Editor's Note: This post was originally posted in November 2018 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in February 2020.
Being cold can really put a dampener on things. Often, Winter weather comes when you're least expecting it, so it's best to learn how to stay warm outside before it's too late!
Come rain or shine, say goodbye to shivers and hello to fun. Today we're showing you how to keep warm outside whatever the weather, with some great little cold-weather tips.
1. Prewarm your clothes
Jumping out of bed into the cold bedroom air during Winter can be pretty painful. Make getting dressed a welcome relief - not a punishment - by prewarming your clothes before you put them on.
The best way to do this is to either keep them in a cupboard with the boiler or close to a working radiator. When you pull them on, it'll feel just like you're getting back into bed again - well, almost. Remember, it's not always about what you wear outside to keep warm as much as how you wear it.
2. Invest in some quality thermals
Thermals aren't just for skiing. A thermal top and pair of pants are one of our wardrobe essentials. They're great for layering under Winter outfits and will keep you surprisingly warm.
Make sure you invest in some good quality items that fit snugly to reap the full effects. If you want them to last for years, get clued up on how to wash every item in your wardrobe.
3. Fleece leggings
If you don't like the sound of thermals, fleece-lined leggings are the next best things. They're also the ultimate Winter tights, so if you really must wear skirts during Winter, a pair should be your go-to cold-leg solution.
For those really cold days, layer a pair of thick leggings under your jeans. If you want to know how to stay warm in cold weather, this is our number one tip!
4. Hand warmers
This is a great tip for keeping warm! Hand warmers might be a bit old school, but they're surprisingly good at giving you an added bit of comfort and warmth on those Wintery nights and days out - they're particularly useful for Christmas events when you know you're going to be stood still out in the cold for a while.
Whilst you can pick hand warmers up pretty cheaply online, it's also pretty easy to make your own. Head over to Little House Living to find out how to make your own (all you need are some fabric scraps and rice).
5. Cover every inch of skin
Whilst layers in Winter are definitely useful, most people find that having as much as their body surface covered in at least one layer more beneficial. It sounds obvious, but it really is the best way to stay warm outside.
Every millimetre of skin left open to the elements will lead to heat loss which, in cold weather, happens extremely quickly.
Neck warmers, hats and gloves are all essential when out and about in the cold - you should aim to cover as much of your skin as humanly possible!
6. Eat fatty foods
Now here's a bonus to cold weather we can't argue with - you can eat fattier food!
Fatty foods raise the pH of the blood in our bodies (which is generally lower in cold weather). This is said to help us keep warmer for longer. Bring on the pork belly and mash!
7. Thermal flask
Coffee, tea, hot chocolate - whatever your favourite hot tipple, it'll be your saviour in more ways than one when the temperature starts to drop.
Not only will the drink inside your flask warm the inside of your body, but the case will help keep you warm on the outside too. You can hold it in your hands like a hand warmer or pop it inside your jacket like a hot water bottle - just make sure the top is on securely first.
Pick up a thermal drink flask today and reap the benefits this Winter!
8. Keep moving
This one may seem obvious, but one of the quickest ways to warm up and also stay warm is to keep moving. Whether it's increasing your pace or simply stepping from one foot to the other when stationary, small movements will burn energy and help to heat up your body.
If you're looking to warm up with something a little bit more intensive, try these easy exercises.
9. Keep hydrated
Just because it's not sweltering outside and you don't feel parched, it doesn't mean you shouldn't keep well hydrated.
In fact, in Winter it's really important to keep your water levels high. Water is good at retaining heat, so keeping your body pumped with it is an easy way to keep you warm when you head outside.
10. Keep your head covered
Berets may be fashionable, but they won't keep you as warm as a proper hat. The blood vessels in our head are much closer to the skin's surface than those in other parts of our body, which makes heat loss more likely.
Keeping as much of your head's surface covered as possible will do a great deal to keep you feeling snug and cosy on those cold outdoor days.
11. DIY wool insoles
Going somewhere really cold?
Because our shoes come in direct contact with a cold surface - the ground - our feet can easily become cold, and once our feet become cold, it's hard to get them warm again.
Our trick? DIY wool insoles! Making them is easy - all you have to do is cut out two pieces of wool to line the bottom of your shoes. It'll be like wearing slippers wherever you go, and your feet will stay incredibly warm.
12. Cycling hat
Cycling hats aren't just useful for cyclists. Almost like a swimming cap, cyclists wear thin, tight hats under their helmets to keep their ears and heads warm whilst whizzing through Winter winds.
If it's exceptionally cold, popping one on under your usual woolly hat could be a good idea.
13. Tactical scarf-wearing
If you're just using your scarf to keep your neck warm, you're doing it wrong. The best hack for staying warm outside is a bit of tactical scarf wearing.
Scarves are amazingly versatile things! They can be used as extra layers underneath coats (sort of like a cape), a blanket to pop over cold knees, and even as a sort of heater. If you wrap your scarf up over your nose, your breath will provide some heat during cold days to keep your face warm - genius!
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Now you'll never have to be cold when you step outside again! Do you have any tips to add? Share them with us in the comments below.
MANY THANKS SNUG AS A BUG
Yes Marina we use tosay that to my children, we will make you as snug as a bug in a rug Kids loved it, alwaays warmed the room before bed so it was nice and warm, hot water bottle in the bed with a cover on it. I use to fill it again when I went to bed, always leave the heating on low.
I wrap my scarf over my nose, but the only problem is, when you wear glasses, they get steamed up and you can't see where you're going. ?
That's true - they could do with windscreen wipers!
Revamping this article makes sense. One is always going to need a reminder every once in a while. Thanks for adding that bit about fleece legging
You're welcome, Blessing!
Women, and some men as well, don't be afraid of wearing socks even if your ankle are exposed by cropped trousers, at least on the coldest day, plus they can be stylish! Do all kinds of color pairings withs shoes, caps, scarves ! For the bare ankles and legs, there's all spring, summer and autumn, early winter if you are comfortable :).
Great tips!
Thanks. It's nothing ^_^ Glad to share.
Great points but left more to be wanted in the area of masks. Masks are now versatile. They not only protect you and others from the spread of germs but you can wear cloth masks that are fleece lined that keep your nose and cheeks warm.
That's a great suggestion!
placing your feet in plastic bags before your socks will keep your feet toasty. keeps swet close to your foot instead of soaking your sock, rendering the sock useless
We can imagine that works really well if you go out in the snow, especially! Thanks for sharing.