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Cold weather and winter have renewed their working agreement indefinitely, so mere mortals and us army/navy types alike must continue to dress for the occasion.

While winter has Mother Nature on its side, we have modern technology to blend with tried and true materials to help keep us warm in frosty conditions.

Hot news

The military relies on the latest generation (introduced in 2008) of its Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS).

The new system, Generation III, is a quantum leap forward in applying principles of insulation, layering and ventilation.

Gen III ECWCS is a modular system that adds or subtracts layers of clothing as needed. The inner layers retain heat but wick perspiration away from the skin. Outer layers repel water, provide insulation and evaporate perspiration. ECWCS components also integrate seamlessly with MOLLE gear and body armor.

The Generation III system owes much of its technology to mountaineering professionals and is yet another example of the growing crossover of ideas and products among the military, law enforcement and the commercial sectors. Many of the ECWCS components have found favor in the police and tactical arena.

Cold justice

For the law enforcement and tactical market, TRU-SPEC offers base layer clothing as well as outerwear imbued with the work-casual attire attributes of their 24-7 series of tactical wear. One of their newest lines is the H2O series of waterproof rainwear apparel, which includes ECWCS trousers and Gen I & II parkas.

TRU-SPEC also offers products in the three most popular levels of the Gen III ECWCS system; the Level 1 lightweight undershirt and drawers; the Level 2 Midweight shirt and drawers; and the Level 3 Fleece Cold Weather Jacket.

Bundling up sales

Alpha Industries offers a full line of cold weather, military and military-themed outerwear. Hy Slavin of Alpha advises retailers to make the most of cold weather apparel sales with a two-step program.

“Retailers should be sure that they’re stocked up on the basics, and that they have quick access to them from their suppliers. But they should also bring in some unique items, maybe an unusual color or style, to attract customers’ attention as a lead-in to selling the rest of the line,” said Slavin.

Slavin also suggests that retailers need to change their in-store displays and store window displays at least monthly. Highlighting outerwear for children and women is a good idea for broadening a store’s customer base.