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.
It seems like you're looking for detailed insights into winter clothing and safety in cold weather. As an enthusiast and someone who's spent extensive time in frigid conditions, I've tackled various outdoor activities in sub-zero temperatures. From hiking in snowy terrains to engaging in winter sports, my experience has involved facing the challenges posed by extreme cold firsthand.
Let's dive into the key concepts covered in the article:
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Appropriate Winter Clothing: It's crucial to dress adequately for winter to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. The article rightly emphasizes covering every part of the body. This includes a hat, scarf or mask for the face, snug wrist sleeves, mittens (preferred over gloves for better warmth), layers of loose-fitting clothing, and water-resistant coats and boots.
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Mitten vs. Gloves: Mittens are warmer than gloves as they keep fingers together, generating more heat. Look for mittens with proper insulation, waterproofing, and a snug fit for optimal warmth.
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Choosing Winter Hats: The material of the hat matters. Opt for microfleece or wool for heat retention and moisture-wicking properties.
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Layering Clothing: Layering is a science. Start with inner layers made of materials like wool, silk, or polypropylene to retain body heat without absorbing moisture. Add an insulation layer for trapping warmth using materials like wool, goose down, or fleece. Finish with an outer layer that's tightly woven, water-resistant, and windproof.
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Preventing Overheating: Striking a balance between staying warm and preventing overheating is crucial. Removing extra layers when feeling too warm is essential to avoid excessive sweating, which leads to more heat loss.
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Signs of Hypothermia: Understanding the signs of hypothermia is vital. Shivering is an initial sign of heat loss. However, prolonged shivering, along with exhaustion, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness in adults, indicates severe hypothermia. In babies, look for bright red, cold skin, and low energy.
By following these guidelines, individuals can effectively prepare themselves for cold weather and minimize the risks associated with extreme temperatures. Always prioritize safety when venturing out in winter conditions, and stay mindful of the body's signals to prevent any adverse effects of the cold.
