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Help! Desperate for Warm, Comfortable WFH Bottoms

62 replies

Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 10:06

Hi Mumsnet fashion gurus,

I need your help with some much-needed winter wardrobe advice. I have a few chronic health conditions that make me incredibly sensitive to the cold. Once I'm cold, it's nearly impossible to warm up, and layering clothes often makes me feel even colder (I know, it sounds crazy!).

Here's what I'm looking for:

  • Style: Casual-smart, like cargo trousers or jeans, but open to other suggestions.
  • Fit: Size 10, long legs, petite frame (34" hips, 28" waist).
  • Comfort: Super soft, stretchy, warm, natural fibers
  • Function: WFH-friendly, especially for video calls and long periods of sitting/standing, nipping out to the shops, in-person meetings, etc.
  • Ease of wear: Pull-on style, no buttons or zips, no ankle cuffs.
  • Colour: Neutral colours to complement blue and grey tops, but honestly, colour is my last concern!

I've tried everything from thermal leggings to multiple layers (tights + thermals + trousers), but nothing keeps me warm.

Every winter, I struggle and ending up lose weight.

I'm hoping to find something comfortable, warm, and professional enough for video calls.

Any suggestions would be a lifesaver!

Thank you

OP posts:
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Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 10:28

@OldieButBaddie I have tried something like these before - maybe they have improved since my last go!

Although I work from home, I do have clients who visit me. Additionally, members of my team come in for training and meetings. I try to do as much as possible via Zoom, but in-person interactions are sometimes necessary.

I also due to the nature of my job, do a lot of standing presentations - these are preferred in my industry and as such, my trousers are definitely on show.

Plus, I've been going through a lot this year and really want to feel better about myself and more put together – I hope that makes sense.

OP posts:
StickSeason · 28/10/2024 10:39

If you really struggle with the cold try a thermal Base layer made of merino or silk. Some of the best come from Sweden or Denmark and are generally available in outdoor clothing stores. Then add a smarter layer on top. Silk particularly helps in regulating temperatures.

MasterOfOne · 28/10/2024 10:41

I am like you op, once my feet get cold, nothing but an external heat source helps me.

I have a little electric heat pad that I can wrap around my feet, lay on my lap or on my back if I am cold.

£20 amazon

persisted · 28/10/2024 10:42

I'd try these from uniqlo with wool leggings underneath. Dilling do good ones. Or knee high wool/silk mix socks.
https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E471553-000/00?colorDisplayCode=09&sizeDisplayCode=003

UNIQLO

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E471553-000/00?colorDisplayCode=09&sizeDisplayCode=003

OldieButBaddie · 28/10/2024 10:45

Women's Serious Sweats Fleece-lined Bootcut Trousers | Lands' End

Any good?

TBH the only thing that keeps me warm WFH when it's really cold is one of these under my desk, I got one each for dh and I and then got for my parents and dd too! They are brilliant
300W Curved Far Infrared Heating Panel Suitable For Under Office Desks etc | eBay

Have you seen the doctor about how cold you get? You could have Raynaud's or something

Women's Serious Sweats Fleece-lined Bootcut Trousers | Lands' End

https://www.landsend.co.uk/Womens_Serious_Sweats_Fleece-lined_Bootcut_Trousers/pp/P_43267.html?srsltid=AfmBOoopfUI2W9MJRz6SruS1RI5zHEKAcl_GiWdwJ5GfhXb71VNWbcnW

Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 10:46

Porridgeislife · 28/10/2024 10:34

https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-brushed-wide-leg-joggers/p/clp60706070?intid=mobileapppdpshare

What about these? You could also put a pair of Uniqlo heattech leggings underneath if you really need to.

Natural fibres aren’t going to work. Stretchy wool will develop knee bagging, or if a stiffer fabric, needs structure like a zipper. Ditto for silk and cotton isn’t warm.

Edited

@Porridgeislife these look great. I will check them out the next time I am in M&S

I do know what you mean, I have issues with my dexterity, hence really wanting pull on if possible. I could do buttons if the fabric has stretch - I just really need comfort. Without getting into my health issues, I deal with a lot of pain, so the easier I can make thing the better!

OP posts:
StarlightLady · 28/10/2024 10:50

Trying to think practical here? Would opaque tights underneath be easy for you to put on, and would that help at all?

Apologies in advance if that wouldn’t work for you.

Another option which might help would be a child’s sleeping bag which comes up to your waist.

Porridgeislife · 28/10/2024 10:56

Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 10:46

@Porridgeislife these look great. I will check them out the next time I am in M&S

I do know what you mean, I have issues with my dexterity, hence really wanting pull on if possible. I could do buttons if the fabric has stretch - I just really need comfort. Without getting into my health issues, I deal with a lot of pain, so the easier I can make thing the better!

I would probably just order from M&S if you want to try them. Their in store range is pretty poor now unfortunately.

Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 12:01

@StarlightLady My feet I have finally sussed. After years of ice blocks for toes, and my feet turning blue. I have found that this combination works (as long as my feet are warm to begin with)

Silk socks - you can get a pack of them on amazon for a decent price
Next cashmere socks over the silk one - Merino wool would work too, I would guess.
Then ugg boots - I got a lightly used pair on vinted, I used them as house slippers

Its an weird combination, but most of the time my feet are comfortable.

I use hot water bottles! But those little heated blankets do look good.

OP posts:
Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 12:08

@StarlightLady Tights are something I have tried for years - it doesnt make me any warmer. Although I did spot Snag are doing Merino Wool Tights, which I might give a go, it is always worth another try! Thank you for the suggestion

OP posts:
Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 12:09

Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 12:01

@StarlightLady My feet I have finally sussed. After years of ice blocks for toes, and my feet turning blue. I have found that this combination works (as long as my feet are warm to begin with)

Silk socks - you can get a pack of them on amazon for a decent price
Next cashmere socks over the silk one - Merino wool would work too, I would guess.
Then ugg boots - I got a lightly used pair on vinted, I used them as house slippers

Its an weird combination, but most of the time my feet are comfortable.

I use hot water bottles! But those little heated blankets do look good.

Sorry @MasterOfOne This is in reply to you! My mistake and I cant edit the post for some reason.

OP posts:
AbsoluteTwaddle · 28/10/2024 12:14

Are you open to joggers? I've just bought these adidas joggers and they are so warm and comfy! The fit is really flattering as well and I wear them with a jumper of nice knitwear. They come in a number of colours.

AbsoluteTwaddle · 28/10/2024 12:19

Just to add, I find that wide joggers or trousers make me cold in winter because they let cold air up through the bottom so I tend to stick to more fitted styles.

Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 12:25

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will definitely check them out!

I will also try the base layer and trousers combination again - it looks like I need to keep trying different combinations until I find the one that works.

To give you all a laugh, last year I was on Zoom with my mother wearing the following:

  • Tights
  • Thermal long johns
  • Fleece-lined joggers
  • Socks
  • Slippers
  • A thermal base layer long sleeved top
  • A thermal vest
  • A long-sleeve jumper
  • A fleece lined hoodie
  • A wool hat
  • A ginormous fleece dressing gown

I was still shivering so much my teeth were chattering.

I just want to be comfortable, and not feel like I look like the marshmallow man from the Ghost Busters.

OP posts:
Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 12:28

@AbsoluteTwaddle - Definitely open to joggers. Thank you, Ill check them out.

OP posts:
OldieButBaddie · 28/10/2024 12:50

Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 12:25

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will definitely check them out!

I will also try the base layer and trousers combination again - it looks like I need to keep trying different combinations until I find the one that works.

To give you all a laugh, last year I was on Zoom with my mother wearing the following:

  • Tights
  • Thermal long johns
  • Fleece-lined joggers
  • Socks
  • Slippers
  • A thermal base layer long sleeved top
  • A thermal vest
  • A long-sleeve jumper
  • A fleece lined hoodie
  • A wool hat
  • A ginormous fleece dressing gown

I was still shivering so much my teeth were chattering.

I just want to be comfortable, and not feel like I look like the marshmallow man from the Ghost Busters.

Edited

You REALLY need that heater I linked to!
Infrared heaters are different, they heat the first thing they hit rather than the air. Even when it's freezing if I put mine on under my desk I am warm in no time!

Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 13:06

@OldieButBaddie I have to be careful with things like halogen heaters, gas fires, hot air heaters, radiators, etc., as they're really bad for my ability to breathe - sigh.

Ill check you link out - Thank you!

OP posts:
SpiderDijon · 28/10/2024 13:13

I have a heated throw and it's the only thing that keeps me warm when it's really cold. No amount of layers work, and once I get cold I can't seem to get warm again without some sort of external heat source!

OldieButBaddie · 28/10/2024 13:24

Caffeinatedandcold · 28/10/2024 13:06

@OldieButBaddie I have to be careful with things like halogen heaters, gas fires, hot air heaters, radiators, etc., as they're really bad for my ability to breathe - sigh.

Ill check you link out - Thank you!

This is a very different sort of heat. It shouldn't affect your breathing as it doesn't heat the air. I would def look into it as it's been a game changer.

Ginmonkeyagain · 28/10/2024 13:29

These seem to fit the bill - Heat tech is magic stuff

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E472530-000/00

UNIQLO

https://www.uniqlo.com/uk/en/products/E472530-000/00

mewkins · 28/10/2024 14:22

I wfh and get cold easily (also wear Uggs all winter!) A thick wool blanket for my lap is good. I also have a heated throw for when it's really cold.

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