How To Layer Clothing for Cold Weather

How To Layer Clothing

There’s nothing like waking up to see the ground covered in a layer of fluffy white snow. No matter how old you are, it’s hard to resist running outside to play in it. Before you get too ahead of yourself, you’ll need to dress for the occasion.

Neglecting to learn how to layer clothing will end with a sickness that even chicken soup can’t cure. Not to mention that it’s hard to build a snowman while you’re shivering.

We can teach you how it’s done. Check out this guide to learn how to layer warm clothing so you can enjoy the cold months in comfort and style.

Base Layer

Your base layer warm clothing will consist of a simple long-sleeved shirt and leggings. The main purpose it serves is to wick away moisture away from your skin as your body heats up.

Synthetic fabrics suit this purpose the best.  Both nylon and polyester are great for keeping you dry. They’re also durable, so if your area sees a lot of snow days, they’ll be your bread and butter.

This being said, if you enjoy using natural materials, there’s nothing that says you can’t wear them. If you go with wool, it’s resistant to most odor-causing bacteria, so you won’t have to wash it quite as often. Still, in terms of moisture retention and durability, synthetic is king.

Mid Layer

Next up is the mid-layer. Its job is insulation. You can use a nice cardigan or a hoodie dress to suit this purpose.

The main thing to keep in mind when choosing clothes for your middle layer is the thicker, the better. We’ll tell you that the most popular choice as far as materials go is polyester fleece.

It’s super breathable while keeping you warm. When you inevitably get it wet from playing around in the snow, it won’t take too long to dry. This means that it’s also good for cold, rainy days.

The only problem with polyester fleece is that it doesn’t stand up too great to wind. If you’re not careful, it can suck away your warmth at a rapid rate.

If you’re looking for something that can handle wind, down insulated jackets have you covered. They’re not as handy when you’re faced with wet conditions, but they will keep you warm.

Outer Layer

We’re on to the final layer. Your outer clothing has two vital roles to play. It has to keep you warm, and it has to be durable. Since it’s exposed to the elements more than the other layers, it has to stand up to twigs, branches, and other obstructions.

If you’re a hardcore adventurer that sees a lot of cold weather, you want to opt for breathable and waterproof. It will keep any moisture out and stop you from sweating quite as much.

The only problem is that getting an outer shell that pumps out this kind of performance isn’t cheap. If you want to save a little money and you’re only a casual hiker, a waterproof jacket will suit your needs fine.

Other Tips

Just having fashionable winter gear won’t protect you from the elements. We’ve got a few other tips that will help you stay dry and warm.

Stay Dry

As we’ve said throughout this article, you’ve got to stay dry. When you get hot and sweaty, you’ll be fine until you stop moving. When this happens, hypothermia can kick in faster because of the moisture on your skin.

If you feel yourself begin to sweat, the best thing you can do is take layers off. This will give you a chance to dry off a little.

Be Prepared For Anything

You can’t use these best clothing layering techniques if you don’t bring enough clothes with you. Always pack extras in the event what you’re wearing isn’t enough. You can always take them off later if you get too hot.

We also recommend that you bring an extra waterproof jacket in case it begins to rain while you’re out.

Invest in a Good Pair of Gloves

Have you ever noticed that your hands are the first things to get cold when you’re outside on a chilly day? This is because out of all the parts on your body, you lose heat through your extremities the fastest.

That means you’ve got to have a good pair of gloves. They should be a little tight, so they keep the wind out. Having a snug fit will also allow you to perform regular tasks without removing them.

Beware of Zippers

The thing about zippers is that they tend to get a little cold when freezing temperatures are involved. You don’t want them rubbing against your face or neck. This is something to consider when choosing your base layer.

Keeping the Fog at Bay

If you decide to wear goggles, they’ll fog over as your body warms up. You can keep the fogging to a minimum by unzipping your clothes a little to cool off. There are also fog wipes that you can buy.

How to Layer Clothing and Stay Cozy When the Weather Is Foul

When it snows, we understand that you just want to go out and be in it. If you don’t take the time to learn how to layer clothing, however, you’ll pay for it later in the form of a sniffly nose.

Use the tips that you’ve read here to bundle up and enjoy your snow day while it lasts.

Are you looking for more ways to stay warm and fashionable when the cold weather hits? Check out the Fashion section of our blog daily to learn what to add to your wardrobe.

How To Layer Clothing for Cold Weather

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