What do you wear on a cold night

Short answer: A thin layer on the body and a pair of socks. The feet decide how cold you feel, and a pair of socks works better than a thicker top.

Start with what is coldest

When it is cold at night, the first instinct is to put on more. Cold is felt first where the body is furthest from the centre, and that is the feet. Solve that first and the whole body feels warmer. A thin layer on the body and a pair of socks are therefore a good start for a cold night.

Feet first

Warm feet make the whole body feel warm. The feet are furthest from the core of the body and cool first, so they decide whether you feel cold. A pair of socks therefore works better than a thicker top. See bamboo panties if you also want a soft layer closest to the body.

A thin layer rather than a thick one

A thin layer under the duvet keeps the warmth without bunching up. A thick layer can get heavy to lie in, and you turn to where it pulls and tightens. The thin layer follows the body and lets the duvet do the rest. Choose something soft and smooth on the skin so seams and waistbands do not wake you.

Long sleeves rather than thick fabric

Covered skin loses less heat than thick fabric gains. That means a thin layer with long sleeves covers more and holds the warmth better than a thick layer that only covers the torso. Think of coverage rather than thickness. See bamboo T-shirts for women for a thin layer on the upper body.

Why socks help so much

The feet are furthest from the core of the body and cool first. When they are cold, the whole body feels cold, even if the rest is covered. Socks solve it simply: they keep the warmth at the feet, so you do not wake in the middle of the night with cold toes. That is the whole explanation.

Is thick nightwear better than thin

No. A thin layer with long sleeves covers more skin and works better than a thick layer that only covers the torso. Thick nightwear can also feel heavy to lie in. If you own a few thick pieces, they can be worn happily, but they are rarely what makes the difference.

How to layer

Start close to the body with a thin layer, put on socks and place the duvet over. If you need more, add a thin layer rather than switching to something thick. Several thin layers can be adjusted if you get warm. See bamboo socks for men and women for the feet.

What you can do about the bedroom

Nightwear is not the only thing that matters. Check that the duvet covers the whole body and that no draught comes from a window. Keep the bedroom as evenly warm as possible. The clothes should support the room, not make up for it. Small adjustments to both give a calmer night than one big fix.

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear on a cold night

A thin layer on the body and a pair of socks. The feet decide how cold you feel more than any other part of the body, so start with them.

Why do socks help so much

Because the feet are furthest from the core of the body and cool first. Warm feet make the whole body feel warm, so socks work better than a thicker top.

Is thick nightwear better than thin

No. A thin layer with long sleeves covers more skin and works better than a thick layer that only covers the torso, and it is easier to lie in.