How to Layer Clothes to Stay Warm Outside

Why should you dress in layers to stay warm in the winter? 

• Layering helps trap body heat close to you
• If you start to get too warm, you can shed an outer layer and stay comfortable
• Layering helps you stay dry. Sweating or getting wet in the cold is dangerous

Think: Base layer + middle layer + top layer + outerwear + accessories

Build your outfit according to the temperature, activity type you’ll be doing, and your own personal internal thermostat. 

Read on for everything you need to know on how to layer clothes to stay warm outside.

How to choose a warm base layer

Your base layer should be made of moisture-wicking fabric. Yes, people can sweat even if it’s cold out, and that’s when they run into problems if they’re not prepared. If you sweat, you want that moisture wicked away from your skin.

Otherwise, you’ll feel cold at best and risk hypothermia at worst.

• Choose a snug-fitting base layer made of silk, wool, or a technical fabric that’s specifically designed to be a base layer. 
• Avoid cotton against your skin, as it will trap moisture and make you feel colder. 
• Your base layer could be a tank, tee, or long-sleeved top.
• For bottoms, choose base underwear, shorts, or full-length base-layer pants or tights.

I bought these base-layer tops and bottoms for my whole family, and they’re affordable and work well. Here’s a mens’ silk base layer from Lands’ End, some more base layer options for men, and a variety of base layers for women.

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How to choose a mid-layer to keep you warm

While your base layer should be snug, your mid and top layers should have a looser fit. This helps trap pockets of air and heat against your body, creating an insulating effect.

Plus, it’s easier to move when your layers give you some literal wiggle room.

I tend to choose a size up from my normal size for this layer.

Good choices for the mid-layer include flannel shirts or long-sleeved thick tee shirts. Depending on your specific weather conditions, this might be your top layer before adding outerwear.

If you won’t add another layer before your coat, consider if it makes sense to swap this for one of my recommendations in the top layer section below. 

Mid-layer pants could include denim, thick fleecy leggings, or sweatpants. One pair of warmer leggings isn’t enough for me, so I add sweatpants over them if I’m heading to the gym. If I’m in a pair of jeans without a base layer, my legs feel cold fast.

Best choices for a warm top layer of clothes

This is when you add sweaters, fleece, or hoodies. Fabrics like wool do well here, but make sure it’s a heavier weight. 

Fleece can be a lightweight yet warm fabric. You could test a warm cotton sweater here, as long as you have a wicking base layer beneath it.

The goal with this layer is to trap your body heat against you (whether you just have a base layer, or a base + mid, or just a mid-layer underneath).

Choose water and wind-resistant outerwear

If you live in a cold climate, you likely have a selection of coats depending on the occasion. Formal/dressy pea coats, trench coats, puffy coats, and parkas.

On cold days, a coat that extends below your bum will help you stay comfortable.

If I’m out shoveling my sidewalk and it’s in the teens or below zero Fahrenheit, I’m wearing my “I am not F@#% messing around” coat.

It’s ugly.

It’s bulky.

It’s stuffed with down, lined in thick fleece, and the outer shell is water and wind-resistant.

It served me well when I walked miles in the cold during college, and it’s what I reach for when it’s truly awful out.

My go-to for temperatures ranging from 20 – 40F is a downy, mid-thigh coat with wind-resistant fabric on the exterior.

Consider adding ski or snow pants as an outer layer.

Use hats, gloves, and scarves when you layer against the cold

There are two kinds of people: those who embrace winterwear accessories because they know how much warmer they’ll be, and those who shun all forms of hats, gloves, and scarves.

It’s as if the latter group hasn’t yet seen the light (or heat).

On a frigid day, wearing layered clothing and a winter coat won’t be enough if you’ll be outside for an extended period. 

Scarf — choose wool, cashmere, or fleece

If you know, you know. These trap heat against your neck and upper chest and can have a huge impact on your comfort. Bonus, you can pull it closer to your face to shield the wind and keep your face warmer.

Even a light, loosely woven scarf will provide some warmth, but I recommend a thick wool or cashmere knit. Thick fleece can be cozy here.

Mittens or gloves — choose waterproof and layer these if needed

Mittens are usually warmer than gloves since your fingers will be huddling together like a group of penguins.

It can be easier to slide in a hand warmer to your mittens, but gloves can sometimes accommodate these, too.

If you need to use your phone, choose gloves with touchscreen fingers so you won’t have to remove them every time you use your device.

You can layer gloves, too. Start with a thinner, wicking glove liner, add a disposable hand warmer on top, and cover your hands with waterproof, wind-resistant mittens.

Hats — cover your ears, cover your noggin

We’ve all heard that you lose 988% of your body heat through your head. (It’s closer to 10% body heat lost through your exposed head, according to a 2008 study published at the BMJ). 

While the actual number of heat lost depends on factors (how much of a hothead are you? How cold is it outside? What is your hair situation?), it’s true that a hat can save the day and keep you warm.

Go for one that covers your ears. If you’re the unfortunate type of person (hi, it’s me) whose cold ears hurt so bad that you get a headache, you’ll want to prevent this from ever happening.

Other options include balaclavas, hoods, and ski masks. Sometimes I’ll put on a balaclava and add my coat hood or separate hat over it. These are great for covering your nose and mouth, which can keep your face and lungs warmer.

How to keep your feet warm and dry in the winter

Select moisture-wicking, thick wool socks. I like Smartwool and these socks from Costco. You could even double up with a thinner base sock and a second layer of thick socks on top.

You’ll want crew-length at minimum to keep your ankles and lower calves covered.

Next, choose a shoe, boot, or galoshes that fit the weather. Ideally, these will be waterproof, though water-resistant could work if you’re not tromping through snow or expecting a deluge.

My boots hit mid-calf. Choose a boot that extends up your leg for extra warmth.

If your feet tend to be cold like mine, add a disposable warming foot liner or disposable toe warmers.

If your boots have been through a few winters and the interior lining is starting to wear, upgrade your boots with some replacement insoles like these cut-to-size insoles.

You can also add a waterproofing spray to your boots, but be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it’s compatible with your boot’s material.

How to layer to stay warm indoors

This guide is all about staying warm while outside, but let’s suppose you’d like some advice on staying warm indoors. Perhaps you’ll be outside for a while, then head inside briefly, then back out.

In that situation, I recommend you have a tote bag stashed in your pocket. Use it to toss the layers you remove while indoors to keep them all in one place. Lost mittens? Not you!

Remove your hat, gloves, and coat while you nip inside for a bit, as you don’t want to overheat.

How to dress warmly inside

Let’s say you’re skipping the outdoors altogether, but you’d still like to layer for warmth while indoors. The above advice works here, too.

Try a base layer + mid layer + top layer

That can look like a base tee + flannel shirt + sweater.

Add warm wool socks and slippers that have a rubber sole to help insulate against cold floors.

I like wearing a scarf indoors on days when I can’t shake the chill off my bones. Try it. It makes a huge difference.

If you’re still cold, add a down vest or wrap yourself in a cozy blanket.

Bonus items to keep handy in the cold

Want to be ready for anything? Keep this list of spares and extras handy in case you get wet. Perhaps you can store them in a bag in your car.

• Hand warmers and toe warmers (see my complete guide to hand warmers to help you know your options)
• Umbrella
• Poncho
• Spare pair of warm socks in case your feet get wet
• Spare pair of shoes or boots

How to avoid overheating when you’re dressed in layers

Sometimes, we overestimated the weather, and we’ve dressed a little too warmly. Or, we’re moving around and active, and we’re starting to sweat.

Time to strip off some layers.

I suggest keeping your base layer on, so it’ll continue to wick moisture from your skin. Consider removing your mid or top layer and putting your coat back on to see if that does the trick.

Try to keep your outermost layer one that is wind-resistant so that your body heat won’t be whisked away.

Why wind chill matters when staying warm outside

While you’re checking the weather forecast, don’t forget to note the wind chill. This “feels like” temperature can make a profound difference in your comfort and warmth.

Wind chill affects living beings and is based on the rate of heat loss on your exposed skin caused by wind and cold temperatures, according to Weather.gov.

Use this information to guard against frostbite and hypothermia. Especially on windy days and when there’s a low wind chill, dress in appropriate layers and make sure your outer layer is wind-resistant.

Remember — use moisture-wicking base layers + loose-fitting second layers + stay dry

With some planning and strategic purchases, you’ll be dressed for whatever the winter weather attempts to throw at you.

There’s no bad weather, only bad clothing (and bad layering!).

Prioritize moisture-wicking base layers, stay dry, keep your core warm, and don’t neglect warm-weather accessories.