How to dress for cold weather: The basics of layering
Winter brings a chill to the air and, if we're fortunate, a beautiful snowy wonderland outdoors. While it's tempting to stay cozy indoors, we also love this season for its outdoor activities - from peaceful walks in nature to adventurous winter camping. To stay warm when temperatures drop, knowing how to dress for the cold is essential. The key? Layers! In this guide, we’ll delve into the basics of layering to help you stay cozy on your winter adventures.
When it comes to dressing for winter adventures, it all comes down to layers, their material and their order. Always start with a moisture-wicking base layer, followed by an insulating layer and a protective outer layer.
Why? This type of layering traps your body warmth, while wicking away moisure that would otherwise cool you down, and shielding you from the elements. These layers allow you to "build" your outfit for the best temperature regulation, keeping you warm and dry. Additionally, they provide the flexibility to easily adjust your clothing based on the weather or the intensity of your activity.
Base Layer
This layer might be the most important one, as it's in direct contact with your skin. A good base layer leaves you dry and comfy, as its function is to wick any moisture, sweat or external dampness, to the outer clothing layers where it can evaporate.
Opt for a tight-fitting layer made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying and breathable fabrics like merino wool or polyester. Wool naturally has these properties, while polyester used for base layers is manipulated to achieve these.
Avoid a cotton base layer, as it retains moisture and can cool your body down.
Browse our selection of base layers here
Insulating Layer
Now, onto the coziness! Picture fleece, down jackets, or anything that feels like a warm hug. Depending on the weather and your personal preference, you can choose one or several insulating layers. This layer’s role is to manage moisture from the base layer and retain body heat. A slightly looser fit allows air to circulate between the base and insulating layers, enhancing the insulating effect.
For the upper body, fleece, wool, or (synthetic) down are excellent choices. For the lower body, insulated outdoor pants typically make up this layer.
Check out our selection of insulating layers here
Outer Shell
Time for your shield against the elements: a weather-resistant jacket and/or pants. This outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and snow. Depending on the conditions, you can opt for either a soft shell or a hard shell. A soft shell offers moderate wind and rain protection, along with some insulation and breathability. In contrast, a hard shell provides excellent wind and water resistance and is lightweight, but has no added insulation and limited breathability.
Have a look at our article on waterproofing, for more tips on choosing your outer layer.
Since this layer is designed to block wind and water, it will always be the least breathable. However, choosing a layer with ventilation zippers around the torso and arms, or legs and inseam, gives you some flexibilily, allowing moisture to evaporate and helping to regulate your body temperature.
Accessories
Warmth tends to escape through our extremities: the head, hands, and feet. As a final touch, consider adding a cozy scarf, warm gloves, and a snug beanie. Just like the other layers, there are plenty of material options, including fleece, wool, down, and water- or wind-resistant fabrics. Use what you’ve learned about layering, and choose your accessories based on the weather conditions and your activity level.
Accessorize for winter with our selection of winter wear
