Walking to work - what to wear

[Username875645]

Today I walked to and from work for the first time - desperately need to fit in some exercise somewhere somehow into my day…. It’s an hour downhill there, then uphill on the way back it’s more like 75mins (5km each way).

I wore my work clothes plus trainers, plus a big warm coat. And was very sweaty 🥵 So I can’t do that again, felt conscious that I was a bit whiffy all day. Thankfully it was a light-colored and lightweight top….

Apparently there are showers at work, though I can’t be dealing with hair washing etc there as I don’t want to leave the house super early as need to help get the kids ready for school.

So in my head, hair and make up done at home, walk to work, quick cool shower to de-sweat then on with the day.

So I’m looking for running/walking clothes recommendations - something that’ll keep me warm enough but cool enough too. Does it exist? I also need to take my laptop (and I guess towel etc) so need a back pack for all that as well. My lovely leather laptop backpack made my back sooooooo sweaty today, I don’t think that’s quite right….. any recommendations??

Oh I live abroad - we have good summers and cold winters (think lakes and mountains)… so need something that’ll get me through snowy days too (will rethink the summer outfit when we get closer)…

I put a pair of comfy trainers on with whatever I’m wearing and switch at work, that’s all I do!

I'd just get a pair of leggings, you can get fleece lined ones for when it's really cold, plus a couple of lightweight tops. You're better off wearing a few thin layers and a waterproof coat than a big coat. I scrunch up a regatta waterproof, in case it's raining in my bag and wear a long sleeved outdoors type walking top and chuck a lightweight fleece over the top if it's cold. You tend to work up a bit of heat walking, so something windproof is normally enough with a long sleeved top. They fold up really small so can fit in a bag at work. I put my makeup on at work after a quick wash, or shower if I've been sweating. Also think about some lightweight waterproof walking shoes/boot/trainers. Nothing worse than putting on a pair of wet shoes to walk home in (or forgetting socks at work and walking round in wet feet all day

Take a look in some of the outlet places at mountain warehouse, trespass ir even sports direct.

@FunnyInjury yes I thought this would be fine to do but I walk quite fast and my big warm coat was too big and too warm really. Even walking hols when it was dark and (i think) cooler, I worked up quite a sweat… I’m not that fit either hence the sweating I think.

@WickedWitchOfTheTrent fleecey leggings sound cozy, but warm! Layers sounds like the way to go, the thin long sleeved top plus light jacket with optional force sounds good. Though wondering if that’ll cut the mustard in the depths of winter in Jan/Feb.

I did this for over a year. Honestly, just use a thinner coat or no coat and good deodorant. Once you are used to it, you'll sweat less on that amount of exercise. Give yourself an extra 15 minutes so you can walk slower.

Make sure your work clothes aren't too thick either - thin top and perhaps carry a cardie / jumper in your bag to add on as a layer when you get to work. Well done BTW!

Thin layers & carry a backpack to put the layers in if/when you warm up.
Water resistant footwear may be quite essential.

I almost never use / own big coats. They aren't practical for lots of walking.

Lighter coat or jacket and take a change of top (and shoes if your walking shoes are not suitable for your office)