Learning how to dress during cold weather is very important. This means the choice of your fabrics and layering should excellent to ensure you keep yourself warm and, at the same time, prevent sweating. Apart from protecting yourself from harsh weather, layering also helps you to showcase your personality, style, and fashion.
Layering doesn’t have to complicated or require special skills; you only need effective tips to guide you. Please read the following article to learn how to layer your clothes in extremely cold weather.
1. First Layer
The first layer is also known as the base layer. It’s the innermost layer consisting of underwear. Layering for cold weather starts with base layers. The type and number of clothes you put on this first layer will determine your comfort and warmth. Clothes on this first layer should fit snugly against your skin.
The base layer of clothing ensures dry skin and regulates body temperature. This helps to prevent you from the cold by transmitting perspiration from your skin to the outer layer of clothing. A good base layer gives you the warmth and comfort you need.
To ensure your base layer is effective, go for fabrics made with wicking materials. This includes those that help to keep sweat away from your body and drive the moisture out of the other layers (Middle and outer layers). It’s good to note that the quicker these fabrics push the sweat, the warmer you feel.
So what material is best for the base layer? Merino wool is one of the best choices regarding the base layer. This is because it is lightweight, warm, and breathable. It’s perfect for wicking moisture away. Another advantage of Merino wool material is that it is odor free. Another material you can use for your base layer is a synthetic fabric. They are elastic hence providing you with greater comfort and freedom of movement. Synthetic fabrics are more affordable compared to other materials.
What should you consider when choosing a good base layer?
Skin-Tight
To ensure effective perspiration wicking and warmth, your base layer should in contact with your skin as much as possible. This means you must go for tight fitting. This is why most first layers are also known as the second skin. Going for skin tight enables the cold to transfer to your first layers instead of the skin through evaporation.
Perspiration Wicking
A good base layer should absorbent on the inside. This will help to draw sweat away from the skin within the shortest time possible.
Quick Drying
Since the base layer is responsible for drawing sweat away from your skin, you should go for one that dries quickly to avoid becoming damp. When your base layer is damp, it automatically starts to cool your skin and can make you even colder.
2. Mid-Layer
The middle layer is the most interesting part. Most clothing, if not all, in this layer, will shown, and hence you need to fashion sensitive and creative. This is where you show your fashion taste. Therefore, consider how to introduce and match colors, textures, and patterns. You should also ensure they are fit and comfortable when you wear them above the base layer. Crop tops, vests, open or knotted button-downs, cardigans, sweaters, and blazers are the common options for a mid-layer.
Additionally, adding another mid-layer and having a second mid-layer helps to increase your warmth and comfort. However, this will a better idea if your first mid-layer isn’t open in front and when you want to use a different texture or material.
3. Outer Layer
Any type of jacket, trench, coat, shawl, or cape is ideal for your outer layer. In extremely cold weather, please go for a heavy but comfortable and warm outer layer. This layer will be the most exposed and the wrap that brings all your ties together. Therefore, you should consider the length of your outer layer relative to other layers. Additionally, the outer layer should also be fit and draped.
Since this part will be more exposed, go for waterproof materials to help prevent any moisture from coming into contact with your body. They should also help in temperature regulation. Your outer layer should be comfortable, allowing you to move and work perfectly without hindrances.
4. Accessories
Once you are done with all your layers, you can add some accessories to give you an extra sense of fashion and complement your taste. Scarfs, gloves, or hats can help increase your warmth. For example, if you have a coat with bracelet-length sleeves, you can complement it with a leather opera glove. Also, if your outfit is mostly solid, you can put on a plaid scarf that will hang down each side. There is a wide range of options you can think of when it comes to accessories.
Once you have learned tips on how to layer your clothes for extreme cold weather, mixing patterns, playing with textures, color-blocking, or going monochromatic becomes easy. The importance of every strategy you adopt is to ensure you protect yourself from the extreme cold weather while at the same time ensuring all your layers fit well.
Wrapping Up
How you layer your clothes for extreme cold weather and maintain a great fashion/style yourself is all about balance and proportion. You must ensure that each layer fits well above the other. For example, your base layer should be slim as possible and should not interfere with other layers. Similarly, the mid layers should allow the addition of the outer layer at ease. It’s good to note that the material of the fabrics in each layer will matter in ensuring temperature regulation and provision of comfort.