Do you know how to dress in layers?

Many students arrive in Canada and the USA during the coldest months of the year, between January and March. For many of them, it is their very first winter (they are snow virgins). This is why we prepared this short guide, to help them face the winter, so they don’t stop enjoying it.

To better understand the traditional adage of dressing in layers, it is convenient to understand the function of each layer:

1. Inner layer (underwear): It keeps your skin dry from your own sweating.

2. Middle layer or insulation layer: It maintains your body heat to protect you from the cold.

3. Outer layer or shell layer: It protects you from wind and rain.

Inner layer (thermal underwear): When it hits several degrees below zero, it is necessary to wear long underwear, a piece of clothing that covers even the ankles. In North America they are popularly called “Long Johns”. Some people use their running tights or sport tights subjectively. Also, there are people who use a comfortable short or a medium-length underwear instead of the long ones. To select this layer, we should consider not only the weather, but our metabolism, and the kind of activities.

Middle or insulation layer. It is convenient to know your piece of clothing’s aimed temperature. You can buy a fleece, a puffer jacket, a large coat with goose feathers, sweaters of polar material, among others. For more insulation you can double this layer with another piece of the same kind. When considering outdoors’s temperature, remember to check the chilling sensation as well, the effect of the added wind and humidity.

Outer layer (Shell): Usually a windbreaker with a hoodie. Many coats have the middle and outer layers in one single piece or in two combined pieces. By itself, this layer will give you little insulation against the cold, but it protects you from the elements: wind, rain and snow. Some coats come with fur around the hoodie to protect your face and neck from the snow, and provide better insulation.

It is not always necessary to wear all layers but remember: it is better to wear all layers and have to take one off, than missing one layer and face a major inconvenience.

“It is better to wear all layers and have to take one off, than missing one layer and face a major inconvenience“.

Last but not least, do not forget to use gloves and a scarf for further protection.

By following the aforesaid, you will be prepared to hit the snow and enjoy the many outdoor activities that you can do in winter.