Our size guide lists the measurements of every coat we sell, and if you order the wrong size we send another size for free, once per order.
Three small things that help
- Dark trousers or jeans hide the inevitable splash from a passing bus.
- Boots with a proper sole beat trainers from November onwards.
- A jumper you can push the sleeves up on is worth two you cannot.
If you are not sure which size to order, email us. We would rather spend five minutes on sizing than have you send something back.
Ottilie