Iqaluit (Oct 20/03) - Winter has arrived in Iqaluit. The days are short, the temperature is dropping and the snow is here to stay.

Of course, it would seem obvious a rush is on to find proper clothing for the season.

Mike Jewis, from Northmart, said business has already started to pick up with people looking for winter coats, toques and gloves.

"Children's clothing is starting to go pretty quickly," he said.

He said, however, before people start looking for the thickest parka and biggest boots, they should take some time to look at what they really want the clothing for and how much they're willing to spend.

"There's a huge selection of clothing out there and you don't always need it right away," said Jewis.

"You probably only need the down parkas for January," he added.

If people are looking for gear to walk around town in, Jewis recommends a lighter winter coat.

If people are planning to go snowmobiling or hunting out on the land, he recommends people buy the heavier clothing to keep warm.

"How you dress is going to depend on what you do," he said.

While a good coat is important, Jewis also recommends that people take time to look at some other accessories before leaving the store.

"A good pair of boots are important to keep your feet warm," he said.

"The same goes for all your extremities, like your hands and your head.

"You want to make sure you have as little skin exposed to the cold as possible."

Jewis recommends that people layer their clothing properly.

People should start with a pair of thermal underwear, add a layer of fleece and top it off with a coat and a pair of snowpants.

Even with all the latest fashions on the market, sometimes when it comes to winter clothing the traditional ways are still the best.Rannva Simonsen, owner of Iqaluit's Rannva Designs, makes winter clothing from furs, prefering it over synthetic clothing.

Simonsen said she can barely keep up with the demand for furs.

"People think the bulkier the warmer but that's not always the case," she said.

"The fur is lighter, more comfortable and warmer," she said.

Simonsen's furs also have another advantage over the synthetic gear.

"The fur is a lot more beautiful," she said. "It has the ability to warm up the spirit."