Wear several types of protective winter clothing. A jacket, coat, gloves, scarf, thick socks, boots and hat. Focus on layering clothing as the additional layers help trap warm air against the body.
Always wear a hat. Up to 45 percent of body heat can be lost through the head. Put on a knit or fleece cap and pull up your jacket hood when outdoors.
Wear sturdy high-ankle boots with thick cotton or wool socks. Consider wearing boots that are a half size too large, providing room for extra thick socks. Leather or rubberized boots with good traction keep you from slipping and keep water out.
Wear fabrics especially designed for cold-weather use. Down and polyester-filled coats help keep you warm with pockets of air warmed by body heat. "Gore-Tex" outerwear is very water resistant and will help keep you from getting wet. Wool and fur are natural insulators against cold weather. "Polartec" is another type of fabric designed to keep you dry, insulated and warm.
Follow the "COLD" principles. These guidelines can help keep you dry and safe, and protect your winter outerwear in dangerously cold weather. They are:
Keep clothing (C)lean.
Avoid (O)verheating.
Wear clothing (L)oose and in (L)ayers.
Keep clothing (D)ry.
