What to Wear in Cold Weather?
Despite temperatures often plummeting to subzero temperatures during the winter, many people do not realise how important it is to get the right clothing for the cold weather. Often we make the mistake of thinking that a lightweight cardigan or jumper will do, when the truth of the matter is that although these items provide a bit of basic layering, this approach can often either make you overheat because the material isn’t made for comfort or can be insufficient in keeping you warm.
People who are native to countries which experience extremely cold weather such as Sweden, Norway or Iceland, for example, will tell you that dressing for cold weather is all about making sure your whole body is covered so that there is nowhere for the heat to escape. Therefore, ensure that all of the possible places where heat could escape are covered: head, neck, hands, feet, waist, etc.
1. Base Layers
Begin by wearing base layers, which will regulate your body temperature and will trap heat between your body and the fabric, which if you pick the right one should comprise of clever fabric technology that prevents the body from overheating.
2. Warm Fleece
Pop a fleece on over your base layers to trap heat in further and to draw sweat away from the skin to keep you dry. Building up layers of specialist clothing builds a solid defence against the cold while keeping you cool and dry unlike normal clothing.
3. Salopettes or Warm Trousers
Salopettes are perfect for skiing or outdoor sports as they are made from breathable, waterproof fabrics to protect against getting damp from snow or rain and many are also windproof. Or alternatively you could just choose a pair of warm trousers that also incorporate these features.
4. Thermal Socks and Gloves – Plus a Scarf!
Feet are so important to keep warm and dry, as once they get cold and wet they can become frozen and even painfully uncomfortable. To combat this, invest in a quality pair of thick thermal socks. For your hands, meanwhile, go for a padded pair of gloves and even thin thermal ones to go underneath and make your hands doubly insulated. Lastly, don’t forget to add a scarf to wrap around your neck to stop heat escaping!
5. A Warm Hat
It is thought that the head is responsible for the most heat escaping because the larger the surface exposed to the extremities the more warmth it releases. Therefore, it is imperative to protect your head and ears, which can be especially vulnerable in the cold with a warm, waterproof hat which covers as much of the head as possible.
6. A Down Insulated Jacket
A down jacket is the staple of your cold weather wardrobe – whichever filling you opt for whether it’s goose or duck, it will provide a higher level of warmth and insulation, usually wrapped up in a breathable, waterproof and lightweight outer layer to keep you warm without adding bulk.
7. Snow Boots
Last but not least, add a pair of top quality snow boots to your outfit to keep your feet extra warm and protect against them becoming cold and most importantly in cold weather; wet. A good, reliable pair of snow boots will be waterproof and have a solid grip on the sole to prevent slipping in snow and ice. And you’re good to go!
