How to Dress For Cold Weather

Dressing for cold weather is not difficult but careful planning helps. If you choose your clothing carefully, you can keep warm despite bitterly cold weather. Layering is the best way to keep warm. In addition to keeping you warm, layering makes it easier to avoid becoming overheated. You can simply remove layers if you’ve bundled up too much. The following is a guide to layering for cold weather.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

How to Dress for Cold Weather

1. The first layer should be a comfortably light fabric that will wick sweat away from your body. Avoid pure cotton, linen, or other similar materials, however, because these fabrics retain moisture and will chill you. When planning how to dress for cold weather, staying dry should be a top priority. Traditional thermal undergarments work well for the first layer. An alternative to traditional thermals is silk. Silk is very warm and feels wonderful against bare skin. Silk is not very rugged, though, and won’t last as long as traditional thermal underwear.

2. The second layer should fit comfortably over the first layer. Wool is ideal for the second layer of a cold weather outfit. Wool is very warm, retains warmth even when damp, and is available in lighter weights suitable for your second layer. Wool pants and a thin wool sweater are perfect for protection against cold winter weather. If you are allergic to wool, or simply don’t like wool, there are many insulating synthetic fabrics to choose from as alternatives. Try synthetic fleece or other insulating materials.

3. The third layer of winter clothing can be bulkier. A medium weight fleece button down shirt or jacket and another pair of wool pants will do. If you are concerned your legs will get too warm, and you don’t mind casual dress, you can opt for pair of wind-proof nylon (or other material) pants instead of wool. No matter which fabric you choose, the third layer of clothing needs to be easy to remove in case you become overheated.

4. In extremely cold weather, the outer layer may actually be comprised of two layers—a heavier coat on top of a lighter coat, for instance. Coats with a hood are best because they add an extra layer of protection from the cold for your head and neck. Longer coats, such as parkas that cover the thighs, are better than waist-length coats. The outer layer also needs to include a head covering. The body loses a lot of heat from the head. It is important when dressing for cold weather that you wear a warm hat even if your coat is hooded. Hats that can be pulled down far enough to protect your ears are ideal.

5. Your ears, cheeks, nose, chin, fingers and toes are very susceptible to frost bite. Protect your face by wearing a warm scarf in addition to your hat and hooded coat. Protect hands with mittens or gloves. Mittens are warmer than gloves because the body heat generated in the hand is confined to the enclosed area. Unfortunately, mittens are not very practical. I recommend purchasing a good pair of insulated gloves and a pair of mittens (or gloves) large enough to fit over the insulated gloves

6. Finally, warm socks and shoes are a vital part of a cold-weather wardrobe. Toes and fingers are exceptionally vulnerable to frostbite. When the body is cold, more blood is directed away from the extremities and towards the vital organs in order to keep the essential organs warm. This leaves feet, and especially toes, more susceptible to cold weather injury.The first sock layer should be lightweight and moisture-wicking. Two pairs of socks are best. The outer sock can be heavier. Avoid cotton socks or socks of any other material that holds on to moisture.Winter shoes should never fit too tightly. When choosing winter shoes, be sure to pick a size that will allow room for air to circulate. This will help keep your feet drier and warmer. Shoes should be waterproof, have excellent traction, and have a warm, soft, lining.

[keepingwarm]

on 3/25/2009 I wear SealSkinz waterproof / breathable socks (from www.WaterproofFootballSocks.com) for just about anything that I do outside. They wick away moisture to keep my feet dry from the inside and the waterproof membrane keeps both water and the wind from getting through. It's like having a hot water bottle on my foot!

[desebe]

on 1/30/2009 ewachicago Please answer to [e-mail] from argentina

[EwaChicago]

on 1/15/2009 It is -3F with windchill of -20F outside. Your advice is very helpful for such a day. I have long puffy coat and I still have to do layers. Brrrr