Summer or winter: Which fashion style is better?

Dougie (Summer)

Styles donned in the summertime are simply superior to winter fashions: they’re more cost and space efficient, versatile, and flattering than cold weather garb. Conversely, winter wear is more inconvenient, expensive, and time-consuming to buy, wear, store, and maintain.

In winter, people face the added burden of extra garments and accessories, like coats, gloves, hats, and umbrellas. These create more costs, hassles, and even discomfort, especially upon entering a well-heated establishment. The additional layering creates more work and a greater risk of lost and forgotten items. Then, during the summer months, the bigger, bulkier winter wardrobe must somehow be stored out of the way and kept in good condition.

Summer is a highly anticipated season for many reasons, and research shows that fashion is a significant factor in its popularity. When temperatures are higher, clothes are literally cooler. Fewer items are needed for a complete summer wardrobe, and they often use less fabric, meaning it usually weighs less and takes up less closet or suitcase space. These styles are also more colorful, patterned, eye-catching, and attractive. Summer clothes are known to be breathable and comfortable, and generally flattering. Plus, dressing for exercise is better during summer, as skin exposure to air is essential for cooling the body. Winter activewear can be more complicated and restrictive.

Finally, summer garments offer the added bonus of mixing and matching so well--they can be doubly useful when paired with warmer clothes year-round. The same cannot be said for winter fashion.

Amanda (Winter)

Some people may believe summer is the best time of year, with the warmer weather and relaxing beaches, but when it comes to clothing, winter is where it's at.

Winter clothing allows us to take advantage of that most flexible fashion choice of all: layers! Whether it's a cozy cardigan, sporty hoodie, or flannel button-down, layers provide multiple options for changing weather or moving from indoor to outdoor environments. After all, you can always take something off if you have it but can't put something on if you don't. 

It's also more forgiving of different body shapes. Plus-sized fashion has a long, complicated history that's often been associated with shapeless caftans and terrible prints. But with the rise of the body positivity movement, both generalized and specialty stores have made greater efforts to incorporate good design into their larger sizes. This means if you're on the bigger side or simply a little insecure, it's far easier nowadays to find good fashion for covering up. 

Finally, there's one last thing to keep in mind: comfort! Let's face it: no one is looking to curl up with a hot chocolate and a good book while wearing a bikini. There's a reason people tend to turn to grandpa sweaters and oversized sweatshirts when they're feeling unhappy or just under the weather. While that little black dress and matching heels may make you feel great for a night on the town, or your board shorts might prep you for some sun and surf, nothing beats the coziness, comfort, and versatility that winter fashion offers for the long haul and for self-care.