If you live in the Midwest or Northeast, you’re no stranger to winter weather and everything that comes with it—the piles of snow, ice-covered sidewalks, non-stop shoveling, and of course, the freezing temperatures.
Staying warm when you’re not in your toasty car or house becomes a major priority for a large chunk of the year. Follow these tips on layering clothes from Blain’s Farm & Fleet to stay dry and warm during the next cold snap.
Even though it’s been debunked that you lose the most body heat from your head, keeping your head and ears warm is still important.
You don’t want to expose your skin to the cold, so we highly recommend wearing a winter hat. Another option is a fleece headband, if you don’t want hat hair.
Remember to keep your hands warm, too. We are usually layering clothes for our torsos and legs, and often forget about our fingers and hands.
You can wear gloves if the temperature is mild, but we recommend wearing sturdy, insulated mittens to keep your hands warmest.
If it’s extra cold outside, you can also wear a scarf to keep your neck warm.
Using thin, warm layers instead of just a few thick layers will give you the ability to strip off pieces if you get too warm or the temperatures increase.
Layering your clothes with a thin base, such as long underwear, will give you a warm first layer to wear underneath your heavier winter gear.
Remember, it’s important to have a long sleeve base layer for both your torso and legs. Keeping your entire body well-covered and moisture-free is the best way to stay warm in the cold weather.
Wool or synthetic fabrics are a great option, as their moisture-wicking properties will keep your body dry and warm.
Wearing a mid layer will help provide insulation. The most common middle layer is a fleece jacket. If you find a classic fleece jacket too bulky, another option is to layer with a fleece vest, which is available for both men and women.
Your outer shell’s main purpose should be protecting you from the weather. Picking an outer layer is going to depend on your activity level and what kind of climate you’re in.
Softshell jackets have become popular because they are a lightweight option that will still give you resistance against water and wind. A bulkier winter jacket is also a fine option.
If you’ll be in wet conditions, rain gear will come in handy. And if you’ll be outside working in the cold, bibs and coveralls will keep you warm.
Wearing warm winter boots seems like a no-brainer, but many people forget about their feet. Finding a good pair of insulated boots can take care of cold feet. Buy boots lined with merino wool or synthetic wool.
You can also buy lining to install in a pair of boots that don’t come pre-lined. We recommend buying boots that are two sizes larger than your usual size. Then, add the lining if you can’t find insulated boots you like.
Of course, wearing the proper socks will also protect your feet from the cold. Wool is the best option, but synthetic fleece socks will also do the trick. You can layer socks, but it may be uncomfortable and could close off circulation to your feet.
You can find all your winter clothing essentials at your local Blain’s Farm & Fleet. And for more tips and guides like this one, check out our Winter Clothing Blog.
