These tips can improve your safety and comfort in frigid temperatures.
In the dead of winter, there’s nothing worse than getting outside and realizing you’re not dressed warmly enough to handle the frigid temperatures. Not only can it be a day ruiner—making it hard to think about anything other than how cold you are—but it can be dangerous, too.
Dressing inadequately for winter weather can increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. So, when you want to work out in extremely cold weather (or simply build a snowman with your kids), it’s important to put extra thought into what you’re wearing and make sure you’re adequately covered from head to toe.
To make the process of getting dressed for the winter easier, we researched the best cold-weather clothing tips and tapped the CDC for expert advice. Below, find all the tips you need to get adequately bundled up during the winter and stay safe amidst below-zero temperatures.
Warm Clothing You’ll Need
Part of dressing safely for cold temperatures is being intentional in making sure that every part of your body is adequately covered and kept dry. When getting dressed in the winter, use this warm clothing checklist below as a guide.
- A hat
- A scarf or knit mask to cover the face and mouth
- Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
- Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
- Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
- Water-resistant coat and boots
Mitten Tips
While it may be tempting to swap the mittens for an easier-to-use pair of gloves, mittens tend to be a warmer choice. According to REI, this is because fingers generate more heat when they’re not separated from each other by fabric, as they are with gloves.
Look for mittens that include down or synthetic insulation, a waterproof design, and fit your hands properly. A properly fitting mitten will have about ¼ inch of material at the end of your outstretched fingers.
Winter Hat Tips
As far as the best hat for winter weather, you can choose a style that suits you, but it’s important to consider the material to determine what option will keep you warm and dry. According to Skis.com, microfleece and wool materials are both great at retaining heat and wicking away moisture.
How to Layer Warm Clothing
When it comes to dressing warmly, it may seem that simply packing on the layers is a safe bet, but there’s a bit of science to doing it right. Here’s how the CDC says you should be layering in cold weather for optimal warmth.
Inner Layer
Wear shirt fabrics that will hold more body heat and don’t absorb moisture. Wool, silk, or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.
Insulation Layer
An insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Slip on a pair of warm tights underneath jeans or pants. Natural fibers, like wool, goose down, or fleece work best. Wool socks are a great choice to keep your feet cozy and dry.
Outer Layer
The outermost layer helps protect you from wind, rain, and snow. This winter weather garment should be tightly woven and preferably water and wind resistant to reduce loss of body heat. Think wool coats, down jackets or full-length parkas.
Best Fabrics to Wear in Cold Weather
When preparing to face the cold, keep in mind the fabrics you are choosing as they play a significant role in keeping you warm and comfortable. Your fabrics should work to trap in heat, wick moisture, and block out the winter elements. These fabrics will help you stay cozy all season long even in winter’s harshest conditions.
Wool
Well-known for its excellent insulation, wool efficiently traps in heat even when damp, making it the perfect choice for base layers, socks, and sweaters.
Fleece
Fleece is good choice for your insulation layers as it’s both warm and lightweight. It’s a great option to trap in heat without feeling weighed down.
Flannel
Soft, warm, and breathable, flannel is a versatile fabric great for all types of cold weather. It’s cozy feel makes it perfect for casual winter shirts, pajamas, and even lined pants, offering maximum comfort without sacrificing warmth.
Cashmere
Luxuriously soft and lightweight, cashmere provides exceptional warmth without all the bulk, making it an ideal option for layering under your winter coat. It’s smooth, gentle feel makes it both a functional and fashionable choice for any winter occasion.
Synthetic Fabrics
Synethetic fabrics such as polyester, polypropylene and GORE-TEX are premier for wicking away moisture and keeping you dry. These fabrics are lightweight, durable, and often use as base layers and outerwear designed for active cold-weather activities.
How to Prevent Overheating
When dressing for cold weather, it’s important to find the balance between keeping warm and avoiding getting overheated. Unfortunately, excessive sweating will cause your body to lose more heat. So make sure to remove extra layers of clothing whenever you start to feel too warm.
Layer Strategically
Choose layers that will be easy to remove as your body temperature increases. Opting for zippered items allows for quick and easy adjustments.
Ventilate
Look for outerwear with ventilation features, such as underarm zippers or mesh-lined vents, as these can help regulate your body temperature without having to completely remove a layer.
Avoid Overdressing
If you’re going to be participating in high-energy activities such as shoveling or hiking, it’s best to start light and add on extra layers as needed.
Hypothermia Signs to Watch Out For
Shivering means your body is losing heat, and constant shivering is probably a sign that it’s time to go inside and warm up.
When venturing out into the cold, it’s also important to know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. In adults, the signs of hypothermia include:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
In babies, the signs are bright red, cold skin, and very low energy.
