Cold Weather Fans
Watching the matches this week, I noticed that the Arctic has descended on the EPL. Players are all hatted and gloved up to battle the cold, and it’s hardly December.
*First caveat, the important players are the ones ripping their kit off and revealing some fabulous abs after a masterful goal vs. Southampton. Also, the same guy who mentioned that he is “more out than in” right now.
But THAT SUBJECT will have to wait. Stay tuned.
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Now, I’ve some experience playing in cold weather, and I’m not too fond of it, and even if I scored – which I never do – I wouldn’t be removing my kit or the long underwear I often have on underneath.
So, when the weather changes for the worse, I can’t imagine the players are super happy either.
Alas, I’m not in charge of the football dress code or the facility specifications (heated field anyone), so my remaining power is to advise the players and supporters on clothing.
THOSE BREAKS
In fact, I might even stray a bit and make some comments about international breaks and how those matches could all be played in Jan-March without any weather issues.
And if we moved the international breaks, our complete side would have multiple additional matches in good weather.
Now we’re facing the festive fixtures – which Klopp likely called the F-ing fixtures – and we’re fortunate not to have more injuries. In past years, we’ve lost multiple players to injuries incurred in different leagues.
We’re also fortunate to have mostly darker-colored kits that retain heat better than light blues and insane striped jerseys that aren’t even included in the “fabrics that perform” conversation.
It’s settled that the team is all set and will most-likely be able to get the uniforms and accessories they need to stay comfortable on the pitch. What’s not settled is what we should wear as we get into winter.
LET’S JUST DIVE TO THE NEXT CALENDAR PAGE
You must select a wardrobe that will see you through the season and hopefully onto a podium. This list applies to fans, bar staff, extended family, pets, and others. Anyone who’d like to stay warm when it’s cold outside.
*I understand that matches begin at the end of summer and wrap up at the beginning – therefore, a second column on warm-weather comfort will come to you in April 2025 or so. For the purpose of this piece, let’s agree that the thermometer has low numbers.
HEADS, SHOULDERS, KNEES, & TOES
The last match I attended at the pub required patience and warmth. As with most supporters’ bars, we have two lines every match day and they are outside the venue against a brick wall.
This brick wall is made of a material – brick – that is cold in cold weather. It’s also wet in wet weather, And wet in snowy weather. I’m not sure how wind affects the wall.
Regardless, LFC supporters line up against the wall on either side of the door to the pub. If you’ve paid a membership fee, you’re in one line with the other members. If you’re not a member, you’re on the other side of the doorway in the overflow or waitlist line.
For Man City, Arsenal, Everton, and Tottenham, don’t expect to stand in the overflow line and get inside. You’ll likely be walking to another bar in the cold, wet weather.
That long walk will be sad, but what’s sadder is you’ll be doing it without one of our membership perks…a Liverpool scarf. And that’s our first item.
SCARVES
Most people have seen enough crime dramas on TV to know that if you leave your car unlocked, you’ll likely get strangled to death by someone hiding in the back seat. While it might seem that having an LFC scarf around your neck would be dangerous, it’s not.
You see, with a scarf, you won’t need to rely on a gas-powered cage, you’ll be able to walk or take public transport. Also, there are places where people get killed, but if it happens you’ll look stylish in your LFC scarf.
HATS/CAPS/BEANIES/ETC.
It’s a fun coincidence that appearances in country-specific matches count as ‘caps’. I’m suggesting that the caps people wear be less symbolic and more functional.
When you were younger, did anyone ever bop you on the head while you were wearing a baseball cap? I got bopped. Not a lot, but once is enough to remind anyone that baseball-style caps are sewn together with a metal ‘button’ at the very center top of the cap.
That reminder comes in the form of what feels like a little metal button being jammed into the top of your skull…because it is. Now imagine heading the ball while wearing a cap. No dice.
So you’ve selected headwear that is warm and attractive. Two more things to think about regarding functional, cold-weather hats. First, if you’re attending a match or playing on the field, try to stay away from tall hats. This includes hats with pom-poms.
The primary reasons are visibility and skull pain. A cute, furry attachment to the top of a hat can block the view of people behind you (although if you’re not standing at a match, you’re in the cushy seats and probably have a little heater).
Also, this knob at the hat peak, like all caps, uses a knot of thread or a TINY METAL BUTTON to secure the pom-pom. That knot is a slightly softer way to get a dent in your skull. So, if you’re on the field, get a beanie if you’re chilly.
KITS – JERSEYS & GEAR
The priority at a match, at a pub, in public, at weddings and funerals, anywhere really….is to represent the club. You do this with fabulous-looking gear that is pleasing to the Liverpool family for so many reasons.
Retro is cool, enough said.
Kit versions align with championship and cup years – underscoring great memories.
Custom is fun – personalized gear is fun, and sporting a player’s number is respectful.
SHOP THE AMERICAN SCOUSER COLLECTION TODAY
But none of these items is warm, so enter the LFC store. I’m not saying buy all the gear all the time at the team story, but they have the goods.
My best advice for getting suited up like my friend Adam or I, is to watch the sales and promotions.
As I type this – on a Monday with only a lousy #NEWWHU match scheduled – I’m wearing LFC socks, a t-shirt, a sweatshirt (style is not my favorite – no pouch pocket – but it is warm), and Reds’ colors on my Apple watch band.
MISCELLANEOUS STUFF
When the cold weather comes, there is a final collection of items that will serve you well on the pitch or standing in line. Or even in a drafty stadium or pub overflow outdoor tables.
These don’t work for everyone for various reasons and they are in no particular order.
Hand warmers – Tip, don’t put them against bare skin, they can cause a rash and burn you. Don’t ask how I know.
Boots – Being on cement or bricks or hard stadium surfaces can be chilly. Put on the boots even if they’re clunky or ugly, just as long as they’re warm and water-resistant. Remember, this is still America and if your feet get hot inside the pub or at the match, take your boots off.
Gloves – Pretty clear. These are even useful on the pitch because you really shouldn’t be pulling jerseys or using your hands for much.
Rain poncho – Fits in a pocket and can deflect the wind and keep you dry.
Seat cushion – Works for both stadium seating that can be cold on your butt, and for pub lines or the sideline at the pitch.
Ultimately, you might be one of the lucky fans with mild seasons and open-air pubs. In that case, don’t take your position for granted.
But if you are one of the MANY thousands of LFC supporters who are playing in and watching from frigid places, I hope the suggestions in this column help keep you warm and fuzzy all season long.
See you outside again in April. – J
