Rainy Day Guide to the Seattle Area

Hint: there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. Dress accordingly and get out where temperatures are moderate and a mist is in the air.

How to dress like a local: the Pacific Northwest getup for beginners

There are many stereotypes of the Pacific Northwesterner. Close your eyes and see what your mind’s eye conjures. Maybe it’s the torn jeans and flannel of the grunge era. Or perhaps you envision a North Face puffer coat, Birkenstocks with wools socks and a waft of patchouli.

There’s an element of truth to these caricatures. After all, people dress according to their culture and their climate.

Read on and discover how to really dress for both the rain and laid-back West Coast vibe of the Greater Seattle Area.

Hiking in the Rain

Umbrellas

Ok, real PNW natives may look down on you for using an umbrella. For some reason it’s a point of pride for locals to duck about getting drenched without the indignity of carrying a waterproof apparatus overhead like some kind of Mary Poppins.

But also – reality check. People all over the world use umbrellas. And it’s fine. If you’re doing business in Western Washington and you’ve got your hair arranged just so, then please: use an umbrella. Depending on your hair type, the ambient mists could add a delightful curl or wave to your hair.

Raincoats

Do you know what are surprisingly hard to find even in Western Washington? Raincoats.

Please note that there is a world of difference between a water-resistant jacket and a waterproof jacket. One will leave you soaked to the bone in a downpour; the other will make you impervious to condensation. Shop with care.

A true raincoat is a good thing to have. Check to make sure that the raincoat that you buy has adequate ventilation. If you walk a few blocks in an unventilated raincoat, you will find yourself strolling amidst your own personal sauna for there is nowhere for your perspiration to escape. This is doubly perilous if you’re layered in something warm like wool.

So, we must countenance a sort of catch-22 that defines northwest weather, which is both moderate in temperature and damp. You need to shed water, but you must also not overheat. This is a balance that must be struck. Consider and plan your wardrobe accordingly.

Waterproof shoes

Canvas shoes are out when it rains, unless you like walking around in sponges. Leather keeps out the wet to some degree, but water can wear on the material and wet leather tends to smell bad unless it is properly dried out.

Waterproof hiking boots are a good option. You can dress them up with jeans and a sweater and you’ll pass for a local any day of the week. Another great option are Xtratuf shoes. Xtratuf boots were originally developed for fishing boats in Alaska. Their low-profile shoes have amazing traction and will leave your feet bone dry. However, they don’t offer ventilation, so you’ll want to limit your walking distance lest you succumb the ol’ foot sweats.

Layer up, but cotton kills

Layers are a good idea, particularly during shoulder season when spring or autumn temperatures and weather patterns can be most unpredictable. Try incorporating a breathable, insulating base layer made of SmartWool or bamboo. Keep a light layer like a cotton shirt. Then warp yourself in something waterproof. This way you can layer up or layer down as the weather changes throughout the day.

One word of warning. There’s an adage in this neck of the woods that says, “cotton kills.” Once waterlogged, cotton will chafe against your skin (can cause blisters or heat rash) and can drop your body temperature. Hence the breathable layers.

Wool also makes for a fine option on a day without significant moisture. Wool will bead up in the mist, but can shrink when we, and it doesn’t dry quickly.

Flannel

Yeah, we do flannel. Surprise surprise. But be advised: there are nuanced layers to the flannel scene (no pun intended). Here are some ways to fashion this multipurpose garment. How you wear your flannel telegraphs a message. Let’s examine further:

The lumberjack flannel – often blanket lined or otherwise insulated, buffalo checks, woolen, of a Mackinaw cut. The Brawny guy of paper towel fame.

The artsy flannel – slim cut, distressed, cotton, with DIY modifications like repaired buttons or a patched hole. Bohemian.

The get coffee on the weekends flannel – your basic off-the-rack cheapo Target buy, guaranteed to get stretched out and faded after a half-dozen uses. Basic.

Check out this rainy day hike

Socks with sandals

It’s just comfy, ok? It’s a lifestyle choice. But there’s a technique. You need thick wool socks (which wick away small amounts of moisture and insulate your feet) and Birkenstocks, which are sturdy, provide traction and some lift so you don’t submerge your feet in streaming water. Of course, you need to avoid walking through puddles or long grass.

In conclusion

It’s a truism that’s become a mantra hereabouts: there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. This mindset is a positive framing of a negative outlook on rainy weather.

Chill and damp is who we are in the Pacific Northwest, ok? If you’re afraid of a little water you’ll miss out on all of the special things that comprise the off season in the northwest: spooky mist in the evergreens, a moody seaside stroll on a slate gray day, ducking into a warm coffee shop only to be greeted by the smell of fresh pastries. These sensory experiences and more await the adventurous. Go out there and see for yourself why this region is legendary.

And don’t forget the umbrella.