How do you dress to keep warm in really cold weather?

Question

I'm from southern California--I can get through the winter wearing jeans, a t-shirt and a thin fleece. Now I'm moving to a state (MN) where it is cold and snows more months than it is warm. I need some serious and practical wardrobe suggestions from head to toe.

Answer 1

Thermal underwear. These are waffled fabrics. It traps air in the raised areas and will keep you warmer. It comes in pairs: long sleeves top and long johns (for the lower half of the body).

Warm boots with Thinsulate. Suggest waterproof shell to keep your feet warm and dry. Big cleats on the soles for better traction over snow. Shoelaces for best fit.

Wool clothing: socks, sweaters. As this may get too expensive, a wool/ synthetic blend will also do, although pure wool clothing is warmer.

Waterproof jacket preferably with drawstings at the hood, waist and hem; and adjustable sleeve openings to keep body heat in. The warmer jackets have Thinsulate. Depending on where you are (rural or urban), it is also good to have reflectorized strips on your jackets on days where visibility is poor.

With the newer fabrics, they provide warmth without the bulk. Please check the rating of the jacket and shoes; generally, the lower the temperature, the warmer the item.

Waterproof gloves preferably two pairs so you can have a replacement when the other pair is wet/ damp. Lined with Thinsulate or wool for maximum warmth.

Warm, well-fitting hat. Scarf to keep your face warm if need be.

Any good sporting shop will carry most products. You can compare the quality and pricing in here better. Once you have an idea of what you may need, you can browse other stores that carry similar items for lower prices.

Welcome to Minnesota, Svieta.

Answer 2

I'm living in Minnesota and it's not as cold as people make it out to be.
I do agree on most of these answers so far regarding layering your clothing.

Thermal underwear is a must have. There are a lot of brands out and a lot of different styles. I prefer Chilly's and they are very thin (tops and bottoms). Next I put on a turtleneck and then a fleece sweater over that. for your lower half, you can put on fleece pants or sweats for those super cold days. On your feet you can put on a pair of thin nylon socks and then a layer of soft wool socks.

Outerwear: Hat, scarf, mittens or gloves, jacket, snow pants, and boots.

Once you are in Minnesota, you can purchase warm clothing at most of your department stores (Target, Kohls, Bloomingdale's, Herbergers, Macy's, JC Penney, Wal-Mart, etc.) For outerwear, the best places to buy these are at outdoor gear stores (Gander Mountain, Fleet Farm, REI, Joe's Ski Shop, The White Wolf, Sports Authority, SportMart, etc.)

By the way, it is snowing here today! It also snowed yesterday. But, we are told that it should get back up to the 50's this weekend. This weather is actually unusual this time of year. In October, it is usually in the 50's.

Enjoy the winter months in Minnesota! Try out downhill skiing or snowboarding, ice skating, make snow angels and snowmen, go sliding, snowmobiling, and make the most of the sometimes long winters to keep the depression at bay. It will make the winter go by quicker! Welcome to Minnesota!

Answer 3

Please be sure to layer your clothes. The air between the layers insulates you. So a t-shirt, with a flannel, with a sweater and a jacket should keep you warm.

Make sure to always wear a hat too. Most of your body heat escapes out your head.

Answer 4

Get Thermal underwear! It's the best to wear under your clothes and keep you warm.

Answer 5

They say Layering is best--layer after layer after layer of clothing. And don't forget to cover your head, including your ears--some huge per-cent of body heat is lost thru the head.