Beat the rain
Fashion-wise
The calendar insists that it’s the 21st August but when you look outside, you know better. It is autumn. Damn. I intensely loathe autumn. An impossible problem for Dutch people because as long we keep doing everything and going everywhere per bike, we will never reach a single destination dry. We put our heads together here at Amayzine HQ to come up with a plan to handle this rain. Here we go.
Rubbish bag fashion
People always say buy a rain suit. Not only is it monstrously ugly, but it’s also such an effort. First you need to take the thing off when you get to your destination and then find somewhere to dump it without causing water damage, and that’s just too much effort. Skip the rain suit. Those who don’t give a hoot can find solace in two rubbish bags. Cut one open on the short side and wear it like a skirt. Cut the other into a t-shirt, so a hole for your head on the short side and two arms holes on either side. Pull both bags on and there you have it, a free rain suit. And if you’re wondering, yes I have actually walked around like this. Quite often.
Bare legs
Those who say no to plastic in whatever shape or form, will have to come up with another solution. The worst is having wet trousers, they stay wet all day and it’s no fun for anyone. With temperatures like these (relatively mild), I advise wearing a skirt. Bare legs dry quickly, and yeah it is a little wet and chilly on the legs, but once you’re inside it won’t last long.
stockings
Bare legs a little too cold? Try wearing pantyhose. They dry much faster than stiff old jeans. Jeans are actually the least suitable for this weather. Go for lighter fabrics with a supple fall that dry easier.
Quick change trick
Sometimes I wear an old jeans for the rainy bike trip to the office, and I take another pair of trousers with me in a plastic bag. I change at the office and voila, no more problem.
Parka
A long parka is perfect for this weather. Leather jackets are nice and warm but will get damaged if exposed to a whole lot of rain. A denim jacket is an option but I’d much rather buy a decent parka.
Layers
You’re probably sick of hearing this but I have to say it again: layers. Not only because it keeps you warm, but mostly because you can remove the top layer if you’re totally drenched.
Fabric choice
When you’re wet you feel the cold more because water enhances the effect of the temperature. Wool and polyester regulate moisture and heat and are good against cold. Silk doesn’t do much for you if you’re cold but great for humidity because it is very moisture regulating. Cotton should be left at home because wet cotton lowers the body temperature.
Über
Do you have a very important appointment where you absolutely cannot arrive looking like a drowned rat? Order an Über. Especially now since they’ve released the Überpop (slightly cheaper version of the normal Über), you can do it more often. And yes it is cheating but shhhhh don’t tell anyone.
Druppel APP
Or just don’t go outside in the rain. Install the app called ‘Druppel‘, it tells you exactly where, when and for how long it will rain.
