A Season to Embrace Warmth
In the past few days, the cold has truly intensified.
Just last week, there were moments when I'd sweat during the day, but now it feels like winter is already here.
Especially in the mornings, the chill is stronger, and some days, it's a bit hard to get out of bed.
Since I'm naturally sensitive to cold, I try my best to keep my body warm by drinking hot water and doing yoga.
One afternoon, I was having tea with a friend.
It was a rather cloudy day, with a sharp, cold wind. As we sat with our warm drinks, we naturally started discussing our favorite ways to stay warm.
"Cold is the enemy, so I wear a belly warmer all year round," she said.
I'd been curious about them for several years, but I had never actually tried one.
She continued with a gentle smile,
"These days, there are so many different kinds of belly warmers, and I switch them up depending on the season. Warming my belly improves my circulation, and it even changes how I wake up in the morning."
As I listened, I became quite interested in belly warmers myself.
Come to think of it, when I was a child,
I remember my mother often telling me, "Tuck your pajama bottoms in properly so your stomach doesn't get cold."
Back then, I just brushed it off as one of her usual sayings, but now I feel like I understand the meaning of her words a little better.
That night, I decided to do some research on belly warmers.
Gentle warmth, seamlessly crafted
What caught my eye was kontex's "Seamless Wool Cotton Belly Warmer Pants."
I considered the belly band type, but I opted for the pants type.
I was drawn to the sense of security it offered, gently warming my entire lower body by securely wrapping not only my stomach but also my hips and inner thighs.
As the name suggests, these pants are made with a "seamless" knitting technique, which means no bulkiness and a very smooth fit against the skin.
The material is a double-ply yarn of merino wool and organic cotton.
The moment I saw those words, I felt a sense of reassurance.
Both are materials I love, and I know how comfortable they are. Merino wool, in particular, is a big favorite of mine; I'm always surprised by its smooth feel. Since it's a material that doesn't generate static electricity easily, I thought it would be perfect for a belly warmer.
After all, when it's something that touches your skin directly, you want to be particular about the material, don't you?
The color variations are beige, brown, and charcoal gray.
All are subdued tones, less likely to show through clothing when layered, making them easy to use as innerwear. I decided to get all three colors for rotation.
A few days later, my belly warmer pants arrived.
They were incredibly light, and so soft that I couldn't help but want to rub them against my cheek.
As soon as I put them on, a gentle warmth spread, enveloping me from my stomach to my lower back.
The waist and cuffs are ribbed, gently stretching and contracting with my body's movements, so I don't feel any constriction.
The cuffs also don't roll up, making them comfortable to wear for long periods.
On workdays, I opt for beige, which is less likely to show through light-colored clothing and offers a sense of security. Charcoal gray blends well with dark-toned clothes.
On my days off, I often choose brown for a more relaxed feel.
Before I knew it, I was wearing them almost every day since they arrived.
It seems that the color I reach for naturally depends on my outfit and mood for the day.
Nukui Socks
Along with the belly warmer pants, I also got "Nukui Socks."
Did you know "Nukui" is a dialect?
It means "warm" and is apparently used mainly in Western Japan.
The gentle choice of words, typical of the Imabari brand kontex, instantly brings a smile to my face.
Since they were made from the same material and came in the same color variations as the belly warmer pants, I decided to get them as a set. All the colors blend well with everyday life, and I appreciate that they can be worn both indoors and outdoors.
When I picked them up, I was surprised by how much "bouncier" and thicker they felt than I expected.
The ankle area has a wide ribbing that stretches gently for a snug fit.
They're as warm as wearing leg warmers over socks, and they look cute too.
They don't get stuffy even after wearing them all day, and they provide a gentle warmth. That's merino wool for you!
The heels to toes are made of thick pile fabric, which mitigates the coldness from the floor, making slippers almost unnecessary.
I always thought wool socks were prone to pilling, but these have kept their shape and shown almost no fuzzing even after several washes. Both their appearance and texture have remained pristine, which made me incredibly happy.
They're a reliable pair that I want to wear every day.
My "Wearable Warmth" Journey Has Begun
The belly warmer pants and Nukui socks have joined my wardrobe.
It's amazing how much a day can change just by keeping your body from getting cold.
Both were so comfortable that I'm thinking of getting them as a gift for my mother, who also gets cold easily.
Everyone, I encourage you to try "wearable warmth" this winter.
May you find cozy warmth and spend the cold season gently and lightly.
After "wearable warmth," next comes "enveloping warmth."
I'll tell you about my favorite blanket next time.
