Clothes on a night shift

Short answer: On a night shift your body temperature drops while the rooms get cooler at the same time. One layer more than on a day shift is the rule, and a base layer that moves moisture does the rest.

The body cools mid shift

Around four in the morning body temperature is at its lowest, and you feel it however active you are. Many get cold in those hours, even though they felt fine at the start. A layer like bamboo sweat for men and women covers that and goes on and off without disrupting work.

Rooms are turned down at night

Many buildings turn the heating down at night, and that hits desk work hardest. If you stand at a screen or sit at a desk, the body makes little heat. See the warmer styles in most popular for women, which can go under work clothes or on top when things are quiet.

A change halfway helps

A clean base layer halfway through the shift removes both moisture and the tired feel of the clothes. It sounds minor, but many feel fresher after changing. Bring an extra layer in your bag so you can change on your break. See the most popular from Copenhagen Bamboo for soft base layers.

Layers you can adjust

A night shift swings between busy spells and quiet hours. When you move around you warm up, and when you sit still you cool down. Several thin layers are easier to adjust than one thick jumper. Take the outer layer off when busy and put it back on when it gets quiet.

Moisture is worse at night

If you sweat during a busy spell and your clothes get damp, they cool quickly once you sit down. At night, when the body is already cold, you feel it even more. A base layer that absorbs moisture and lets it evaporate keeps you dry, so you do not get cold afterwards.

Soft clothes for many hours

A night shift is long, and the clothes are on your body the whole time. Flat seams and a soft fabric do not rub at the neck, wrists and waist. A waistband that does not pull makes it easier to sit and move without thinking about your clothes. That matters more the longer the shift.

Food and drink keep you warm

A warm meal and something warm to drink during the night help the body hold its heat. Place a break around the time you usually feel coldest, and combine it with a fresh layer. That helps you through the last hours of the shift.

Home and to bed

After a night shift you have to sleep during the day. Change into something soft and dry when you get home, and darken the bedroom. The body is often cold after the shift, so socks and a thin layer can make it easier to fall asleep, even when it is light outside.

Frequently asked questions

How much colder does a night shift feel

Two to four degrees compared with the same work during the day, because both the body and the rooms are cooler at night.

Should you change during the shift

On shifts over eight hours a clean base layer makes a big difference, both for warmth and for feeling fresh.

What matters most

A layer you can take off and a base layer that moves moisture, so you can keep up with the shift between busy and quiet periods.