How to Layer for Your Outdoor Adventure
The right apparel is important before taking on any outdoor adventure—especially in winter. We’ve put together a guide to help you layer your clothing for optimum comfort.
Thermal Undergarments are Essential
The first part of prepping for an outdoor adventure are the undergarments. Women’s thermals come in a variety of colors and styles. There are thermal tops in crew- and V-neck styles, along with long thermal bottoms to match. Find classic black and versatile nude, along with various other neutral hues and shades.
When shopping for thermal undergarments to layer beneath winter clothing, look for a silk interlock fabric. This material creates warmth using your body’s moisture while wicking away perspiration. The result is that you stay warm and dry, which is what we call a win-win. These discreet winter thermal tops and long johns aren’t just for outdoor adventures. You can also wear them on cold days running errands around town and other everyday occasions.
Choose Warm Pants for the Occasion
There are multiple options when it comes to choosing women’s pants for an outdoor excursion. If you want stretch and comfort, fleece-lined leggings may be the right option. For occasions that require a durable fabric, women’s jeans are a good choice. They come in sizes to fit every body and a variety of cuts, including straight-leg and skinny to name just two.
If you’re going to be exploring snowy terrain, women’s snow pants or a snowsuit is a must. For a stroll through a manicured neighborhood in the cold, you can stay warm and on-trend in athleisure basics like comfy hoodies and joggers. There are fleece-lined women’s sweatpants you can wear over thermals for maximum warmth and cozy comfort. In fact, most styles have a full elastic waist and drawcord for a custom fit.
Start With an Undershirt
Besides your thermal top, you’ll want an undershirt as part of your winter-adventure outfit. This can be a long-sleeve tee made from an active fabric, such as polyester with a hint of spandex. Supima cotton is another option for layering, as it’s light and breathable. It’s also incredibly soft and has a long-staple fiber that imparts double the durability of regular cotton.
For the coldest days, turtlenecks can serve as your undershirt. There are Supima cotton turtlenecks and styles made from fabric blends. Although cashmere turtlenecks are warm and luxe, they’re better reserved for a dressy occasion rather than an active pursuit.
Layer on a Flannel, Sweater, or Fleece
Flannel shirts are great for outdoor pursuits because they’re stylish, warm, and comfortable. Find classic fit flannels and those with a relaxed boyfriend fit, which are roomy enough to layer over other pieces. Wear a flannel shirt over a turtleneck or tee, or you can layer one underneath a sweatshirt or a sweater.
Fleece sweaters are a warm style for outdoor adventures. They come in pullover and quarter-zip styles, and they’re super-soft. Plus, they’re machine washable and have a relaxed fit, which makes them comfortable for hiking or other outdoor sightseeing excursions.
Consider Adding a Vest
The coldest days call for multiple layers, especially if you’ll be outside for a while. Fleece vests layer well over virtually any type of top, whether you’re wearing a turtleneck, flannel, or tee. There are also puffer vests made from down or a down-alternative material. Just as with down coats, these vests deliver plenty of warmth with a lofty look and feel. Some have quilted detailing. Plus, there are multiple colors from which to choose.
Slip into a Jacket or Coat
After you’ve chosen your combo of shirts to layer, you’ll need a coat that suits the climate. Rain jackets are ideal for fall showers, while insulated Squall jackets are a must-have for the coldest fall days. Packable down coats are a good choice for adventures that require you to bring along a travel bag, as they fold up for easy packing and don’t take up much space. When choosing a coat for an active outdoor pursuit, you want something that allows for freedom of movement. A waist-length puffer coat may be a better choice than a long wool coat or stadium coat, for example. Long coats are often better for outdoor venues such as concerts and sporting events, while shorter styles let you walk, jog, hike and climb more easily.
Winter Boots and Accessories
The right pair of women’s winter boots are a must-have for any cold-weather adventure. Look for boots with a waterproof exterior and insulation. A cushioned footbed is another feature you’ll want in a winter boot, along with slip-resistant rubber outsole with deep tread patterns for ample traction.
Women’s scarves, gloves, hats and other winter accessories can keep you warm on cold days. They come in materials ranging from wool and cashmere to performance acrylic. Rugged backpacks are also must-have accessories for outdoor adventures. With a spacious backpack, you can bring along a packable coat, cold-weather accessories, snacks, a water bottle and other on-the-go essentials.
Now that you know more about layering for winter adventures, play around with different clothing combinations to discover what works for you. The right layered outfit depends on the occasion, so keep in mind where you’re going, what you’ll be doing, and what kind of weather is anticipated when choosing your outfit for the day.