Guidelines for Dressing Warm

Here are some basic guidelines for dressing warm in cold weather (adapted from an article by 3M):

• Cover all body parts


• Stay dry


• Dress in layers
  
  
  
  
  
  
  • Breathable Layer: This is the layer that comes in
    contact with the skin. It should allow body moisture to escape and
    evaporate more quickly, which keeps the skin dry and comfortable. Use
    thermal underwear made of synthetic fibers like polyester and
    polypropylene to wick moisture away from the skin. Avoid natural fibers
    such as cotton, they tend to hold moisture close to the skin and dry
    very slowly.
  
  
  • Insulating Layer: The insulating layer creates dead
    air space between the layers of clothing, trapping warm body air and
    keeping it around the body. Look for outerwear that is warm,
    water-resistant and well insulated with a synthetic fiber such as
    Thinsulate™ Insulation.
  
  
  • Outer Shell: This layer protects against environmental
    elements such as wetness and wind, but must allow body moisture to
    evaporate. All three layers are important factors in staying warm and
    comfortable.
  
  
  
  

Outerwear

• Machine-washable jackets retain their waterproofing better than
  those that require dry-cleaning. Jackets with sealed seams also prevent
  water from getting in.


• Look for outerwear containing Thinsulate™ Insulation, it provides
  about 1 ½ times the warmth of down and nearly twice the warmth
  of other high-loft insulations when equal thicknesses are compared.
  It’s hypoallergenic, odorless, breathable, durable and easily dried.


• Look for features such as cuffs that close tightly to keep out
  cold air and snow, zippers with large nylon teeth, and storm flaps over
  the zippers to block wind and water.

Footwear

• Wet feet become cold and numb quickly, keep your feet dry by
  wearing appropriate boots.


• When your feet become wet (through sweating or immersion) you
  need to put on dry, fresh socks.
  

  Accessories

  
  
  
  
  • Wear a hat at all times, 70% of heat loss is through your
    head.
  
  
  • Ear bands are not substitutes for hats.
  
  
  • Waterproof gloves and mittens lined with synthetic insulation
    such as Thinsulate insulation are effective insulators, keep your hands
    covered at all times.
  
  
  • Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves but offer less
    dexterity.
  
  
  
  

  Keep these guidelines in mind the next time you venture out in
  cold weather.