Most Michiganders are all too familiar with bundling up to brave the cold, even at the gas pump when the cold air begins to hurt your face, but what many people don’t know is that the way you bundle up matters. As temperatures continue to drop, it’s important to know how to dress efficiently to stay warm during Michigan’s unforgiving, five-month-long winter.

Many families will spend extensive time outside this winter, whether they’re enjoying winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, taking a winter walk, playing in the snow or volunteering at outdoor events. It’s important to dress appropriately to prevent hypothermia and frostbite.

In addition to safety, staying warm is important to overall comfort. Being outside is a lot less fun when you’re freezing.

Layer up!

Layering clothing allows warm air to become trapped between the layers which acts as an insulator, keeping your body warmer. Additionally, multiple thin layers allows you to remove one at a time in case you get too hot.

A base layer, like long underwear, wicks moisture from your body or absorbs sweat that your body produces when exerting energy. Sweat on the skin will cool down as it evaporates, causing the body to chill.

The middle layer is the main insulator, trapping the body heat. A polyester, Merino wool, flannel or fleece sweater or sweatshirt is a good option for this.

The outer layer protects your body from the elements. Think winter coat. Often they are thick, waterproof, and block precipitation and wind from making you cold or getting the inside layers damp.

An important thing to note is that contrary to popular belief, tighter isn’t better. Having some extra space between layers is what allows the warm air to insulate your body. When your layers are too tight, there is no insulation.

Choose wool, not cotton, for your feet

Cold feet can ruin a winter day. It’s never good when your body feels fine but you can’t feel your toes. Many people suffer from cold feet due to wearing cotton socks, which hold moisture. After walking, the sweat absorbed by cotton socks cools down, causing cold feet that cannot be warmed up without removing the socks.

Wool is always better for your feet in the winter!

Make sure you have a thick, insulated pair of boots that cover your ankles and buy a size up to account for a thick pair of wool socks. Remember, there should be extra space for warm air to circulate in your boots. We recommend brands such as Bombas, Carhartt, Under Armour or Flint and Tinder.

It seems obvious, but cover your skin!

It’s a common misconception that you lose most of your body heat through your head. The truth is, heat actually escapes from any exposed part of your body.

Consider a thin pair of gloves under a pair of thick mittens to keep your hands warm and wear a beanie or hat under a balaclava or ski mask for extreme temperatures.

Dress efficiently and enjoy hours of outdoor fun this winter

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