Freezing funeral, what would you wear?

[JonasAberg]

I recently attended a funeral. It was -25 degrees Celsius (that's -13 Fahrenheit), windy and snowing. The ceremony in the church was fine but standing outside during the actual burial was not very pleasant. Afterward I could hardly feel my fingers/toes.

I found myself thinking that I definitely need a flannel suit as one of those would be warmer but I can't help but wonder; would it really be all that much warmer? Could it withstand the onslaught of Finnish winter? Seems to me suits were not designed to be worn in -25 degree weather (let's not even mention dress shoes). On the other hand, one *should* feel miserable at funerals so I guess it is suitable in a sense.

What would you wear in these weather conditions on such an occasion?

 

[Blackhood]

Heavy flannel (or dark tweed?) Suit.
Black Cashmere or Mohair overcoat
Black scarf
Black leather gloves
Balmoral Boots with commando sole.

 

[merkur]

..

 

[Nicola]

-25C is cold. Can't ignore that.

Layer under your overcoat. Jacket,sweater,shirt,undershirt. Layer under your pants. Then boots. You'll likely want cold weather socks. Not normal dress socks but the stuff aimed at outdoor wear. Can't get around warm boots or for that matter good warm gloves. Obviously a hat.

Minimize bare skin. Stay out of the wind if you can.

But if you're in Finland you must know this.

 

[LabelKing]

Fur coat.

 

[landshark]

Black or charcoal overcoat
Flannel suit
Black Scarf
Black Gloves
Black Boots
A black or gray traditonal fedora

 

[JonasAberg]

Layering obviously helps. The problem is that you will be both inside AND outside so it's a balancing act between layering thin and being too cold and layering too much and sweating once you get inside, as buildings are well insulated and heated.

I should definitely get a suit in heavier fabric though.

 

[Nicola]

Good layering can be undone. I don't know how hot a Finnish church is going to be but they'll expect people to be dressed for winter. You start by unbuttoning your coat and jacket. Take off your hat,scarf and gloves. If it's really hot take your coat off. You won't die of heat stroke.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by Nicola

Good layering can be undone. I don't know how hot a Finnish church is going to be but they'll expect people to be dressed for winter. You start by unbuttoning your coat and jacket. Take off your hat,scarf and gloves. If it's really hot take your coat off. You won't die of heat stroke.
I attended a funeral a couple of weeks ago in the midst of a snow storm. Temps in the low 20sF, about 6" of snow, and strong blustery winds. I wore:
- Charcoal suit
- White shirt
- Black tie with white dots
- Black cashmere overcoat
- Black gloves
- Black Alden wingtip high boots with commando sole

Still froze outside, but the boots were ideally suited for the conditions.

 

[pvrhye]

Every man should own a good set of longjohns for exactly this kind of thing.

 

[Johdus Fanfoozal]

Originally Posted by pvrhye

Every man should own a good set of longjohns for exactly this kind of thing.

+1

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by pvrhye

Every man should own a good set of longjohns for exactly this kind of thing.
+2. I needed them.

 

[PrimusPilus]

My Dad's funeral was last week, it was about 25 F, very windy, and about 4" of snow. I wore a grey flannel suit, white shirt, black tie, dark grey cashmere shawl collar sweater, black wool topcoat and boots.

 

[JayJay]

Originally Posted by PrimusPilus

My Dad's funeral was last week, it was about 25 F, very windy, and about 4" of snow. I wore a grey flannel suit, white shirt, black tie, dark grey cashmere shawl collar sweater, black wool topcoat and boots.
Condolences.

 

[thrice]

Originally Posted by PrimusPilus

My Dad's funeral was last week, it was about 25 F, very windy, and about 4" of snow. I wore a grey flannel suit, white shirt, black tie, dark grey cashmere shawl collar sweater, black wool topcoat and boots.

Condolences.