It's hard to talk yourself out of the house through those specially British damp-combined-with-cold winter days. And if you manage to get yourself out, the slow reveal of mottled with cold turkey legs as you peel tights off on your return, never stops being an unpleasant surprise. But wait! Don't let Minx make you rush headlong back to the duvet, all is very definitely not lost, because Gore has produced to cosiest bib tight ever. Made from Windstopper Soft Shell fabric, it repels the cold and damp outside but is soft and warm inside. Combined with an immaculate paneled cut they manage to avoid being bulky too. Cold spots at either end are chased away by the bib top, with full back coverage and underfoot loops, (Minx knows they're functional, but couldn't help having a tiny Quadrophenia moment anyway). The seamless pad is designed for long distance riding, with an elastic interface so that it moves with you, not against you. There is plusher depth at the rear where you need it, and a flatter less pressure inducing section through the centre before more shock absorbing softness 'up front'. If that wasn't enough, perfs in the foam help stop heat build up (yes it will happen right there even if it's minus something on the outside) and the anti-bac finish helps keep you sweet.

BUT BEST OF ALL, once you're snuggled inside you won't have to struggle out again for your loo breaks. Just unzip the zip that runs from one side, right round the back and drop the seat. Just remember to unhook the front fastening first, or like Minx you'll find yourself locked up like a jack knifed deckchair. It's a difficult position to recover from with dignity...

Minx likes: the combination of warmth AND sleek.