This post all about what to wear for a Minot winter was made possible through a collaboration with Minot Scheels. All thoughts and opinions are my own. No links are sponsored.
I am so excited about today. This is the day that I tell you all about what works for me (and experienced locals and transplants) when it comes to winter gear. It’s the day I drop the Ultimate North Dakota Winter Gear Guide in your lap. This is the day I’ll tell you all about what to wear for a Minot winter.
With the help of Minot Scheels I’ve compiled this big guide for you. Additionally, there will be a try on session on my Instagram (and Facebook) stories later today. And I’ll be continuing to talk about this topic as we dive head first into the winter months.
About The Guide
Before we get to the guide, a couple things.
Shopping in Minot
First of all, in Minot, there’s really only one place you get can ALL the winter gear. Clothes, outerwear, hats, gloves…everything you need for the whole family. And that place is Scheels. I’m old school, so I find it really nice to be able to try gear on, feel it, and talk to someone who knows the products face to face. Scheels is the place to do that. The staff is SO helpful. And they know their products. They’ll give you tips, without ever overselling–or taking you for a sucker.
Winter attire, especially outerwear and boots are an investment. Trying them on and talking it out is super helpful. When I knew I wanted to create a winter gear guide for you, I approached Scheels to see if I could look through their gear to make recommendations for you. I’m so grateful they said YES!
The Guide is a Result of YOUR Questions
Second, this guide came about as a result of reading many, many threads and questions from new transplants to Minot, wondering what to wear for a Minot winter. That’s why I’m here. To fill that void, answer those questions and give you something to refer back to. These are my suggestions. I’ll never try to oversell you. (I’m not making any money on your purchases…so I literally have nothing at stake, other than you comfort.) I’m just a friend, who really wants you to enjoy your time in Minot. And having the right attire will help you do that.
Locals, Transplants, Milspouses and Experts
Third (and last), I’ve done a bit of crowd sourcing for this post. I’ve picked the brains of local friends. I read all the threads and suggestions from milspouses pertaining to what they’ve found helpful during their Minot winters. Lastly, I chatted with experts at Scheels. Not to see what they wanted me to push…but because these are moms and dads who live here. I want to know, with the whole store at their disposal, what they’d choose for their family. And I’m thrilled to pass that insider information on to you today.
The Ultimate Guide to What to Wear for a Minot Winter
Let’s get started.
At the end of the post there is a downloadable version of the guide. It’s a summary of what I’ll explain here. First, I’ll break all my recommendations down by category and why I recommend each.
What to Wear Indoors, Day to Day
These are basic items and how I dress day to day during the winter months in Minot. Winter dressing 101 is to know that layering is key. Lots of the items below will help you do just that. (This first list is geared toward women, but the same ideas also apply to mens’ needs.)
Tops
- Long Sleeve Shirts–This is your most versatile item. Buy them up in neutral colors to layer under cardigans, sweaters and sweatshirts. I used this one in my try-on session, and also love this one from Nike.
- Thick sweaters–For a simple, unlayered outfit, just pull on a nice, cozy sweater. The flat lay above shows four that I love.
- Long, oversized sweaters–folks who live here will tell you how nice it is to have clothes (and coats) that cover the booty. Longer sweaters will help keep you cozy.
- Cardigans–Cardigans will add a layer of warmth to any outfit. For a lighter layer I really like this one from Eden Ruth.
- Flannel Button Ups–**MUST HAVE** Flannels are great for layering, wearing open like a cardigan, wearing as a base layer under a sweater/sweatshirt. They can be dressed up or down.
- Fleece/Sherpa Pull Over–**MUST HAVE** I insist that everyone who lives here owns a fleece or sherpa pull over. In my try-on you’ll see several. Like this one from Patagonia. I like it because it’s fleece on the inside and knit on the outside, so it looks a little classier. This sherpa from Eden Ruth looks great and is SO cozy.
- Fleece/Sherpa Zip Up–**MUST HAVE** Again, I insist that everyone owns a full zip fleece or sherpa layer. These can be worn as cardigans or jackets on less chilly days (when layered with a sweater). They also extend into jackets in the spring. Overall, this is a great investment. In our family photo I choose to wear a fleece/knit combo from Kuhl, it’s versatile because it’s so long. In my try-on I opted for a buffalo check from Columbia and a sherpa from Kuhl.
Legs and Feet
- Leggings and Fleece Lined Leggings– These are the basic, long sleeve T of the lower body. Warm leggings pair great with quality socks and boots. They can dress up an oversized sweater or sweater dress. Or, they can be layered under jeans or joggers for added warmth. Oh, and leggings are also perfect for lounging on those days you simply don’t go outside. I like these high waisted leggings from Eden Ruth.
- Joggers or Fleece Lined Joggers–Comfy and roomy enough for an extra layer underneath. I chose these for my try on session. Here is a lined version for extra warmth.
- Skinny Jeans–Skinnies are easiest to tuck into boots (which you’ll be wearing all winter.)
- High Quality Socks–Don’t skimp on your socks. Those made from natural fibers (like wool) are a great option. Smart Wool is a favorite brand, and they last a long time. Just remember to get socks that come up high enough so you don’t have exposed skin at your ankles.
- Boots–Boots, even snow boots are daily attire through the winter. I like to have a pair for being in snow/being active in snow (folks swear by BOGS, Sorels and Kamiks) and a pair of booties for lighter activity and errand running (like these Sorel Explorers or Sorel Emelie Chelsea Boots.)
- Slippers–Someone recently described quality slippers as a survival item. Personally, I own a pair of Minnetonkas, but loads of people here swear by their Ugg slippers.
Day to Day for Kids
The same rationale applies to kids when it comes to day to day attire. But there are a few special considerations. Here’s what I recommend.
- Lighter layers–kids are more active than adults, so keep their layers slightly lighter.
- Zip up fleece–these are much easier to get on a toddler than a pull over
- Pull over fleece–these are a great layer for older kids who can manipulate their clothing on their own.
- Long underwear–a tight base layer to put under snow pants or for long play sessions outdoors will keep them cozy.
- Thumb Holes–These make getting outdoor gear on easier and keep shirts in place under mittens.
- Quality Socks–Don’t skimp on little toes. Invest in natural fibers or water wicking socks.
- Slippers
Outdoor Gear to Wear for a Minot Winter
The Basics
Here are the basic things everyone will need to gear up for time outdoors. First a list, then individual considerations. These are all investment items that should last many years. (Except for kids, who will–unfortunately–outgrow them before their use is up.)
- Coat
- A hat you feel confident in
- Thin gloves
- Thick mittens or gloves
- High quality socks
- Boots
- Snow pants
Coat Considerations
Use this as a check list when you are purchasing your coat.
- Length–I hear this tip over and over–get a coat that is long enough to cover your booty. Personally, I don’t think a knee length coat is necessary. My preference is just past the tush. I really like this one from Columbia. I’m a HUGE FAN of their OmniHeat liners, which trap body heat and keep it inside. Basically, it makes you your own heater.
- Hood–Your coat needs a hood. Something with fur or faux fur will help keep the wind at bay.
- Water Resistant–a must
- Wind Resistant–a must, as wind is the biggest contributing factor to our frigid winters
- Check the rating–Your coat should be rated for negative temps
- Interior Pockets–The cold will zap the battery life out of your phone. Keeping your phone in an interior pocket will preserve its life.
- Spandex Cuffs at the Sleeves–this is a nice feature for keeping wind and snow out of the arms.
- For Men–If your husband is like mine, he’ll only own one coat (I own two). Make sure it is functional enough for play and shoveling, but classy enough to wear out to church and date night.
- For Kids–A snow bib/buttons at the waist is a nice feature that will keep the coat in place and keep wind and snow from sneaking inside.
Boot Considerations
A checklist when shopping for boots.
- Waterproof–a must for both snow boots and casual boots
- Check the Rating–be sure they are rated for our weather.
- Tread–the tread on any footwear worn in winter should be deep.
- Height–Boots for working in the snow or playing in the snow should be at least mid-height.
- Moms Swear By Them–the vast majority of moms I talked to and read comments from swear by BOGs for their littles. Their pull on style makes them easy to get on and off. Just be sure they are rated for negative temps. (Gideon is wearing these in our photos and I’m wearing these.)
Hat Considerations
I don’t care if you “aren’t a hat person.” Around here, you’re a hat person from November to March. Here are some things to consider.
- Cover the Ears–a hat for everyone in the family should cover the ears and not ride up. For kids it’s really nice to be able to tie or fasten a hat under the chin.
- Lined Hats–I’m a fan of OmniHeat from Columbia. It traps your own body heat to keep you extra warm. This is one that I love. But a knit hat with fleece lining is also great.
- Own Several–Everyone should own a couple hats. This way you’ll always have a dry one to wear.
Hand Considerations
Here are things to look for when keeping your hand warm and dry.
- Thin liner gloves that will work on your phone/touch screen to layer under a thicker pair—also great for rezipping jackets or helping put gloves back on without needing to fully expose your hands. I like these.
- Thick gloves or mittens as a top layer. If you really want to look like a local get some Kincos.
- Top Layer Should Be Wind and Waterproof
- Have two sets of inner and outer gloves so you’ll always have a dry set
- For kids, a single layer of water/wind proof mittens is good
- For kids, mittens that go up the arm a bit are key. I like these from Columbia.
Considerations for Snow Pants
- For kids, bib style is best
- The Knees–For kids (and adults too) snow pants that are reinforced at the knees are best
- Should be wind and waterproof
For More Minot Love
I hope this has been helpful to you as you navigate what to wear for a Minot winter. Again, a huge thanks to Scheels for giving me space to find all the items I’d recommend to you in one place. For more on the winter attire and gear guide, be sure to head over to Instagram. I’ll save all the stories pertaining to winter gear in a highlight for you.
For daily encouragement on intentionally, positive living and looking at the bright side of Minot be sure to join me on Instagram and Facebook–or sign up for emails below. Remember to share this with your friends so we can all be warm and cozy this winter!
You may also like this post on items that will help you survive a Minot Winter, or this one which discusses what a Minot winter is really like.
