When you have cold hands

Short answer: Hands get cold for the same reason as feet. The body saves heat by drawing blood towards the core, and the hands are furthest out. An extra layer on the body and a bit of movement often help more than thick gloves.

The core decides for the hands

If your body is cold, your hands get less blood, whatever gloves you wear. The body protects the middle first, and the hands come last. That is why it pays to keep the body warm first. A soft base layer close to the skin is a good place to start. See bamboo underwear for women.

Warm the body first

An extra layer on the upper body warms the hands more than thick gloves. When the body has enough heat, it sends blood out to the fingers by itself. The same goes for the legs: soft trousers keep warmth in the whole lower body. See bamboo sweatpants for women for cold days at home.

Movement sends blood out

A minute of moving your arms does more than five minutes with your hands in your pockets. Swing your arms, clench and open your hands, or take a quick walk. Movement gets circulation going and sends warm blood to the fingers. It works outdoors and at a cold desk. See women's most popular for everyday wear.

Gloves only help partly

Gloves hold on to the warmth that is in your hands, but they do not make any themselves. If the core is cold, there is little warmth to hold. Wear gloves by all means, but see them as the last layer, not the first. Mittens often keep hands warmer than gloves, because the fingers warm each other.

Moisture cools the hands

Wet or damp hands lose heat quickly. Dry your hands well after washing, and change gloves if they get damp inside. The same goes for sleeves: a damp cuff at the wrist cools more than you think. A dry base layer with sleeves that reach over the wrist helps.

Mind the wrists

The wrists are a place where warmth easily escapes. Sleeves that are a little too short leave a cold gap between sleeve and glove. Choose tops with long sleeves or a rib cuff that sits close to the wrist. It is a small detail, but it makes a clear difference on a cold day.

At the desk

Cold hands are common at a desk because you sit still for a long time. Get up once an hour and move your arms and shoulders. Keep your body warm with an extra layer and have a warm cup nearby. Short breaks do more for your hands than turning up the heat in the whole room.

Wash so clothes keep you warm

A base layer holds warmth best when it is soft and sits evenly. Wash at a low temperature with a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener. Dry flat or on a hanger. That way it keeps its shape and feels pleasant against the skin on a cold morning.

Frequently asked questions

Why do hands get cold

Because the body draws blood towards the core to save heat. The hands are furthest away and get the least, especially when you sit still.

Do thick gloves help

Only partly. If the core is cold, the body does not send enough blood to the hands for the gloves to have anything to insulate. So start with an extra layer on the body.

What helps fastest

An extra layer on the body plus moving your arms. Then the body sends warm blood back to the hands by itself, and your fingers warm up sooner.