Layering is a great approach for very cold winters; it will ensure your body stays warm when you spend time outside. This is especially important if you have a job which requires you to be outside during the winter months without any additional protection. In this article, we list several tips for layering in cold weather.
Your base layer
Your base layer is very important as this will be in contact with your skin; therefore, it's essential that you choose the right material. The material you choose should be good at wicking away moisture from your skin, as any excess moisture close to your skin can make you feel much colder. Synthetic materials and certain types of wool are good for your base layer; generally, cotton should be avoided where possible. You can buy many different items that are specifically designed as base layers to be next to your skin; these might be called thermals or base layers.
Layer your whole body
When layering clothing for warmth, people often only think about their top half; they completely neglect their legs and bottom half. This is a bad idea as you’re likely to get cold and uncomfortable if you spend all day with cold legs and feet. Your legs and feet are essential for keeping your body moving and working effectively; if they go numb from the cold, you will have an issue. Therefore always make sure you layer your whole body, not just your top half.
Hands and feet
You lose lots of heat from your hands and feet, and failing to protect them could lead to difficulty using them properly. Thermal socks are a must if you’re working outside in cold temperatures; if you feel one pair isn’t enough, you can layer up several socks to keep your feet warm. A good pair of solid, comfortable shoes is also important; if you’re likely to encounter rain or water, make sure your shoes are waterproof to prevent your feet from becoming cold.
Gloves should be worn on your hands to keep them warm and functional; depending on what you do, you might find it hard to wear and work in thick gloves. Try out different types of gloves and go for a material that offers thermal protection and thin material. Cashmere is good for keeping your hands warm, but it might not be suitable if you work in wet weather or use your hands for physical jobs.
Jumpers and hoodies
Once you have your base layer, you can add another layer to trap in warmth and stop the heat from escaping. Jumpers and hoodies are good for this layer because they are made from materials that are warm but don’t add too much bulk. Cashmere hoodies are a great example of a warm material that will allow you freedom of movement when you’re doing any job. In addition, cashmere is breathable, so it will allow excess heat to escape from your body if needed.
Top layer
You will also need a top layer to protect your body from the elements; when you’re working or spending lots of time outside, you will encounter rain, snow and wind, which can make you feel very cold and uncomfortable. The top layer should be designed to protect you from all of these elements. A popular material Gore-tex, jackets and coats made from this material have all of the right properties to ensure the rain, wind or snow won’t go through the jacket and get to your other layers. If your other layers do become wet and you start to feel the cold, it's essential that you get changed to keep yourself warm and safe. Walking around in very cold weather in wet clothing can be dangerous and lead to medical issues.
Layering is ideal in the cold weather for keeping you warm and preventing medical problems. You can ensure you stay warm and comfortable by choosing the right base layer, top layer and middle layer. In addition, don’t forget your hands and feet and accessories such as scarves and hats; these can help to keep your body feeling warm and prevent wind or rain from getting to your skin and the parts where your body is exposed.