There are are plenty of people that impatiently await spring, with its pleasant temperate days and return of green scenery. The University’s student body is not among them. As local and national weather outlets predict temperatures will continue to climb this March, students are voicing their annual lament — warm spring weather is simply not conducive to wearing Canada Goose jackets.
The Canada-based clothing company has specialized in extreme “weather-tested” outerwear since 1957. Their parkas and similar garments first gained popularity among snowmobiliers and scientists for their respective — but equally cold — arctic expeditions. Now internationally known as makers of luxury winter-wear, Canada Goose jackets have become an increasingly common sighting in the Commonwealth — specifically across Grounds.
While one might remark that such heavy-duty parkas are an unnecessary commodity south of the Mason-Dixon line, University students are actually ahead of the curve. Research shows that climate change trends will actually result in harsher winter weather, as demonstrated by the final-exam-cancelling snowfall of Dec. 9, 2018. Such forward-thinking innovation can only be expected from one of the best public universities in the United States.
“Climate change definitely means higher snowfall and more extreme winter temperatures,” said Prof. Robert Tree of the Environmental Sciences department. “So yeah, I guess. I guess it’s smarter to buy warmer coats? It’s not really preventative or productive, though.”
When the fall semester becomes inevitably chillier, students revel in unpacking their Canada Goose jackets. Sadly, all good things must eventually come to an end. The spring warm-up means that wearing down and fur-lined arctic expedition-quality parkas is virtually unfeasible — although many bravely try their hardest to prolong Canada Goose season.
“I usually try to wear mine until about mid-April,” said one female third-year student. “It just gets so hard because I’ll start to sweat on my walk to central Grounds. I mean like, really sweat.” However, solutions are available to students who wish to wear their jackets into spring or even summer. “Sometimes I’ll bring one of those little towels to cool off and wipe the sweat away once I get to class. That really seems to help.”
One of the biggest drawbacks to summertime, according to several students, is that there simply isn’t any item of clothing that communicates social status in quite the same way. Canada Goose jackets — if you didn’t know — cost upwards of $800 and rarely go on sale. For many, having the trademark “Canada Goose, Arctic Project” patch on their shoulder is both a source of comfort and confidence. When temperatures rise, retiring the jacket can be an emotional decision.
“It’s actually pretty rough for guys,” said a male third-year student. “Girls can wear jewelry or bracelets that are expensive, but for us, nothing really beats a Canada Goose jacket … nothing.”
It’s worth noting the Canada Goose company has recently come under public scrutiny for their use of animal fur — specifically that of coyotes — and goose feathers. However, the company states all fur is “ethically sourced” from trappers in regions overpopulated by the critters and never purchased from fur farms. We contacted one coyote, Phil, from the Saskatchewan province. Unfortunately, Phil was unable to reach us for comment as his left hind leg is currently caught in a snare trap, according to the Saskatchewan gossip news site saskwatch.com.
Although May and finals week seem far away, remember to savor the appearance of passing parkas while it lasts. And to University students attempting to prolong #CanadaGooseSzn this spring, remember — drink lots of fluids and make sure to rest if feeling faint or short of breath.
Caroline Caruso is a Humor Columnist at The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at humor@cavalierdaily.com.
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