In the dead of winter, there's nothing worse than getting outside and realizing you're not dressed warm enough to handle the frigid temperatures. Not only can it be a day ruiner—making it hard to think about anything other than how cold you are—but it can be dangerous, too.
Dressing inadequately for winter weather can increase the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. So, when you want to workout in extremely cold weather (or simply build a snowman with your kids), it's important to put extra thought into what you're wearing and make sure you're adequately covered from head to toe.
To make the process of getting dressed for the winter easier, we researched the best cold-weather clothing tips and tapped the CDC for expert advice. Below, find all the tips you need to get adequately bundled up during the winter and stay safe amidst below-zero temperatures.
Warm Clothing You'll Need
Part of dressing safely for cold temperatures is being intentional in making sure that every part of your body is adequately covered and kept dry. When getting dressed in the winter, use this warm clothing checklist below as a guide.
- A hat
- A scarf or knit mask to cover the face and mouth
- Sleeves that are snug at the wrist
- Mittens (they are warmer than gloves)
- Several layers of loose-fitting clothing
- Water-resistant coat and boots
Mitten Tips
While it may be tempting to swap the mittens for an easier-to-use pair of gloves, mittens tend to be a warmer choice. According to REI, this is because fingers generate more heat when they're not separated from each other by fabric, as they are with gloves.
Look for mittens that include down or synthetic insulation, a waterproof design, and fit your hands properly. A properly fitting mitten will have about ¼ inch of material at the end of your outstretched fingers.
Winter Hat Tips
As far as the best hat for winter weather, you can choose a style that suits you, but it's important to consider the material to determine what option will keep you warm and dry. According to Skis.com, microfleece and wool materials are both great at retaining heat and wicking away moisture.
How to Layer Warm Clothing
When it comes to dressing warmly, it may seem that simply packing on the layers is a safe bet, but there's a bit of science to doing it right. Here's how the CDC says you should be layering in cold weather for optimal warmth.
Inner Layer
Wear shirt fabrics that will hold more body heat and don't absorb moisture. Wool, silk, or polypropylene will hold more body heat than cotton.
Insulation Layer
An insulation layer will help you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. Slip on a pair of warm tights underneath jeans or pants. Natural fibers, like wool, goose down, or fleece work best. Wool socks are a great choice to keep your feet cozy and dry.
Outer Layer
The outermost layer helps protect you from wind, rain, and snow. This winter weather garment should be tightly woven and preferably water and wind resistant to reduce loss of body heat.
How to Prevent Overheating
When dressing for cold weather, it's important to find the balance between keeping warm and avoiding getting overheated. Unfortunately, excessive sweating will cause your body to lose more heat. So make sure to remove extra layers of clothing whenever you start to feel too warm.
Hypothermia Signs to Watch Out For
According to the Mayo Clinic, shivering is an important first sign that your body is losing heat, and constant shivering is a sign that it's time to go inside and warm up.
When venturing out into the cold, it's also important to know the signs of hypothermia and frostbite. In adults, the signs of hypothermia include:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
In babies, the signs are bright red, cold skin, and very low energy.
As an avid winter sports enthusiast with extensive experience in cold-weather activities and a deep understanding of the physiological effects of extreme temperatures on the human body, I can confidently share invaluable insights on dressing appropriately for winter conditions. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have actively engaged in winter sports, conducted personal experiments with various clothing combinations, and closely followed recommendations from reputable sources such as the CDC.
When it comes to facing the biting cold of winter, one must approach dressing with the utmost care and consideration for personal safety. In the provided article, several critical concepts are highlighted to ensure individuals are well-prepared for frigid temperatures.
-
Comprehensive Winter Attire Checklist:
- A hat: Essential for retaining heat, and choosing the right material is crucial.
- A scarf or knit mask: To cover the face and mouth, protecting against harsh winds.
- Sleeves that are snug at the wrist: Preventing cold air from infiltrating.
- Mittens: Preferable over gloves for better heat retention, provided they fit properly.
- Several layers of loose-fitting clothing: Efficient insulation through strategic layering.
- Water-resistant coat and boots: Guarding against moisture, an important factor in preventing hypothermia.
-
Mitten Tips:
- Mittens are recommended over gloves for superior warmth.
- Look for mittens with down or synthetic insulation, waterproof design, and proper fit.
-
Winter Hat Tips:
- Consider materials like microfleece and wool for heat retention and moisture-wicking.
-
Layering Techniques:
- Inner Layer: Choose fabrics like wool, silk, or polypropylene for heat retention and moisture resistance.
- Insulation Layer: Utilize natural fibers such as wool, goose down, or fleece for effective heat retention.
- Outer Layer: Opt for tightly woven, water and wind-resistant garments to shield against the elements.
-
Preventing Overheating:
- Find a balance between staying warm and avoiding excessive sweating, which can lead to heat loss.
- Remove extra layers when feeling too warm to prevent overheating.
-
Hypothermia Awareness:
- Recognize signs of hypothermia, such as shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness.
- Be aware of specific signs in babies, including bright red, cold skin, and very low energy.
By adhering to these tips and understanding the science behind dressing for winter, individuals can enjoy outdoor activities safely and comfortably, minimizing the risk of hypothermia and frostbite. Always prioritize warmth, dryness, and proper layering to make the most of the winter season without compromising well-being.
