Clothes for working in the cold

Short answer: Working in the cold is about staying dry rather than wrapping up. If your inner layer gets wet with sweat, you will feel cold no matter how many layers you wear. So think in thin layers you can adjust during the day.

The inner layer decides everything

A layer that moves moisture away from the skin keeps you warm when you stand still. It sits closest to your body all day, and it is the first to meet your sweat. Choose something thin and close fitting that works under the other layers without folding or chafing. See bamboo tank top for men.

Wet fabric pulls heat away

Wet fabric draws heat away from the body far faster than dry fabric. That is why you can feel cold under a thick jacket if the layer underneath is damp. It is not the number of layers but how dry the inner one is that decides how warm you feel. This is especially true during breaks.

The mid layer holds the air

A loose mid layer traps the warm air your body produces. It is the air that insulates, not the fabric itself. So the mid layer needs a bit of room and should not fit tightly. A soft sweatshirt is easy to take off and put on as the work changes. See bamboo sweatshirt for men.

The outer layer handles wind and weather

The outer layer protects against wind and rain, so the warm air in the mid layer stays where it is. It does not need to be thick. A thin, windproof layer often does more than an extra thick jumper, because it holds on to the warmth you already have.

Take a layer off before you sweat

It is easier to stay dry than to get dry again. When you notice you are warming up, take a layer off straight away rather than waiting. It may feel cool for a moment, but it keeps your inner layer from getting wet and chilling you for the rest of the day. See best sellers for men.

Put a layer on before you stand still

The opposite rule applies when you take a break or have to stand still. Put a layer on while you are still warm, so you hold on to the heat instead of having to win it back. Keep your mid layer somewhere you can reach it quickly. Small changes at the right time make a big difference.

Hands, feet and neck

You often feel the cold first in your hands, your feet and around your neck. Dry socks, gloves and something around your neck help your body keep heat where it escapes fastest. Bring a spare pair of socks, so you can change if your feet get damp. It is a simple habit that makes long days easier.

Care between shifts

Clothes worn in the cold every day need time to dry completely between shifts. Hang them up rather than leaving them in a bag. Wash the inner layer at a moderate temperature and let it air dry, so it keeps its shape and softness. A few sets to rotate make it easier to start each day dry.

Frequently asked questions

What matters most when working in the cold

Keeping the inner layer dry. Wet fabric pulls heat away however many layers you wear on top, so start with a thin layer that moves moisture away from the skin.

Why do you get cold even with many layers

Because one of the layers has become wet with sweat. Moisture in the fabric cancels out the insulation, and then adding another layer does not help.

When should you take a layer off

Before you start to sweat, not afterwards. It is much easier to stay dry than to get dry again, especially when you are working outdoors all day.