Where the body gives off the most heat

Short answer: The body gives off heat everywhere, but most where the blood vessels lie close to the skin. The head, neck, hands and feet are the key areas. Knowing where heat escapes helps you dress more precisely and put your layers where they do the most good.

Head and neck come first

The head has many blood vessels near the surface and is rarely covered. The neck sits just below and is also often bare while the rest of the body is well wrapped. On a cold day, a lot of heat escapes from these two areas. A layer that reaches a little up the neck holds on to more warmth. See bamboo boxers.

Hands and feet are the outposts

Hands and feet have a large surface compared with their volume, so they lose heat quickly. They are also furthest from the body's core, so the blood has already cooled a little when it arrives. When the body is cold, it sends less blood out to them to keep heat inside. See bamboo sweatshirt for men.

The core loses the least

The chest and stomach are well insulated by the body itself. This is where the organs are, and the body works hard to keep this area warm. That does not mean the core is unimportant, but an extra layer here does less if the head, hands and feet are bare. See the full range for men.

The myth about the head

Many people have heard that you lose most of your heat through your head. That is only true if the head is the only part left uncovered. The head is not special in itself, but it is often the area left bare when everything else is wrapped up. That is why you notice it so clearly when you put on a hat.

Cover what is bare

The key advice is to cover what is uncovered. If you wear a jacket and trousers but no hat or gloves, the head and hands lose the most. If you wear a hat but thin shoes, it is the feet. Notice where you feel cold and start there, rather than adding another layer on your upper body.

Layers close to the skin

A thin layer directly on the skin holds a layer of warm air and makes a difference even under clothing that is already warm. Choose something soft that sits close without feeling tight. That applies to the upper body as well as the legs, where an inner layer can make a cold day more comfortable.

Dry is warmer than wet

Moisture carries heat away from the body far faster than dry air. If your socks or innermost layer are damp, you lose more heat, even from areas that are otherwise covered. Change into something dry when you can, and avoid putting a warm layer over something wet.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the body lose the most heat

Where the blood vessels lie close to the skin and the surface is large. The head, neck, hands and feet are where warmth escapes fastest.

Is it true that you lose most heat through your head

Only if the head is the only uncovered part. The head is not special in itself, but it is rarely covered, which is why the difference is so noticeable.

What should you cover first

Whatever is uncovered. If your head is bare and the rest is covered, a hat helps most. If your feet are bare, socks help most.