5 Quick Tips on How to Dress for Winter

It’s winter. It’s cold, and for those living or traveling in the northern part of the country, knowing how to dress for winter is crucial to staying comfortable.

I’ll be honest, until doing research for this article, I was committing some major winter clothing faux pas. I would pair cotton t-shirts under puffy jackets and wonder why I was still cold. I thought I had everything covered with the jacket, but I was deeply mistaken.

These 5 quick tips on how to dress for winter will help shed light on the best practices to stay warm. So, whether you are chopping wood outside in the snow, smoking a cigar on the back deck after opening Christmas presents, or going for a walk with your significant other to your favorite New Year’s Eve bar, we’ve got you covered.

How to Dress for Winter

Tip 1: Dress in layers

This one’s nothing new. It’s something we’ve all been told by parents or grandparents dozens of times when we were kids growing up.

But, they were right! Layers allow you to adjust your body’s thermostat based on outside conditions or changes in physical activity.

By adding or removing layers, you can comfortably regulate how warm you’d like to be. Although it can be a little annoying and time consuming, layering is arguably the best way to keep warm.

Tip 2: Avoid using plant-based clothing

Clothes made from cotton or linen (made using the flax plant) tend to hold water and moisture.

Once moisture is held, these plant-based fibers can freeze without providing insulation or warmth.

Instead, opt for animal made fibers or synthetic fibers made from polypropylene or polar fleece. Although somewhat expensive, merino wool is a soft, non-itchy alternative to Grandma’s hand-made, itchy wool sweaters.

Tip 3: Get a good base

Your base layer, also known as the wicking layer, is the thin layer closest to your skin. It is meant to draw moisture away from your skin and keep you dry. Remember, wet skin means cold skin, and it’s important to keep as much moisture away from your skin as possible.

When choosing a base layer, opt for a snug fit, not tight. You want the base layer to be in contact with the skin, but not uncomfortably constricting. Wicking will only happen when the fabric is in contact with the skin.

There are three weights when it comes to wicking: heavy, mid and light.

Opt for a heavy-weight when it’s going to be below freezing, and you will be performing minimal activity. Think sporting events.

Mid-weight is a good, well balanced choice for moderately cold weather and normal activity (walking).

Last, a light-weight is best for the mildest conditions and/or high physical activity (running, bicycling).

Tip 4: Insulate yourself

The middle layer, known as the warmth layer, provides insulation of body heat. These include items like fleeces, flannels, and sweaters.

If you opt for a fleece, ensure it is heavy weight. Puffy jackets are great for really cold temperatures, but there a few caveats. Down jackets, made of feathers, are arguably the best warmth insulators. However, if there is a chance of wet conditions or high physical activity, puffy jackets made of synthetic material tend to be a better option than down.

The puffier the jacket, the warmer it tends to be. So, choose puffiness based on weather conditions.

Tip 5. Block out the elements

The outermost layer serves two purposes. It blocks the bad elements, such as rain or snow, from entering under layers, and it keeps insulated warm air from exiting. Think of it as a defensive shell, like warmth body armor keeping the vitals protected.

Examples of the shell layer include things like snow pants, rain jackets, or coats. Breathable shells allow body moisture to escape, keeping you dry and less sweaty/smelly. Jackets or coats marketed as waterproof and breathable tend to be the best options for comfort when it comes to outer layers. Luckily, any coat labeled as “waterproof” is also windproof.