Layering 101: How to Stay Warm No Matter the Weather
While winter brings favorite holidays, cold-weather activities and sports, and plenty of time to cozy up with blankets and hot cups of tea, it also brings blustery, cold weather for months on end. It can be hard to keep warm throughout the winter while running necessary errands, commuting to work, or spending time outdoors with your family. It doesn’t have to be impossible to stay warm, though.
There are many ways to keep warm and toasty in the winter months by just layering the right winter accessories and winter clothing — the right items will keep you protected from a cold breeze or falling snow.
According to ORR Safety, an American safety supply distributor, layering is essential in the winter months because it helps our bodies maintain their core temperature, “proper layering technique can help you make the most of your cold-weather clothing and prevent dangerous exposure. It does this by helping maintain your core body heat and by protecting you from cold air and freezing snow.”
The Basics of Layering
The best way to stay warm is by establishing three layers — a base layer, a middle layer, and an outer layer, according to the Washington Post. The base layer should be a fabric that has the “ability to wick sweat away from your skin,” the article notes. Fabrics like silk and polyester are ideal for this. The middle layer is intended to insulate — the shirt should be close-fitting in a fabric like fleece or wool. The outer layer is intended to protect you from wind, rain, or snow — down coats make an excellent outer layer.
Add Extra Warmth With Winter Accessories
Beyond the base layer, middle layer, and outer layer, you can stay even warmer with the addition of winter accessories like women’s scarves in fabrics like flannel or cotton. Scarves can be worn piled high on your neck to keep an otherwise unprotected area blocked from a cold day’s breeze. They can also be worn as shawls or tucked into a winter jacket for an extra dose of heat.
Winter hats are another good layer option that’s ideal for staying warm in the winter months. A winter hat is stylish — you can get a variety of hats that match your different coats and sweaters — and functional. It’ll keep your head and ears warm whenever a breeze comes through. Better yet, a hat with faux fur lining will add an extra layer of warmth and coziness.
Make Sure Your Feet Are Warm
Few things are worse than cold toes on a frigid day, but habit means many of us put on our trusty sneakers before heading out into the cold when really we should be reaching for our women’s winter boots. Lands’ End’s insulated winter boots are water-resistant, meaning they can be worn on rainy or snowy days, and many even come high up on your leg, so they’ll keep your ankles and lower legs warm as well. As far as layers, wear your winter boots with a pair of wool socks — better yet, wear a pair of cotton socks underneath the wool socks to keep your toes extra warm.
Be Sure to Dress For the Forecast
If there’s rain in the forecast, be sure two items that you’re wearing are waterproof: your outermost layer and your shoes. Your body temperature will drop if your clothes and feet get wet, so it’s important that you’re protected with your rain-facing layers. A good rain jacket will keep your inner layers totally dry.
Staying warm on the coldest winter’s day is easy — just be sure to wear the three layers that are known to keep you warm and protected from the elements. Once you have those layers, you can keep yourself even warmer by wearing your favorite winter accessories. You can follow these tips for the rest of your family, too, to make sure your kids and partner are as warm as can be, too.