



If you’ve ever wandered down a busy street in a neighborhood like Williamsburg, Brooklyn or Manhattan’s SoHo and been greeted by the sight of a towering painted-on image adorning a building several stories high, you may have encountered the work of Colossal Media. The outdoor advertising company prides itself on preserving the age-old practice of hand-painting murals and signs. This means creating stunning exterior art in all kinds of harsh outside conditions — including the freezing temperatures of a blustery New York winter.
“Sometimes painting outside is as active as a session at the gym, and other times it’s as stationary as typing at a desk,” said Colossal painter Daniel Levin. “Except you’re five stories up on the side of a building with wind howling down Houston street at a steady 15-miles-an-hour from the same direction the entire day.”

In those conditions, you can imagine how important the right clothes and accessories are to Colossal’s team of artists, or “walldogs.”
Levin said that, in order to stay warm, he depends on wearing layers of varying materials (like cashmere and wool) and thicknesses, along with high-quality bases.
Levin, along with his fellow New York City-based artists, gave me a list of cold-weather essentials that have come in clutch this winter season and in years past. Whether you’re commuting in inclement weather or prepping for an arctic blast, you’ll definitely find cozy comfort in this selection of painter-approved socks, jackets, shoes and more.
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"Fleece is cheap, super warm, and lasts a long time," Levin said.
The Stoic moisture-wicking hood claims to fit comfortably under helmets, is offered in one unisex size and 11 colors.
This particular pair of classic Smartwool crew socks are an REI bestseller and come in four sizes, feature a heavy cushioned sole as well as an elasticized arch brace for a secure and comfortable fit.
Made from a high-performance fabric that claims to absorb and retain heat, this versatile base layer promises to be stretchy and non-bulky for a comfortable wear that moves with you. It's available in four colors and sizing for both men and women.
These relaxed fit pants have a polyester fleece lining and come in a few colors, three lengths and men's sizes 29-42.
According to her, boots are tricky for most women in this industry because few work boot brands fit smaller feet. "But I swear by the leather Blundstones as waterproof, all-weather everyday boots," Nelson said, adding that in the winter she uses the brand's sheep's wool footbed inserts for added warmth.
These leather boots, which use a brand-exclusive system that disperses shock and reduces skeletal stress, are both heat- and slip-resistant and have a steel toe design for protection in relevant work environments. They are available in both men's and women's sizing.
"600–850-fill down is light and keeps the organs toasty," Levin said, adding that when the temperatures drop he swaps out a regular hoodie for a hooded down jacket.
You can grab this parka in five colors and men's sizes XXS-3XL.
"[The] sherpa-lined Carhartt duck-washed canvas jacket is waterproof and adds some extra insulation," Nelson said of this tough and durable coat, which features an attached sherpa-lined hood with a hidden drawcord. Grab this in five colors and sizing for both men and women.