When you get cold easily

Short answer: If you feel the cold more easily than others, layers and dryness matter more for you than for most. A damp base layer costs you more warmth than it costs others. Start with a dry layer next to the skin, one layer more than those around you and warm feet.

Keep the innermost layer dry

Moisture against the skin is the fastest way to get cold, no matter how many layers are on top. Even a little sweat from a walk can chill you when you sit down afterwards. A soft base layer that absorbs moisture helps you hold on to warmth. See bamboo slips, which work under dresses and skirts.

One layer more than the others

If you get cold easily, you simply need one layer more. It is no more complicated than that. Look at what others are wearing and add one layer. A thin T-shirt under your sweater takes up almost no room but makes a clear difference on a cool day. See bamboo T-shirts for women.

Start with your feet

Warm feet make the whole body warmer. When your feet are cold, the rest of you feels cooler too, even if you are wearing enough. Choose socks that fit well without squeezing, and change them if they get damp during the day. A spare pair in your bag is a good habit. See socks for women.

Thin layers rather than one thick one

Several thin layers hold warmth better than one thick one, because air sits between them. They are also easier to adjust. If you warm up on the stairs, take one layer off and avoid sweating. That way you do not get cold afterwards when you sit still again.

Watch the transitions

The cold often sets in during transitions: stepping from a warm room into the cold, or sitting down after being active. Keep an extra layer close at hand so you can put it on before the cold gets in. It is easier to keep warmth than to win it back.

Do not sit still too long

When you sit still, your body produces less heat. Get up regularly, take a few steps and move your arms and legs. It gets your circulation going and makes it easier to stay warm. At a desk, a blanket over your legs and an extra layer on your upper body can help a lot.

Evenings and nights

Many people feel coldest in the evening, when the day winds down and the body settles. A soft set for relaxing and warm socks make the evening more comfortable. At night a thin base layer under the duvet can help, but avoid so many layers that you start to sweat.

Wash so clothes stay soft

A base layer holds warmth best when it sits soft and even against the skin. Wash at a low temperature with a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener. Dry flat or on a hanger. That way the garment keeps its shape and feels good to put on, even on cold mornings.

Frequently asked questions

Why do some people feel colder than others

It comes down to circulation, muscle mass and habit. Some people simply produce less heat at rest than others and therefore notice the cold sooner.

What helps most if you get cold easily

Keeping the innermost layer dry and starting with warm feet. Both matter more than a thick outer layer, because moisture and cold feet cool the whole body.

When should you talk to your doctor

If you suddenly start feeling much colder than you usually do. A lasting sense of cold should be assessed by a doctor, so talk to yours about it.