The truly damp, foggy weather is yet to arrive in most parts of Italy, as mild and sunny spells persist.

But even during the sunny days that make you wonder if it really is autumn, you may have noticed many Italians already wrapping up warm.

Autumn wardrobe staples such as puffer jackets and beanie hats are making an appearance, and wearing a t-shirt now – even when it’s hot – is a sure-fire way to let people know you’re a foreigner.

In Italy, clothing is as seasonal as the menu of any self-respecting restaurant, and the calendar dictates how we should be dressed – although even this has become a bit muddled with the particularly warm weather recently.

Most of the time, striking seasonal differences here in Italy mean that the arrival of autumn heralds an abrupt and complete cambio dell’armadio (wardrobe switch) – a major family project that can take up whole weekends.

READ ALSO: Are Italy’s strict seasonal dress codes on their way out?

So if someone is imbottito (hear it pronounced here), they’re wrapped up particularly well against the cold (real or perceived).

It might not be the most obvious adjective to use, as the verb imbottire means to ‘stuff’, ‘pad’, or ‘fill’ something. Like a cushion, or a sandwich.

It comes from the word for barrel: una botte – imagine a fat, wooden barrel filled to bursting.

Used reflexively to talk about wrapping up warm, the literal translation into English could be to ‘stuff’ or ‘pack’ yourself full of clothes, which brings some funny imagery.

– Bisogna imbottirsi prima di uscire

– You need to wrap up warm before going out

This word also features in the name of one of the classic wardrobe essentials you’ll see Italians wearing across the country and beyond at this time of year: the gilet imbottito, or sleeveless puffer jacket, which may or may not feature a hood.

There is a reason for the snug seasonal outfits: the dreaded colpo d’aria, or ‘chill’ which, as nonna will remind you, you could easily catch if you go outside, or sit near a window, without being adequately imbottito.

So if someone tells you:

– Devi imbottirti per bene

Thankfully, they’re not telling you to ‘stuff yourself’, but to ‘wrap yourself up well’.

And if you’re still wearing your shorts and sandals out in the October sun at the moment, you can count on hearing this advice from concerned Italians everywhere you go.

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