How to Layer Clothes for Cold Weather

When faced with cold weather, a good way to deal with the elements is to wear layered clothing. By layering your clothing, you create insulation to stay warm. Also you will be able to easily adjust if you go indoors or the weather changes drastically by taking off a layer or two.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coat
• Boots
• Hat
• Gloves

1. Decide how many layers of clothes you will need. If the changes in temperature aren't going to be extreme, you can limit your number of layers. However, if there are going to be great fluctuations in weather throughout the day, it's a good idea to wear as many layers as you are comfortable wearing. If you are hiking or traveling outdoors, consider not only how cold it is outside but how warm it will be at your destination.

2. Begin with your bottom layers. You should wear an undershirt, underwear and socks. If it is going to be extremely cold, consider wearing long underwear. Your socks should be thick enough to protect your feet from cold weather.

3. Add a cotton or knit shirt over your undershirt. The shirts shouldn't be baggy, but it also shouldn't be skin tight. You want to create a thin layer of air between each layer of clothing for insulation. That warm air that is trapped between each layer will keep your warm.

4. Put on a pair of long pants. Denim and corduroy are good materials for cold weather and are versatile enough to wear in cooler temperatures if the weather changes. If you expect rain, consider a pair of rain pants.

5. Wear a sweater on top of your shirt. The sweater should be slightly more baggy than the shirt. It should not be extremely thin, but also not so thick that you can't fit your jacket on over it.

6. Wear sheepskin or other winter boots if you are going to be outdoors for great lengths of time. If you are hiking or walking through snow or ice, select boots that are made of waterproof materials like Gore-Tex. Do not wear shoes without traction. In the winter, it is easy to fall on ice and get injured.

7. Finish up with your final layer, consisting of an overcoat and protection for your head and hands. An overcoat is vital in cold weather, choose a slick wind breaker or raincoat depending on the forecast.

8. Protect your head with ear muffs, scarves and hats. The body loses the most heat from the head and the feet; therefore, it's very important to keep these areas covered and warm. Add a pair of gloves to protect your hands.

Resources

• At burlingtoncoatfactory.com, you can locate a coat suitable for cold weather.
• Buy scarves at fashionscarvesandshawls.com.
• Purchase gloves at onlygloves.com.

[ricarooni]

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