It's that time of year where it is undeniably cold. Winter should be an easy time to shop because you don't need much. A good pair of jeans, maybe a pair of pants and that go-to warm layer that blocks out the elements and makes it that much easier to exist. There is something about being prepared and actually being warm that bring excitement and comfort to everyday life. It's fun to layer up and get warm!

We know there are two types of people, those who feel the cold and just need to be warm NOW and those who want coverage but don't need a huge amount of help warming up. We envy the latter.

At BLAEK Store we have some great sustainable options for you this winter and we thought we'd run through a few right here...

WINTER ESSENTIALS FOR HER

I'M FREEZING HELP!

So you're the type of person that feels every single bit of that bone-chilling wind? Your morning commute to work has become like an expedition to the antarctic and you swear that no matter how many layers you pile on you just can't get warm? We know you well and trust us we share your pain, but at BLAEK Store we have plenty of solutions to your cold problems which we are sure will keep you toasty.
Firstly don't look any further than Patagonia and Kowtow! Patagonia has been the leading manufacturer of down jackets since 1973 so they know a thing or two about keeping the elements out and the warmth in. We'd recommend the Silent Down Jacket which comes in black and sage khaki. The SDJ is made of 700-fill recycled down, is totally wind-proof and will work best when you just have a single layer underneath such as a long sleeve t-shirt. The feathers create air pockets, you heat the air pockets with your body heat and voila! You just got warm for the first time in your life! This one is great too as you don't look like you're about to climb a mountain. We recommend pairing it with a t-shirt and the Breezy Britt jeans from Nudie Jeans Co.

The second one for the 'help I'm freezing' person is the Patagonia Down Sweater. Similar to the Silent Down it is a down jacket but this one is 800-fill goose down. The goose feather is the warmest insulator of all the feather types and while this one is lighter, better for layering and packs down tiny it packs just as much punch when it comes to warmth. It's best used for those who want a very compact look and want to pack it away when not in use so it can fit in a backpack or desk drawer. Wear this with a t-shirt underneath and maybe the Building Block tracksuit pants from Kowtow or some jeans from Nudie Jeans Co. depending on the occasion.

IT DOESN'T EVEN GET THAT COLD WHERE I LIVE

You're either telling the truth or in cold-denial but either way we have options for you at BLAEK Store because it's true some places don't get cold enough for a down jacket. This is where Kowtow comes in with their new range of beautiful, cosy knits. We are loving the Henri Crew in sky for those days where you don't need to be totally sealed off from the elements but wouldn't mind a non-stop warm hug.

Wear the Henri Crew with a solid pair of jeans from our extensive range. Our pick? The Nudie Jeans Co. Breezy Britt in black worn.

We also love Kowtow's Bubble Crew which can be dressed up and has an incredible bubble-like texture on the outside. The Bubble Crew looks beautiful over a dress and we think it looks sooooooo good over the Riley Dress in particular.

WINTER ESSENTIALS FOR HIM

YEP, I'M BLOODY COLD!

It doesn't mean your any less of a tough-guy it just means you feel the cold. I'm not ashamed to say that I feel it way more than most people and nothing makes me more happy than actually finding a garment that keeps me warm in winter.

I look no further than a solid Patagonia Down Jacket or the Nudie Jeans Co. Lenny jacket (my fave colour is worn black). Patagonia does block out the wind very well and uses the tried and tested insulation of goose down to warm the coldest of people but there is something to be said for a solid denim bomber jacket with insulation.

If the Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket in black is your jam, then you'll feel so warm you only need a t-shirt underneath. Our pick is one of the Pt. Nemo plain tees and below we would run this with a solid pair of Nudie Jeans Co. jeans - maybe the Lean Dean in Everblack or Indigo Salt? Yep that's an awesome match for sure.

We now have the Lenny jacket by Nudie Jeans Co. in black and denim blue. It's a solid jacket that will keep you warm but looks super stylish and can be dressed up or down. Wear it with a shirt or t-shirt underneath and we recommend pairing with some chinos or jeans for a solid outfit!

IT'S NOT THAT COLD PEOPLE

Alright tough guy! Nah we get it, not everyone feels the cold. There is also that very confused guy you see wearing board shorts with a down jacket in winter but that might be a seperate blog post!

For the guy who doesn't really feel the cold we have plenty of cotton crews, hoodies and insulated shirts from Nudie Jeans Co. and Patagonia. Also jeans don't forget about jeans! The new arrivals from NJCO includes the Melvin Crew and Franke Hoody which are such high quality and come in a few great colours. We also always stock the solid Patagonia Uprisal Crews which you just can't go wrong with.

The Franke Hoody in black and apricot!


...and the Melvin Crew in apricot and green. These look so good with jeans or chinos.

Last but not least, Patagonia also have flannels which every guy should own. The Fjord Flannels come in a range of colours, are super soft, thick and warmer than your average. They also fly out the door so be quick!