Shopping for Warm Cloths From India

[malu08]

Qorax and others Landed Folks,

I would be landing Toronto in early March next year. During that time also it would still be cold.
 
I would like to know what kind of warm cloths I should shop and carry from India. My preference would be to purchase from here instead of spending money in Toronto.

Thanks,

[Leon]

Go for layers.  That is, you get a wind&waterproof jacket for the outermost layer, then some warm sweaters, could be fleece or wool to wear underneath.  When it is really cold, you can wear all of them and as it gets warmer, you leave some of the sweaters at home.  You might also want to get mittens, a wooly hat and a scarf.

As for your legs, my experience with long underpants is that they are not so efficient because unless you work outside, you do not spend a long time outside before you go inside again. It is not really convenient to have to go to the washroom at the mall or at your workplace to take your long underpants off or put them on and if you just keep them on when you are inside, you will be too warm.  Instead, you can get some pants you can wear over your pants if it is really cold.  Warm up pants for athletes with snaps on the sides are perfect because they are fast and easy to take off when you go inside.

[qorax]

@ malu08

Very well explained by Leon.
Yes, 'layers' is the key. U don't require to be absolutely decked with 'thermalwears'... akin to something ppl sport in Kashmir, Shimla, or further up at Thoise, Leh, Gulmarg etc. The condition here is not like when we go on 'winter holidays' to one of those places - when we'd most likely remain outdoors, engrossed in nature...

But here, we r talking about city conditions - a cosmopolis at that! So, under most circumstances we'd remain indoors. And all such places r kept warmed. So, if we happen to sport 'heavy woollens' - we r out to be perspiring all the time. Thus, 'layers' is the requirement... casual clothing - decked with a layer of light fleece - furthered with some wollens - and topped-it with a "jacket".

Yes, that "jacket" ought to be a cozy one, during winters here. Unless u r making a trip to Niagara or the Blue Mountains (& the likes) - 'thermal innerwears' may better be avoided. They'd rather mar your day - while at the office.

BTW, bring-in a pair or 2 of the 'innerwears', some light jackets/fleeces, 1 or 2 good jackets, Gloves, Headscarf and enough of 'full-sleeved' shirts/T-shirts... that'd suffice.

As u get comfortable in the day - u might discard a few of the layers. While, as u head outdoors - bedecked!

Qorax

[CAforCA]

My take is that carry minimum from India so you can purchase the winter wear from Canada - there are shops which would be cheaper than what you buy in India. Also the clothes from India might look outdated if you do not select them with care and then you would end up buying new ones after settling down for the next winter. But in any case have fun and all the best.

[Yarla7bh]

My suggestion is get some winter clothing as explained by Leon & Qorax, but plan to buy in Canada as well.
Its a personal experience, few years back when i first landed in Michigan (Weather is cold as Toronto) i had brought leather jacket, thermal wear and sweaters etc from India thinking that i will not buy anything in US. But as mentioned in the above post the stuff i bought did not sync in other words looked a little out of fashion/outdated. More importantly the leather jacket etc were not capable to handle the Michigan weather.
Its a misconception that winter clothing is expensive in US/Canada, its almost same and if you buy it here you will take the right one which suits well for the weather.
I would suggest, get thermal wear, sweaters, gloves, winter cap/muffler etc from India but buy the Jacket/Outer wear in Canada.

Anyways good luck and plan to stay warm..........it gets very cold in here. Have a safe trip.

[ptv7425]

 @  malu08

But here, we r talking about city conditions - a cosmopolis at that! So, under most circumstances we'd remain indoors. And all such places r kept warmed. So, if we happen to sport 'heavy woollens' - we r out to be perspiring all the time. Thus, 'layers' is the requirement... casual clothing - decked with a layer of light fleece - furthered with some wollens - and topped-it with a "jacket".

Yes, that "jacket" ought to be a cozy one, during winters here. Unless u r making a trip to Niagara or the Blue Mountains (& the likes) - 'thermal innerwears' may better be avoided. They'd rather mar your day - while at the office.

Qorax

That is spot on from Qorax and Leon. I remember the first time when I went to Minnesota, I bought these "thermal innerwears" from India, based on some advice from "experts". It was a nightmare sitting in office with those on. The key, as seniors suggested, is dressing in 'layers'. That way you can just take off the 'woollens' if you get too warm inside office buildings.

[malu08]

First of all thanks to all of you.

As advised will avoid things which would be out of date/fashion .There is no point carrying stuff which is not required.

[meena]

HI Malu,

Seems that u started doing shopping for yourself as wud go there in March.

I am also leaving in Feb end.

Hope to see u there.

All the Best.

[malu08]

HI Malu,

Seems that u started doing shopping for yourself as wud go there in March.

I am also leaving in Feb end.

Hope to see u there.

All the Best.

Yaa started the shopping and all. Will do the tickets in couple of days. Which Flight Carrier you have booked? I am thinking booking tickets with BA Via London.

sure will Keep in Touch.

[Simon123]

my suggestions

bring warmers and some inner wear sweat shirts or sweaters, gloves and woolen caps but dont buy jacekts and coats
from india.

When you land here just buy a big thick coat like a long overcoat types which will be you actual sheild.

I usually buy only warmers from india rest from here