Clothes for walks in wind

Short answer: Wind carries heat away many times faster than still air. A windproof outer layer therefore matters more than a thick mid layer. Underneath, you want a dry inner layer and a light layer that holds on to air.

Wind removes the warm layer of air

Around your skin and inside your clothes lies a thin layer of warmed air. That is what keeps you warm. The wind blows it away, and your body has to heat a new one all the time. The stronger the wind, the faster this happens. See the layers in bamboo sweat for men and women.

Why it feels colder than the thermometer says

At the same temperature, a windy day feels several degrees colder than a still one. The thermometer measures the air, but your body feels how quickly heat disappears. That is why a walk by the water can feel cold even when the forecast promises mild weather. Check the wind, not just the temperature.

The inner layer should keep the skin dry

Even in the wind you sweat when you walk briskly. If the inner layer gets damp, the wind strengthens the chill, because the moisture evaporates faster. A thin layer that moves moisture away from the skin makes the walk more comfortable. See the styles in men's bamboo undershirts.

Sweat alone is not enough

Sweatshirt fabric is soft and holds air, but it is not windproof. The wind goes straight through the knit and takes the warmth with it. Use the sweatshirt as a mid layer and add a windproof layer on top when it blows. See what you can wear underneath in bamboo T-shirts for men.

A thin outer layer does most of the work

The windproof layer does not need to be thick. A thin layer that stops the wind keeps the warm air in place beneath it. That is often more effective than adding another jumper. A light outer layer can also be folded into a pocket until the wind picks up.

Neck, hands and head

The exposed areas lose the most heat in the wind. The neck is the most vulnerable, because the wind can get in along the collar and down your back. A collar or a scarf makes a noticeable difference. Gloves and a hat take up little space and come off easily.

End with the wind behind you

If you can, plan the route so the wind is at your back on the way home. You then walk into the wind while you are fresh and warm, and avoid a cold headwind when you are damp and tired. It is a small trick, but it makes the end of the walk far more pleasant.

After the walk

When you come in, it is worth changing the inner layer if it is damp. Hang the sweatshirt up to air instead of washing it after every walk. Wash the inner layer at a low temperature and let it dry on a hanger, ready for the next outing.

Frequently asked questions

How much colder does it feel in the wind

Several degrees, depending on the wind strength. The effect is greatest at low temperatures and grows if the clothing next to your skin is damp.

Does an extra sweatshirt layer help

Only a little. Without a windproof layer, the wind blows through both layers. A thin windproof layer on top does more than an extra jumper underneath.

What about the neck

It is the most exposed spot. A collar or a scarf makes a noticeable difference, because otherwise the wind finds its way down your back.