What to Wear This Winter

Winter Clothes
Get outdoors this winter. Just remember to wear layers and bright colors. Photo by Maridav/Shutterstock.

Dress right for walking in the snow, skiing, or snowboarding by wearing layers of clothing that help you stay warm and also allow good circulation through the body. People can faint or experience headaches, blurred vision, or tingling in their legs or back when their apparel is too tight, according to Donna Mendez, MD, a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery.

Don’t hibernate. Get out and get fit with these tips to dress from the inside out:

Build your base: Thermal underwear and polyblend thermal tops pull moisture away from skin. Spandex clothing traps fluids and can constrict blood vessels that supply oxygen to the brain and body.

Add a mid-layer: Polyester sweaters, polyester shirts, and fleece-lined snow pants provide insulation.

Top it off: Bright red, yellow or orange clothing helps others to see you. (Never wear white or gray.) Opt for nylon pants with a cinch cord waist and zippers at the ankles. Invest in a hooded jacket with fleece lining that zips into the outer shell for extra protection and insulation. If clothes don’t have reflective trim, sew, tape, or iron it on chest, arms, waist, legs, and ankles.

Protect hands and feet: Big gloves with polyester liner; smartwool or polyliner socks; and insulated winter boots keep extremities warm and dry.

Cover head and face: Neck warmers and fleece or knitted hats or caps add warmth; ski goggles protect eyes and vision.