Cold weather clothing vocabulary (and the coziest cafes in SD and SF)

Winter Clothing Vocabulary

Beanie

This unisex cap can be more bulky, like a sweater, or more athletic-looking. They can also be oversized, like the one pictured below, or more form-fitting.

Hoodie

“Hoodie” is a broad term for shirts with a hood. They can have a zipper, like the one pictured below, or not. Most have large pockets in the front for your hands. Hoodies with zippers are also sometimes called “zip-ups.”

Leggings

Leggings come in all colors and patterns. Some are thicker; some are thin or sheer.

Pea Coat

Pea coats were originally part of the U.S. Navy uniform; today, they are a fashion statement for men or women.

Pullover

Like the word “hoodie,” the term “pullover” is very generic: it can be applied to any sweater that you pull over your head. Traditionally, the pullover was a bulky, “dorky” sweater, like the ones worn by nerdy characters in Christmas movies. Today, they are again a fashion statement.

“Uggs”

“UGG” is actually the name of the Australian boot company that first produced the warm, furry boots that so many people love. Today, the name applies to any type of boot produced in that same style.

Zip-up

If the sweatshirt has a zipper, it can be called a “zip-up.”

Now that you know the names of the clothing worn in cold weather, what about cold weather plans? A chilly day is a great excuse for going to a coffee shop and studying. Both San Diego and San Francisco have some cozy, inviting cafes: check them out!

Cozy cafes in San Diego

Cafe Calabria

(619) 291-1759

This Italian-run coffee shop in North Park is a great place to relax and grab an espresso, cappuccino, or even a glass of wine. If you get hungry, check out their delicious pizzas baked in their wood-fired oven. Very Italian!

Lestats

(619) 282-0437

This cozy cafe in Normal Heights is one of the more famous cafes in San Diego, and is frequented by locals. Guests lounge in sofas and read, work on laptops, or play games with friends in this very charming place.

The Olive Cafe

(858) 488-1224

What was once a very small cafe has expanded: the owner purchased the cafe next door and turned both locations into a larger restaurant. It is a good thing: the food was so good that customers would happily wait a very long time for a seat! This is a great place to grab a coffee and some breakfast or lunch when you are spending a day in Mission Beach.

Upstart Crow Bookstore and Coffee House

(619) 232-4855

Even San Diego locals are surprised to find that Seaport Village has a bookstore: Upstart Crow is truly a hidden gem! Part bookstore, part knick-knack shop, part cafe . . . Upstart is an incredibly charming place to get a coffee and curl up with a new book.

Cozy cafes in San Francisco

Joy’s Place

(415) 817-1391

Free wi-fi, inventive drinks like the Sweet Tea Latte, and an inviting atmosphere make Joy’s a popular cafe for many San Franciscans.

Nook

(415) 447-4100

Cafe Capriccio

(415) 772-0937

Cover image from Shamrock Arts on Etsy.