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   Wear an under-layer. This is an easy way to stay warmer without having to do much. An under-layer is a layer of clothing which goes under your normal clothing. A common form of underwear are thermals. This under-layer can take many forms, but each can help you stay warm without adding a lot of bulk or extra steps.

   • Common under-layer items include stockings, leggings, thermal shirts, and long underwear.
   • It’s important to keep in mind that having this under-layer can become uncomfortable if you are in a warm room. For example, if you bundle up to drive to work in a warm office, you may find the additional base layer too much.
   • After skiing, you may have to strip down to your thermals when sitting in front of the fireplace in your alpine cabin. If opaque, this is generally considered appropriate apres-ski wear.
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   Wear a waterproof outer layer. When you know there will be chances to get wet, it’s important to have a waterproof layer to stay warm. If the water penetrates through your clothing, your clothing will only make you colder. Examples of watery conditions you might encounter include rain, snow, and spray (such as if you will be out on a boat or if there are lots of puddles on the ground).

   • You can throw a rain jacket on under a warm but less waterproof coat, for example. When you buy coats, look for materials that are very waterproof and warm, such as neoprene.
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   Wear a heat-retaining layer. Aside from just keeping dry, you want to look for clothing made out of materials that are very insulating. You’ve probably heard about fleece but this fabric is not for everyone. Find out what other options are available to you and then go on a shopping trip.

   • Wear wool, if you can. This is one of the best insulating materials, even though it can be expensive. You can also use wool clothes, instead of just wool coats, to cut down on how much you need to wear total. Many inexpensive wool items can be found at vintage stores.
   • Other warm materials include down, lined leather, fur, and neoprene.
   • Wool will continue to keep you warm, even if wet. This is not true of most other materials such as leather or quilted cotton.
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   Protect your extremities. It’s not completely true that you lose X percentage of heat from your head or your feet or whatever.^[1]However, it is true that leaving these areas uncovered can make it tough for you to stay warm.^[2] When you’re outside, try to keep your head, hands and feet covered with a scarf, hat, gloves, thick fuzzy socks and boots. You may also wear two layers of socks or leggings/thermals under your jeans. It may not make you look like the pinnacle of fashion, but you will be warm.

   • It is very important for all of these items to be waterproof, since these are the areas where you are most likely to notice wetness and additional cold. For example, use lined leather gloves if you can.
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   Protect yourself from the elements. When you’re forced to go outside, stay as far away as you can from things like rain, snow, puddles, ice and wind. These things getting too close are what make you feel cold; your clothing and body can usually handle the air temperature. Move quickly between buildings, use a car when you can, and when you must be outside, try to walk under a shelter.
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   Bring warming materials. You can carry around little heat sources with you, if you find yourself struggling to stay warm. Small items, like reusable hand warmers, can be put in a pocket to get the job done when gloves just aren’t enough. Other items, like[…]

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