I see you, jacketless among us.

Picture this. It’s nearing the end of November. You wake up in the morning and the weather app tells you it’s 38 degrees outside. The air is feeling more sharp than crisp. Most would call this jacket appropriate weather. Some, a small minority, might not. 

You step outside to head to class. Your friends give you a once over and exclaim, “Aren’t you cold?” No jacket in sight, just a sweater or a long sleeve shirt. You smile, shrug, and say the two words that prompt a thousand judgemental glares from those jacket-wearers: “I’m fine.” 

But really, why the jacket shaming? Not wearing a jacket isn’t reckless disregard for the icy perils of the incoming winter like some might think; it’s a conscious lifestyle choice. And I’m here to defend it. 

It’s All About Efficiency 

In all honesty, jackets are cumbersome. They’re bulky, get stuck in weird spots when you put on your bag, are hard to carry when you get hot, and an absolute pain when put on the back of your chair in class. They render me clumsy, uncomfortable, and seemingly unaware of my surroundings. Most of us have had the experience of trying to navigate a classroom or a crowded dining hall while holding our puffer jackets tight and then struggling to find a place to stash it. 

Instead of thoughtlessly throwing a jacket on, layer strategically. A thick hoodie, fleece, or long sleeve shirt can be lighter, more manageable, and socially acceptable to keep on indoors without enduring comments remarking on how hot you must be. 

The Myth of Cold

The human body is remarkably adaptable. Yes, I am from the East Coast and have adapted to freezing winters. Yes, sometimes the walk between classes is long. Yes, winter weather can be chilly. However, we all have a built-in thermostat. It’s called shivering, and it’s basically nature’s way of saying, “You got this. The cold isn’t so bad.” I also sometimes find myself colder while wearing a jacket than without. You zip it up, only to find you’re somehow colder than before. Plus, a brisk power walk to class will warm you up faster than any parka. 

Also, consider the jacket paradox: wearing a heavy coat often means sweating on your commute to class and then freezing when you take it off indoors. Skipping the jacket ensures you stay at a steady, manageable temperature that doesn’t have you swinging between extremes. 

Fashion Over Frostbite

Let’s be real: jackets aren’t always cute. Sometimes they can ruin an otherwise flawless outfit. What’s the point of rocking your favorite sweater, oversized scarf, or meticulously planned ensemble if you’re just going to hide it under a shapeless winter coat? Choosing not to wear a jacket is an artistic decision-a refusal to let practicality stifle your personal style. We all know how important personal style is here at Columbia University. 

And yes, for those who claim that frostbite isn’t fashionable, I counter with this: enduring mild discomfort for the sake of aesthetics is the foundation of all great fashion. 

Building Character

I admit, braving the cold without a jacket isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s an act of rebellion, a way to show the rest of the student body that you’re resilient, unfazed, and maybe just completely unbothered the chaos of college. People might question your sanity, but that’s the price of living life boldly. 

So, the next time someone gasps at your lack of outerwear, smile and stroll on, or remind them that humanity survived millennia without puffer coats. Not wearing a jacket doesn’t make you reckless or stupid. It makes you efficient, stylish, and resilient. Plus, it saves you from the inevitable nightmare of forgetting your coat somewhere. 

So, let the jacket-wearers shake their heads in disbelief. We’re not cold-we’re just cool.

Image via Bwarchives