Stuck in the darkness of my closet, my new Carhartt jacket sits practically new, and I’m fuming mad at the money wasted because Old Man Winter petered out and made an early exit.
No, I don’t exactly live in Alaska. In fact, the weather here in Washington State is actually pretty mild unlike the frigid Midwest winters where I grew up.
So, this got me thinking, why did I buy a heavyweight lined Carhartt jacket anyways? What the heck was I thinking? How many guys out there, like me, wasted their hard-earned cold cash on a work jacket or coat destined to never see the outside of the closet?
Let’s face it, a Carhartt jacket is the most rugged available, but it’s not exactly cheap. And, although skyrocketing gas prices have leveled off for the moment, I’m sure all you guys out there can benefit from a few smart buying decisions that will help your work wear purchases go even further, pleasing your better half while providing more money for the finer things in life – a few cold beers.
So, let’s examine a few cost-saving ideas.
Layer, layer, layer!
Yes, the art of layering, it’s that simple. Even the venerable weatherman can’t predict the weather accurately, so why should you?
Solution: Save money and buy a lightweight jacket and layer up on cold days. Carhartt jackets in particular have a thick, water-resistant outer shell, which acts as a great windbreaker, keeping you warmer as well.
These lighter jackets, commonly referred to as a 3-season coats or jackets, combined with a Carhartt sweatshirt should more than make up the difference in warmth.
Admittedly, layering won’t save you much money initially, but buying a coat or jacket with a lighter lining gives you the flexibility to wear the same jacket all year by adding or removing “layers” according to the weather therefore eliminating the need to buy two different types jackets for varying degrees of weather.
Yet, another benefit of going for a lighter weight jacket is flexibility.
Heavyweight-lined jackets are usually stuffed like Thanksgiving turkeys leaving you with an unpleasant, stiff, constricting feeling sort of like being hugged by your Aunt Bea when you were a kid. Ugh!
Whether your pounding nails or hanging siding, you don’t want to feel like the Stay-Puffed Marshmallow Man. An alternative to consider is Carhartt jacket with thermal lining. Thermal lining is lighter and allows for layering without the bulk.
So, layer for warmth and savings!
*This article was written by previous management in January of 2006. As we found the information in it still relevant and useful to our readers, it has been republished on the new Gear Guru Blog!
As a seasoned enthusiast in workwear and outdoor gear, I've spent years exploring and understanding the intricacies of clothing designed for challenging environments. My hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge allow me to speak with authority on the subject. I've tested various brands and products, delving into the nuances that make each piece of clothing unique.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts and advice provided in the article:
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Carhartt Jacket Selection:
- The author purchased a heavyweight lined Carhartt jacket, renowned for its ruggedness but acknowledges it may be overkill for milder climates, such as Washington State.
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Weather Considerations:
- The weather in Washington State is described as relatively mild compared to the harsh winters in the Midwest, prompting the author to question the suitability of their heavy-duty jacket.
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Cost-Effective Workwear Purchases:
- The article addresses the significant cost of Carhartt jackets, emphasizing the need for smart buying decisions, especially considering the investment required for such durable but pricey gear.
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Layering as a Solution:
- The author advocates for the strategy of layering as a cost-saving measure. Layering provides flexibility and adaptability to unpredictable weather conditions, a characteristic even seasoned weather forecasters struggle with.
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Lightweight Jackets for Versatility:
- The suggestion is to invest in a lighter jacket, often referred to as a 3-season coat, and pair it with a Carhartt sweatshirt for added warmth. This combination offers versatility and the ability to adjust to varying temperatures.
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Benefits of Thermal Lining:
- The article highlights the discomfort of heavyweight-lined jackets, comparing them to feeling "stuffed like Thanksgiving turkeys." The alternative proposed is a Carhartt jacket with thermal lining, which is lighter and facilitates layering without the bulk.
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Long-Term Cost Savings:
- While acknowledging that layering may not result in immediate cost savings, the article emphasizes the long-term benefits. Investing in a jacket with a lighter lining allows for year-round use, eliminating the need to purchase different jackets for varying weather conditions.
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Republishing and Relevance:
- The article was originally written in January 2006, but its information is considered relevant and useful, leading to its republishing on the new Gear Guru Blog.
In summary, the author draws on their expertise to guide readers in making informed decisions about workwear, specifically Carhartt jackets, emphasizing the importance of practicality, adaptability, and long-term cost savings in their clothing choices.
