The harmattan weather has been in Nigeria for quite a while now and while I’ve been waiting with bated, (dry) breath to see if it would pull a fast one and disappear suddenly on us – as it had in previous years when it wasn’t yet December– so far, this year, the weather has seemingly come to stay and play it’s part.
Love the harmattan or hate it, you can’t deny that we’ve gotten a much needed reprieve from the hot sun this season but this small mercy comes at a cost — dusty winds, dryness and extremely cold mornings/nights.
The arrival of harmattan in this part of the world means that we have to change up our wardrobe to make it more suitable for the weather change. If you’re unsure on how to deftly switch up your wardrobe at this time or don’t know how to go about looking stylish this period, this article is for you.
What to Wear During Harmattan
Layered Clothes:
There are three ways to layer your clothes at this time.
a. Base Layer: Begin with a light, breathable base layer like a cotton or moisture-absorbing shirt. This will help to keep sweat away from your skin.
b. Middle Layer: Next, add a warmer layer such as a sweater, hoodie, or fleece jacket. This layer will act as the insulation and helps your body retain heat.
c. Outer Layer: Finally, finish with a windproof and dust-resistant jacket or coat. This third and final layer is what protects you from the cold wind and dust.
Protective Accessories
a. Scarves: Use scarves to protect your head, face and neck from the cold and dust. They can also add a stylish touch to your outfit.
b. Hats and Caps: Hats or caps are great accessories for shielding your head and hair from the cold and dust. Beanies are excellent for trapping warmth, while wide-brimmed hats offer more coverage against the dusty winds.
c. Masks: Face masks will help cover your nose and mouth from pollutants in the air and the dusty winds, protecting you from inhaling dust particles.
Footwear
a. Boots: For this time of year opt for sturdy, closed-toe boots to protect your feet from dust and keep them warm. Ankle boots or knee-high boots are excellent choices. Alternatively, shoes with closed toes are advised.
b. Socks: Wear thick, moisture-absorbent socks to keep your feet warm, dry and soft.
Clothing Materials
a. Denim and Heavy Fabrics: Denim jackets and jeans are best suited for harmattan as they are thick and provide good protection against the wind, cold and dust.
b. Wool and Fleece: These materials are excellent for keeping warm. Choose wool sweaters or fleece-lined jackets.
c. Cotton: For your base layers, cotton is the best material as it’s breathable and comfortable.
Tips to Avoid Dust Stains
- i. Wear Dark Colors: Darker colors like black, navy, and brown are less likely to show dust stains compared to lighter colors.
- ii. Use Dust-Resistant Fabrics: Go for fabrics that don’t easily attract dust, such as leather or treated synthetic materials.
- iii. Regular Cleaning: Brush off dust from your clothes regularly and wash them frequently to keep them clean.
