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Jonathan Rustad

The humble winter jacket is one of the most important things to wear to stay warm during winter. Today, most are expensive, therefore it is important to get one of high quality. “I’d say my favorite season is fall, because it’s not snowing but you still get to wear nice jackets,” sophomore Carter Maas says.

When it comes to staying warm in the winter, everyone knows the basics. But when it comes to personal preference, students have a range of opinions on brands and clothing options.  Some of the most popular brands are Marmot, American Eagle and Columbia.  These brands help keep consumers warm whether they are outside during their commute or outside enjoying the season in a variety of winter activities.

Some of the favorite activities during the winter are skiing, sledding, and just drinking hot chocolate.  Winter skiing originated in Sweden around four thousand BCE and is a very popular pastime today.

“My favorite activity would be skiing, but I also like skating and sledding,” junior Joe Weber said.

The winter jacket, the standard of keeping warm.  They usually cost between $50 and $300.  With an expensive piece of clothing, it is important to make sure it is warm and not just an expensive fashion statement.  Speaking of which, trending styles of coats for women are typically longer in length and usually neutral colors.  For men, they are typically shorter in length and neutral colors as well.  For younger kids, bright colors and patterns are usually on winter coats.

For winter clothing, there are many companies to choose from.  Options range from heavy jackets to lighter articles to wear indoors.

“I would have to say my favorite brand is American Eagle, they make really nice vests,” senior Marya Redmond said.

Since there is no changing winter, it might as well be tried to find some enjoyment in it. In the small amounts of free time students have some choose to bear the cold.

“I actually like snow, but not driving in it.  I like to go sledding and tubing with my friends,” Redmond said.

As would be expected, there is always a need for new winter clothing to keep people warm.  A popular winter clothing brand is Marmot.  The company was founded in 1974 at Grand Junction Colorado.  Ever since their creation, their goal has been to provide high quality jackets, sleeping bags and backpacks for outdoor use.

“If I could get some thing new it would probably be a new jacket, by Marmot.  I like that company because they produce well made clothing that keeps me warm while I’m skiing,” Weber said.

From heated socks to hats that make it look like you have a beard,  companies are always trying to think of new creative ways to keep people warm.  For jackets it is layers that keeps people warm.  The more layers a jacket can have, the warmer it is more likely to keep you. Winter jackets get their warmth from small air pockets that trap body heat as it tries to escape.

During the winter, the style of clothing changes.  It turns to warmer and heavier clothing.  For many students, they look completely different in the winter.  For women, articles of clothing such as scarves, leg warmers, vests and sweaters are popular.  Sweaters are also worn by men, and in addition, flannels and sweatshirts are usually worn as well.

“During the winter I wear lots of vests, scarves, fuzzy socks and boots,” Redmond said.

Another good way to stay warm is by simply having a hot beverage.  Coffee, hot chocolate and tea are favorites to many.  During the winter many students can be seen with a thermos in their classes.  When people think of hot chocolate they usually think of their childhood and sledding on snow days.  Hot chocolate surprisingly has some health benefits as well.  Hot chocolate actually increases the circulation of blood in your skin and it also releases endorphins that help give a sense of calm when drinking it.

With the temperatures continuing to drop, it is important to stay as safe and warm as possible.