Sunshine in cold air

Short answer: Sun in cold air is the most deceptive combination there is. The sun warms your skin, but the air is still cold, and in the shade the warmth disappears at once, so dress for the air temperature and not for the sun.

The sun fools you

A clear day with sun in a blue sky looks warm through the window. Step out in a thin layer, and it feels fine for the first few minutes in the sun. But the air is still cold, and as soon as you reach the shade, you notice. That is why many people feel colder on sunny days in the cold season than expected.

The sun only warms what it hits

The side facing the sun is warm, the other is cold. The sun's warmth reaches your skin and clothes directly, but it hardly warms the air around you. A soft layer that covers both front and back evens out the difference. See bamboo sweat for men and women.

The shade is a different temperature

Ten metres into the shade it can be eight degrees colder. A street with tall buildings, a tree or a wall is enough to move from mild sun to cold air in a few steps. See bamboo T-shirts for women as the innermost layer under your jacket.

Your feet are always in shade

Wherever the sun is, your feet are in shade on the ground. They touch ground that has not warmed up, and on cold days it is often colder than the air. Warm socks are a good choice, even when the sky is clear. See bamboo socks.

Dress for the air

Look at the air temperature in the forecast, not the sun symbol. If it says five degrees, dress for five degrees, even if the sun is shining. You can always open your jacket or take off a layer in the sun, but it is hard to warm up again once you are cold.

Layers you can take off

On a sunny, cold day it helps to wear layers that are easy to take on and off. A soft middle layer under a jacket lets you open up in the sun and close again in the shade. That way you avoid both sweating and feeling cold on the same walk.

Watch for sunset

On a clear day the temperature drops quickly as soon as the sun is gone. With no clouds to hold in the warmth, the afternoon turns cold fast. If you are out late in the day, bring an extra layer and put it on before you start to feel cold.

Enjoy the sun in the right clothes

Sunny days in the cold season are some of the best for being outdoors. With the right clothes you can enjoy the light without feeling cold. A soft layer, warm socks and a jacket you can open are often all it takes to make the most of the day.

Frequently asked questions

Why is sun in cold air so deceptive

Because the sun warms your skin directly while the air is still cold. In the shade the warmth vanishes at once, and then you feel the real temperature.

How should you dress

For the air temperature, not the sun. Bring a layer you can take off when you stand in the sun, and put it back on in the shade.

Why are your feet cold on a sunny day

Because they are always in shade down by the ground, and the ground is colder than the air on days like these. Warm socks help.