Essential winter clothing?

Yeah sorry, I appreciate I didn't really answer your question. Another mildy irritating swipe at an answer I could go for is to DIY?

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-urban-waterproof-cycling-overtrousers-black-id_8402040.html

Also mudguards with long flaps.

And you will have dry feet.

after 5yrs in the uk, ive only just discovered this and life is infinitely better

https://road.cc/content/review/221475-weatherneck-system-breakaway-balaclava

Yep, that seems the best bet at the moment.

That's immense, 40 quid to complete the full bike ninja outfit.

There's people who've lived here all their lives and not worked that out.

After years of going through overshoes, I eventually caved and got a pair of these. SKS longboards with those means the only thing that gets muddy are my guards.

Pair those with some thick merino socks and my feet (that do tend to get pretty cold), only get warmer in a ride.

Pretty tempted by those Decathlon overtrousers to really seal myself.

When i first came i had a colleague from yorkshire who told me that no front guard was fine because 'most of the water hits in the downtube'.

which has some truth to it

But unless your bicycle frame is made from sponge, then the water is going to carry on, having been deflected nicely out to the sides to meet your feet

This looks like it might do the trick? https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/478505398/bandamo

And pools in the bb to rot your frame
edit
Sorry, fun-sponge reply

Nice, that looks good. Maybe wouldn't cover the ears but pretty much what I was after.

What's the go to winter bib tight at the moment? I'm thinking of getting a pair as bib shorts and warmers aren't doing the trick at the moment. I'm leaning towards the dhb lab all winter ones as they're on sale, or maybe something from gore. Any advice?

I’m a biiig fan of padless bib tights worn over one’s preferred bib shorts. I picked up a pair of Rapha classic tights on here a couple of years ago and they’re great. Other padless tights are available. Howies and Planet X do them.

Polartec wind pro on them. They should be good, if the pad works and stitching holds up.

I've been thinking about that option, does it not get too clammy/stuffy/tight around the nether region?

Might give the DHB's a go then, i've heard their sizing is a little iffy though.

No issues here. The Rapha ones seem to have decent cut to fit a pair of bibs underneath.

I've got Howies unpadded tights and Bioracer Tempest unpadded tights.

I would recommend both. Howies for a bit cold, Bioracers for proper cold

Looking to go full waterproof mode ... on the hunt for waterproof pants ...

For me it's a combo of the sealskinz socks I posted above and a waterproof baggy 3/4 MTB short. Easier to change in and out of, and I've never had any boil-in-the-bag issues like you do with full length trousers.
Your shoes will get soaking wet, but with those socks you won't mind. Just choose a pair of shoes that dry easily.

(I keep making this recommendation every few years and no one have so far has taken me up on it.)

Is there an alternative to a buff that doesn't just turn into a wet, hard to breathe through mess after a couple of minutes covering your face? No wool or other animal products please!

Galibier snood works reasonably well, as it dries out real quick. If that’s a rather mixed blessing

Thanks! They're only a fiver on ebay so will give one a go.

recommendations for leg warmers?

I bought some from Aldi many years ago and the elastic has finally worn out and holes are appearing. They have been brilliant. The brand is “Crane” but I can’t find them to buy anymore.