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.
FAQs
You want to start with a close-fitting base layer, ideally made from wool. Add a fleece mid-layer, then move to a down or synthetic insulation layer, and finally top it all off with a good water and windproof outer layer that traps warm air.
What is the best clothing for extreme cold? ›
You want to start with a close-fitting base layer, ideally made from wool. Add a fleece mid-layer, then move to a down or synthetic insulation layer, and finally top it all off with a good water and windproof outer layer that traps warm air.
How do you dress fashionably in extreme cold? ›
There are a few essentials that should be in everyone's wardrobe, like an insulating coat that seals out icy winds and boots that keep your toes warm. Mittens, scarves, hats and other accessories up the cozy factor and elevate a winter outfit from basic to stylish.
How should I dress for 0 degrees? ›
What should I wear for 0-degree weather? Layering is key to staying warm in cold weather. Wear a base layer of moisture-wicking material, such as wool or fleece, to trap heat next to your skin. Then, add a layer of insulation, such as a sweater or down jacket.
How should I dress if I am always cold? ›
Wearing lots of layers, rather than one thick piece of clothing, is a smart way to keep warm in winter. Base layers such as thermal vests or long sleeve tops are fairly inexpensive and can work well to trap heat. Keep a look out for clothing made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabric.
What is the warmest thing to wear in the winter? ›
Sweaters, sweatshirts, fleece; these will all work as the middle layer. It should be snug but not tight. Down coats also make a great middle layer in the coldest temperatures. Outer — This layer is less about keeping you warm (the first two layers should be doing that) and more about blocking the wind and rain.
What type of clothing keeps you the warmest? ›
Wool. Why wool keeps you warm: Ever seen a cold sheep? Not likely. That's because wool — and woolen fabric like tweed and flannel — is an excellent insulator.
How should I dress for Arctic temperature? ›
Arctic Packing Checklist
Mid insulation layer: shirts/sweaters/coats, preferably with zippers or buttons, that you can mix and match for warmth. Waterproof pants with a wind-stopping layer and a looser fit, possibly bibs for extra lower back protection. Thick woolen socks and liner gloves with a sensor finger.
How should I dress for Arctic conditions? ›
Avoid tight clothing, since it leaves no room for trapped air. WOOL and SILK are superior to cotton; because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good (i.e. polypropylene). When damp or wet, polyester is a better insulator than goose or duck down.
How many layers do you need for cold weather? ›
"This three-layer rule covers your base layer (keeps you dry), middle layer (insulation/warmth) and outer layer (this one protects you from the elements whether it's wind, rain or snow)," says King.
Merino wool is our favorite baselayer material for winter use: It's ultra soft and incredibly warm for the weight, offers great temperature regulation, and resists odor far better than synthetic materials.
What is considered extreme cold? ›
Extreme cold may be considered any temperature below freezing (32 degrees F). During an extreme cold event, your body must work extra hard to regulate a normal body temperature and that could lead to illness or death, especially with vulnerable populations.
What kind of pants to wear in cold weather? ›
Wool. Probably the MVP of cold weather wear is wool. It's naturally weather- and odor-resistant, traps heat, and is available in lots of trendy styles. Wool fibers also absorb moisture while keeping you warm, which makes it a great choice for those winter days when it's cold in the morning but warmer in the afternoon.
Why am I so cold even under covers? ›
Some people may feel colder than others without any cause. However, always feeling cold may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as hypothyroidism, anemia, or poor circulation. It's normal to feel cold in cold climates, but there may be an underlying cause if you always feel cold.
How many layers do you wear in 0 degrees? ›
Ideally, you should wear three layers and additional protective accessories in the extreme cold. Read on to discover more about how many layers you need for sub-zero weather.
Is 0 degrees too cold to go outside? ›
If you're healthy and have your skin and airways fully covered, you likely will be fine outside for 10-minute stints when the windchill is at or slightly below 0 degrees F, Uren says. But if you're managing a disease, you may need to be extra cautious in extremely cold temperatures. Here's why.
Is it safe to be out in 0 degree weather? ›
The fingers, nose, ears, toes, cheeks and chin are most vulnerable to frostbite, and should be covered as much as possible. When Is Cold Too Cold? Experts agree that it's best to stay indoors if the temperature falls below zero degrees Fahrenheit or the windchill dips below -18.
How do I prepare my house for 0 degree weather? ›
Outside
- Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation. ...
- Cover any vents around your home's foundation.
- Drain water hoses and store them in a garage or shed.
- Drain irrigation water supply lines.
- Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
- Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is.
