Not everyone likes bulking up too much on chilly winter days; some people live in humid subtropical areas and don’t see the need to buy a coat only to wear a few days each year. And others refuse to bundle up because wearing a coat seems unfashionable.
Fortunately, whatever your reasoning, there are things you can do to stay warm without the extra layer of clothing.
Wondering how to stay warm without a coat? Here are a few tips:
- Wear three layers of clothing (base, middle, outer).
- Wear warming accessories like scarves or beanies.
- Use hand and foot warmers.
- Stay active by jumping or jogging in place.
- Drink some ginger tea (it has thermogenic properties).
Check out these ingenious tips and ideas that let you stay warm without looking bulky. At least one of these will keep you warm, comfy, and stylish.
Layering
We all know how effective layering is when the weather is frigid. It helps insulate your body and allows you to remove a layer or two if it gets warm. However, it doesn’t make much sense if you end up looking puffy or bulky. That’s why you need to master the art of layering.
It’s pretty simple. We’ll share some awesome ideas and smart styling tricks on how to layer-up without making yourself feel like a stuffed sausage.
Base Layer
The purpose of base layers is to wick away water and keep your skin dry. Go for clothing made with sweating wicking fabric such as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, or merino wool. Silk is also a great fabric for cold weather, but only if you’re not as active outdoors.
Keep in mind these fabrics vary in odor retention, breathability, and durability.
Tops
A camisole or t-shirt made of the above fabrics is your go-to wear. But steer clear of clothing made with cotton. This fabric is breathable but not great at pulling the sweat away from the skin. So if you happen to sweat, the fabric retains the moisture. The cold plus dampness can increase the risk of hypothermia. The base layer should fit snugly, not too tight.
Bottoms
For the layering bottoms, go for tights or leggings made of thinner material. Thicker leggings most probably won’t fit underneath pants. Make sure the fabric retains heat and wicks away moisture. Fleece-lined or merino wool leggings are great options.
Middle Layer
This is referred to as the insulating layer. It is often overlooked, but this layer retains body heat your base layer could not. This layer should be slightly heavier than the base layer for obvious reasons. It’s also important for it to be breathable and moisture-wicking.
Sweatshirts, vests, sweaters, hoodies, turtleneck sweaters and pullovers can all work as mid-layers. If you want to make a fashion statement, look for something with preppy or fun patterns.
The most suitable fabrics for this layer are wool, down, or synthetics such as fleece and pile. So your choice really comes down to personal preference, how cold it is, what you’re planning to do, or where you are planning to go.
Down, for instance, is great for the coldest conditions or those who are always cold and need adequate insulation. And remember, the clothing should be loose-fitting.
Outside Layer
Also known as the protective layer, it prevents wind and rain from penetrating into the middle layer. You can try an ultra-light down jacket, leather jacket, or blazer, depending on the occasion.
A blazer not only adds a great color pop to any outfit, but it’s also a practical winter wear option. For dudes who want to get into the groove, look for a medium weight wool blazer with padded quilted lining or padded vest piece.
Pro tip: If your arms can’t hang straight down or you’re unable to fold them, you’re probably wearing too many layers. Shed some for the sake of your comfort and mobility.
Wear accessories.
Scarves
Scarves can come in handy if you’re not into layering. A scarf not only keeps you toasty warm but also adds a bit of glam to your outfit while showcasing your style. The key is finding the perfect scarf for you. This means picking the right material to keep warm and comfortable, as well as the right size, shape, and color to boost your appearance.
When it comes to choosing the right material, opt for wool or cashmere. These two are great insulators. However, some people find 100% wool scarf itchy or uncomfortable. Wool blends with synthetics are good alternatives. A silk scarf is also great if you’re cycling or active outdoors.
Scarves come in all shapes, sizes, and styles from the traditional rectangle to square, kite to infinity. Kite scarves are diamond-shaped for easy styling while infinity is circular and can be worn in various trendy ways.
The color and pattern of the scarf should complement your skin tone, hair color, and existing wardrobe. But how the scarf looks against your face is the most important thing. Matching with it to your outfit shouldn’t worry you much.
There are different ways to tie a scarf. Some of the easiest styles to get you started include the following:
- Celeb knot
- Cowl Neck
- Preppy Necktie
- European knot, also known as Parisian knot or Casual Sleek knot.
If you need help, don’t worry; there are so many online tutorials to guide you through these styles.
For shorter scarves, a simple toss and tuck is ideal, while the longer ones are great for the more complicated knots.
While scarves are more associated with the female wardrobe, men too can wear scarves. There are dozens of manly ways to tie a scarf and look stylish.
You can as well use your scarf over your head to keep it warm, especially when the wind is blowing.
Hand Warmers
Hand warmers can also help keep you warm when the temperature outside drops. There’s a wide variety of glove materials available. While different materials serve different purposes, avoid cotton gloves and mittens. Luckily they aren’t so common. This material loses all its insulating ability when it gets wet.
A good hand warmer should keep your hands warm while maintaining your hands’ dexterity.
Foot Warmers
Just like hands, feet also need protection when the temperature dips. Wrapping them in a sock will keep your toes and feet warm. Look for breathable and moisture-wicking socks made of either merino wool or synthetic fibers. Keep off cotton socks for the reason mentioned above.
When it comes to shoes, you should ditch the fancy dress shoes and trainers. Opt for breathable, waterproof boots or hiking shoes instead. But of course, this depends on the weather and preference.
Other helpful ways to stay warm without a coat include:
- Staying active – Taking a walk, jog, or run to boost your body temperature.
- Wearing a hat or beanie – Body heat is lost from any exposed part of the body, so it’s a good idea to cover the head.
- Drink a cup of warm ginger tea – Ginger has the ability to elevate body temperatures. It might be temporary, but it’s worth doing in the moment.
Vincent is a freelance writer based in Santa Ana, California. When he isn’t writing articles for Temperature Master, he can be found biking or hanging out with his cat, Shelly.