When the temperature drops, the number of clothing layers you wear needs to increase. The layers help trap body heat like a blanket. Here are suggested clothing layers for winter. You have options for each piece of clothing. The key is not to have all bulky clothing.
Winter Clothes Base Layer
Your base layer should be made of wool, silk, or polypropylene. This layer needs to hold heat without absorbing moisture. Cotton holds moisture against your skin.
Top Clothes Layer
Your next layer may be a pullover sweater, a flannel shirt, a thin sweatshirt, a silk blouse, etc. You will want something that is loose-fitting but not bulky.
If it is not extremely cold outside, 2-3 layers are all you need. Choose clothes made of wool, flannel, or fleece. If it is extremely cold, you will need three plus layers. If this is your top layer, you can choose bulky clothing such as cable-knit sweaters, bulky fleece, etc. Or pick an easy-to-remove layer, such as a cardigan.
Insulated Layer
In extreme cold, you will need a piece of inner clothing that is insulated. Choose natural fabrics such as classic fleece, wool, or goose down. The vest or jacket will need to be thin.
Bottom Winter Clothes Layer
You will need two layers on your legs plus your base layer.
This layer needs to be thin so it fits under your top pants. Choose a pant that is thin and breathable with a minimum of details. For women, leggings may be a good choice.
Choose a thick fabric for your top pants layer, such as denim, fleece-lined sweats, thick wool pants, heavy duck, or corduroy. If you are going to get wet, wear water-resistant pull-up pants over the other two pairs.
Socks
Using two layers of socks will keep your feet toasty. The under sock needs to be thin-such as a dress sock.
Your top sock should be insulated and preferably have padding on the bottom. Your socks should be long–no anklets.
Outer Clothes Layer
Your coat should be wind and water-resistant. Choose one that is insulated–down (real or synthetic), fake fur, fleece, or other thick linings. Pick a coat that fits snugly at the wrists. A coat with a double layer closure–zipper with a snap-up tab over–will offer the most protection. The tab protects against wind entering through the zipper. Choose a fabric that is tightly woven. Leather coats are wind and water-resistant but usually not insulated, making them a poor choice for bitterly cold days. Styles that work include trench, military coat, longer ski coats, puffer coats, and a parka. You may need to buy a larger coat to fit over the clothes layers.
Cap/Hat
Choose a cap or hat that covers your head, including your ears, or choose a hat with ear flaps. For people with long hair, a ponytail hat allows space for your hair. Pull the hood of your coat over your cap on freezing days.
Mittens/Gloves
Mittens are warmer than gloves. The choice is yours. You can pick a
knitted glove or a leather glove for cold days and a thin glove with a
mitten pulled over on a frigid day. If your hands are going to get wet,
choose a water-resistant mitten.
Scarf/ Face Mask
A scarf wrapped around your face or a face mask is recommended on freezing days. The scarf is to protect you from inhaling icy cold air.
Boots
Choose a pair of flat boots–no high heels–that have tread on the sole of the boot, making them suitable for icy conditions. Choose a boot that is taller than ankle height to keep out snow. They should be water-resistant. The style depends on your taste–work boot, hiking boot, snow boot or something more fashionable.
Additional tips:
- Wet clothing chills the body quickly–try to stay dry or wear a water-resistant outer clothing layer.
- Goosedown loses its’ insulation ability when wet.
- If you feel warm, remove a clothing layer. Do not allow yourself to get sweaty.
- Don’t ignore shivering. Seek a warm place.
Please share any additional ideas for layering clothing in the comments below.
Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed this blog post, please give it a share!
For additional information:
0 Comments