Cold Weather Work Clothing
What to Wear Working Outside
in the Winter
Whether you spend whole or part days outdoors exposed to the elements, or in cold, unheated, covered spaces, here are some practical principles to apply to stay warm and work effectively without breaking the bank.
Last updated - 6th September 2021
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Layering -- The idea of layering to keep warm is frequently misunderstood to just mean lots of layers, 3 cotton shirts for instance isn't going to do the trick, they are not the best material, they won't sit too comfortably on each other and give you far more laundry to do! Layering is about different layers doing different jobs. To be comfortable and effective in cold conditions, a little planning and strategic buying is more effective than simply throwing more clothes on.
All cold weather work clothing from: Carhartt
For protracted and serious cold - Thick long underwear is best used as part of your layering system for extreme cold conditions rather than as a main insulation layer with year-round clothes on top. While it introduces extra insulation it also reduces somewhat the flexibility of dress for changing conditions and levels of exertion as taking off your underwear when overheating is not a very practical solution! Synthetics or merino wool are the better options as they wick moisture away from the skin to outer layers and provide better insulation, cotton is best avoided, though is a safety requirement for some occupations - the only time you should consider using it. Synthetic Merino Wool Heavy weight cotton underwear - only recommended if required by hazard exposure to electricity or fire. ![]() Light-weight thermal underwear, easy care, non-bulky insulation for cold conditions Women's | Men's Foundation layer of silk - in a complimentary or contrasting color if partly visible, good insulation Women's | Men's |
Mid Insulation Layers
- A main insulating layer/s,
flexibility is important for changing conditions with
adjustable ventilation during exertion and the ability
to batten down the hatches when it gets properly cold.
Lower body - Thick warm pants of lined cotton duck or heavyweight synthetic material such as polyester/cotton. Personally I have worn moleskin pants (a kind of cotton, named for its texture and nothing to do with real moles) in both polar regions and wouldn't consider wearing anything else, for warmth, comfort and practicality they have no rival. Pants should not be tight fitting, too close a fit will affect circulation and make you feel colder while not leaving room for thermal underwear. Bibs and overalls are particularly good here, they add extra insulation and keep you covered while bending or stretching. Insulated bib overalls -
Men's
Women's
Soft insulating garments aren't wind or water-proof enough on their own in cold conditions and you will need a shell garment as well if outside at all, you might not need it all the time, but when you do, you'll be glad you're no longer saturated or frozen by the wind trying to get by without. ![]() best seller Winter shirts -
Men's
Women's |
The Outer or Shell Layer
- Front line protection from the weather,
this layer should be windproof and may be waterproof.
It could be simply a "shell" with no additional insulation
or it may have insulation built in. Jackets should always
have hoods. If the cold is not so extreme, or if you wear extra layers when it is very cold, an uninsulated shell is a good choice as it can be worn year-round and as a waterproof in the warmer months too. Being static for any length of time in extreme cold however means that you'll need the shell layer to be insulated too. Waterproof isn't always essential if snow rather than rain is going to fall. Like the insulating layer/s the outer layer should have features such as draw-cords and cuffs that can close over the tops of gloves to prevent warm air being pumped out with movement. ![]() Caterpillar Men's Heavy Insulated Parka Tough outer, synthetic insulation, Regular and Big and Tall sizes ![]() Carhartt Men's Yukon Extremes Insulated Coat Tough outer, Regular and Big and Tall sizes ![]() Carhartt Men's Big & Tall Arctic Quilt Lined Duck Traditional Coat Tough heavyweight cotton outer, Arctic-weight polyester insulation ![]() Hard Land Men's Winter Work Jacket Waterproof Hooded Insulated Parka Alternatives
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Protect the Extremities - head, hands and feet and the in-between bits, ankles, wrists and neck. Head "When your feet are
cold, cover your head" - Inuit saying
Styles and materials. I favor synthetic materials over wool for comfort and fit, less itchy and less likely to go out of shape. A beanie type hat is very effective and should reach over the ears or have ear flaps that can be folded up if not needed. A clean, plain shape enables the hood on your shell layer to be pulled over and fit closely, a bobble on top of the hat will give an air space that will make the combined insulation less effective. A personal favourite is a close fitting "windstopper" hat with ear flaps, small enough to easily fit in a pocket with a warmth far beyond its size and weight. Balaclavas are very useful and versatile, they can be rolled up to work as a hat or pulled down to cover the face and neck. Hats - Beanies | Hard hat liners | Balaclavas | Windstoppers Feet - Insulation from the cold ground is as important as insulation from the cold air
![]() Thermal socks: Men and Women's Boots: Boots are essential in cold weather as they cover the ankles so reducing heat loss at a thinly insulated region. Thick insulated soles are as important as insulated uppers as a lot of heat can be lost through the only part of our body in contact with the frigid ground. Work boots for extreme cold conditions: Men's Women's ![]() Carhartt Ruggedflex Safety Toe Work Boot - Men's Safety Toe Waterproof 400g Insulated Boot ![]() Georgia Boot Lace-To-Toe - Men's Gore-Tex Waterproof Insulated Work Boot ![]() Kamik Icebreaker Work Boot - Men's Rubber Winter Boot, Oil and acid resistant, -40F rated. ![]() Baffin Titan Canadian Made Industrial Rubber Boot - Men's Hands
Glove liners, lightweight gloves | Winter work gloves ![]() Work mittens The issue with gloves when it gets colder is that the dexterity reduces as the insulation and thickness increases, despite what you may see claimed, there is no magical thin, ultra warm glove that is going to allow you full use of your hands down to minus stupidly cold, it's all a compromise.
The Neck Along with the head, the neck is often another often non-insulated region. It is also a region where warmed air can be pumped out and lost to be replaced with cold air requiring warming up again. Both of these issues can be addressed with a scarf or "neck gaiter".
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All cold weather work clothing from: Carhartt