Grab a sweater, a fleece, a throw, some long johns. Baby, it’s gotten cold out there!
Those of you who live in really cold climates, what are your best winter layering tips? I spent the past week chilled to the bone in my house (which I keep between 66-70 degrees, depending on the time of day). I have a space heater at my desk and put on a fleece but I am still cold sometimes! What thermal items do I need to buy? Should I have my feet in fleece socks? Long johns? I don’t know how you guys up north stay warm!
This is the space heater that I have, and it’s about five years old. I have found if I close the office door I can get the room pretty warm without heating my whole house. Is anyone a space heater expert? I’ve heard good things about these big Dyson ones. I like that they do heat + cool, but they are really expensive. Does anyone have one?
One good thing about cozy winter nights is that it gets me in the mood to cook. I did a Blue Apron box for fun, and here were two of the three meals that came in it.
Harissa Chicken Skewers with Khorasan Wheat & Persimmon Salad: It had been a while since I’ve eaten persimmon but I loved it in this savory dish.
And Spicy Shrimp & Bucatini Pasta with Kale. Mazen actually ate this one – with the kale too! Loved the lemon and garlic flavors.
Now that I am talking about cold weather, I have this song stuck in my head! Such a good one : ) Just substitute “Colder Weather” for “Sweater Weather”
Angela says
I live in MN, and we know cold weather thats for sure. Wool socks (much better than fleece in my opinion) never leave my feet through winter. I also wear slippers and a Patagonia Better Sweater everyday in the house!
KathEats says
Ok I don’t have any wool socks and so many of you are recommending them I am on the hunt!
Rainey says
I am from Chicago and I definitely agree with wool socks!! The best brand I feel are SmartWool. They are fairly expensive, but so worth the money! You can get them on Amazon, Ebay, or Duluth Trading. Other than that dressing in layers is a must.
Hillary says
If anyone recommends a good one, can you share??? I’m in the market!
KathEats says
Yup!
Angela says
Smart Wools!
Alisha says
I also live in MN and I second smart wools. They’re on my feet from October to March!
Carrie says
Darn Tough wool socks from Vermont are the absolute best wool socks. (They have a lifetime guarantee too!) Please partner with them so the word gets out. I have found that Smartwool socks have such a short life if you actually wear them! Also, I drink warm water all day long if it’s under forty degrees. It makes a huge difference to have the soul warm!
OntarioWoman says
Yes for Darn Tough socks and we noticed the same about Smartwool. I also love my Icebreaker Merino wool base layers. I paid a lot of money for them, but it really pays off.
Amy says
Another vote for Darn Tough! Love mine for running and anything else! We keep our house in Niagara Falls, NY at 66 in the winter and I am almost always wearing a scarf and a hood, and usually have a blanket on my lap! On my body, layer it up, baby!
Rainey says
I have both Darn Tough and SmartWool socks and I much prefer the SmartWool. They feel so much better on and I haven’t had a problem with them lasting.
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
I have zero layering tips, I live in Arizona, I don’t understand what “cold” means. LOL now if you want to know how to stick your head in a freezer in the summer I can help you there. BUUUUUTTTTTT OH MY GOD I LOVE THAT SONG! ha ha I don’t think I really get the real meaning of the song, but I like it still.
KathEats says
Haha jealous!!
Elle says
I’m in New England, and it has been so cold up here! I keep my house warm, but I still feel chilled sometimes. Definitely socks and slippers, I prefer wool or thick fleece socks. Also I will sometimes wear a hat inside. When I lived in a very poorly insulated house, I made a fleece harimaki (Japanese belly wrap) that kept me warm and felt cozy, sort of like a vest would, but it just covers your belly. And I preheat my bed with a heating pad, which is heavenly.
You might also want to get some (or even just one) Smartwool shirt. They are expensive but SO worth it if it means staying warm without having 18 layers on.
Good luck!
Meg says
I live in Up North and also work from home, so I definitely know where you’re coming from! Wool socks (LOVE SmartWools!) and slippers are a must for me; I usually have a blanket over my lap; and I throw on a fleece over whatever else I’m wearing. Not the picture of fashion, but it does the job! I also have one of those things you throw in the microwave that I’ll warm up and keep on my lap if I’m feeling especially chilly. And I drink lots of hot tea!
Back in the day, I lived in a tiny apartment with a terrible heating system, and I bought one of those electric heaters that looks like a radiator. I loved it because it worked and it was safe — I didn’t have to worry about it tipping over and setting anything on fire. I wonder if you kept one on low in your office with the door closed, if that would help maintain your office at a toastier temperature.
Good luck! Spring will be here….eventually!
KathEats says
I do have a space heater and when I close the door it really does heat up the room well.
Tara says
Kath,
Merino wool base layers have made a HUGE difference for me.
I like Icebreaker’s merino tank tops and long sleeved base layer for under tops and either merino wool or fleece tights to wear under my jeans. I’ve purchased all on Amazon.
Tara
KathEats says
Awesome, thanks!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
The only thing I like about winter is that it’s sweater weather! I love oversized ones that keep me all warm and snuggly and are so easy to style.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Cathy says
i put on muk luks socks and cuddle duds. Really warm.
Laura says
When it’s cold, I like to do heavy socks, fleece lined workout tights from Athleta, and two tops (like a thermal long sleeved shirt with a 1/4 zip fleece on top). Keeps me toasty!
KathEats says
I didn’t know Athleta made fleece lined tights!! : )
Laura says
To make it easy to order 🙂
http://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?vid=1&pid=929772002
I wear them all the time when it is cold-running, snowboarding, lounging around the house.
KathEats says
Backordered till March!!! UGGGGGGG!!! (In other versions too – sold out). But thank you. I hope to have them eventually : )
emma says
I have a fleece lined pair from under armour (meant for outdoor cold running) and they’re great!
Rainey says
I bought fleece lined tights from Wal-mart. I’ve even seen them at Walgreens. (drug store)
KathEats says
Nice!
Sarah says
I don’t think the type of layers matters enormously – if you’re still cold, just put on more layers. Some kind of thin long underwear is a good non-bulky base layer, with a regular long-sleeved shirt and then a sweater or fleece over that. Wool sweaters are usually warmer than fleece (although it depends on the weight of both, of course). Long underwear or tights under pants help. My husband wears fleece or flannel-lined khakis a lot in winter. I haven’t had as much success finding those that fit me well, so I just layer if it’s too cold out. Wool socks and slippers when I’m home are usually enough to keep my feet warm, but yoou can layer thin liner socks, too (like you might get for hiking) if you need to.
My guess is that if you’re cold in your 66-70 degree house, the problem is just that you need an extra layer or two of some sort, not that you need any particular type of special clothing.
Kelly says
Don’t spend that much money – although the Dyson is cool. We recently bought this at Costco and have been happy – it heats quickly and is quiet. They sell similar versions online.
http://www.costco.com/Presto%c2%ae-HeatDish%c2%ae-Plus-Parabolic-Heater.product.100142330.html
Leigh says
Sitting here in Denver where it is in the single digits one day, and super windy (Chinook winds) and 60 degrees the next. I never know how to dress!
I find that when I work from home, my feet and ankles get cold, so I wear warm socks that at least go partway up my calves, and warm-ish shoes. And it makes me feel like an old lady, but if you wear a scarf around your neck, it works wonders for keeping you warm.
Biggest tip — get up and move around every once and a while and get that blood flowing! I get cold when I’m not moving. Even just a fast trip up and down the stairs once or twice will do it.
Amanda says
I second (third?!) the recommendation for socks and slippers in the house. While I do love Smartwool socks, I typically wear cotton socks when I’m in the house. Make sure your ankles are covered. I know that seems trivial, but cold ankles means a cold body! I agree with Sarah that it doesn’t matter the type of layers, just that you’re wearing layers. Fashion is a relative term when you want to stay warm. If you’ve been sitting still for a while, do a few laps around the house to get your heart rate up and blood flowing again. 🙂 Also, if your desk is against a wall or window, you may feel the effects of the draft on your hands.
KathEats says
I have drafts and peeking ankles!! Ahhh! haha.
Alana says
I have the same heater. The shutting the door trick really helps along with some wool socks. I still struggle to keep my fingers warm though! When we have a stretch of below zero weather here in Wisconsin, I tend to give up and find a cozy coffee shop to work at. I figure the price of my latte is equal to my electric heat being on high all day! 🙂
PS. It’s going to be 40 here today and pouring rain. Definitely not normal for January but I’ll take it!
KathEats says
I never knew how much a closed door would help! I also work at the gym sometimes because it’s warm there, they have a fireplace, AND I can take sauna breaks!!
Alana says
That’s awesome! I was actually just googling yesterday for a place near me that has unlimited sauna access and I found two options! 🙂
Nicole Burnham says
Hi Kath,
I have been a reader of your blog for YEARS and love getting your posts. I recently stopped receiving your posts via email even though I did not unsubscribe. It has been over the past couple of weeks. Just wanted to let you know incase this is happening to others.
KathEats says
Hi Nicole, thanks for letting me know. I just confirmed you are still on the list, so I’m not sure what’s wrong. I haven’t had anyone else report that the emails stopped, but I did mess around with some settings a few weeks ago. I hope I didn’t delete a segment of the list! I’m sure you’ve checked your spam folder? I just updated you, so maybe it will magically start up again.
Tammy says
We have that Dyson heater/fan and love it. Living in Canada we get our fair share of cold temps. I wanted something to help heat the basement family room… but wanted something safe that would not burn my young children if they happened to touch it. It was expensive but has done a great job for us over the past few years. My only concern would perhaps be the noise it makes. You can certainly hear the fan when it turns on.
Sophie says
Wool socks are great, but those little cozy, fuzzy socks you can get for a few dollars at Target or even the drug store work really well with slippers too. Last week, when it was 10 here even my husband was wearing them, LOL!
Pat says
I live in Alaska, and I do most of the things that have been recommended here. I work at home in my daylight basement office. Shutting the door to the upstairs keeps it warmer downstairs. My ankles are definitely what gets cold first, followed by my hands. Most winter days I wear layers – especially on top. I have a camisole, long-sleeved t-shirt, and a fleece vest. If I’m srll chilled I wear a lightweight scarf as well. My bottom half is usually jeans, warm socks and wool clogs. I find wearing anrthing under my regular is too bulky, even just tights. (LLBean sells fleece or flannel lined jeans.). For going outside when it’s really cold I have ski pants in a bib style nd also a pair wind proof fleece over pants as well as a down parka, warm mittens and a fleece hat. Moving around for a few minutes will warm you up, so get uo from the computer at least once an hour.
KathEats says
I am warm just reading your list : )
Mel says
I would think that you could turn up the heat for a few days during a cold snap many times over before the cost of your utility bill would exceed the cost of the Dyson.
KathEats says
Is the Dyson that energy inefficient? My house is old and not insulated well on the main floor, so the heat really struggles. I have a heat pump with a back up gas furnace
Mel says
Look at your utility bill and see how much you spend on average per day when you are running your heating systems. Raising the temperature by 1 degree raises your bill an estimated 3%. As an example, our total energy bill (lights/furnace/gas for water heater, etc.) runs around $200 per month. We also live in an old drafty house with the original single pane windows. If we increased the heat by 2 degrees for every day during the month, we would expect about a $12 increase in our bill (although this would be somewhat lower since our bill includes all energy used). We would have to run a $500 Dyson space heater for nearly 42 months – or 7 years assuming our cold months/winters in Wisconsin last 6 months) to make up that cost difference if we didn’t include the added cost of running the Dyson. I suspect where you live you would really only need to up the thermostat several days per month and only during waking hours, so your increase in you monthly heating cost could likely be less which would in turn make the time to recoup the cost of the Dyson take longer. Also, you can find other space heaters for under $200 or even $100 that are rated nearly as high as the Dyson on reputable sites such as Consumer Reports without the hefty price tag.
KathEats says
My lights/furnace/gas is much higher than that, and I’m keeping it under 70 degrees most of the time except for 7-9am and 6-8pm, and I have mini splits in the basement, and those are significantly more energy efficient (so I hear!) I am almost certain that a 2 degree difference (so if I had it on 70 all the time) would cost me a hundred dollars or more per month, but I guess I need to do some research. I have a nest thermostat, so I do have some data, just not costed out with the city bills. Where do you live?
Mel says
We live in Wisconsin.
Based on what you’ve posted, if you keep your thermostat set at 70 degrees for 4 hours, and set it back to 66 degrees for the remaining 20 hours in the day, you weighted average temperature for the day would be 66.7 degrees. If you changed that split to 12 hours at 70 degrees and 12 hours at 66 your weighted average temperature would be 68 degrees so a little over a degree increase in the average. For fun, lets say the average energy usage increase is closer to 10% per 1 degree increase in average temperature rather than the 3% reported by the US Department of Energy, then your utility bill would have to be nearly $1000 per month to see a $100 increase. At that point, you’d be much better off saving your Dyson money and figuring out a way to improve your homes overall energy efficiency long term.
KathEats says
That all makes sense!
Alana says
Smart wool mountaineering (so much warmer than regular smart wool) socks are the best for staying warm. When it’s really cold, I add UGG boots (I actually have the imitation Uggs).
Also, drinking tea really helps with warmth, and keeps you hydrated, which is challenging in the cold.
KathEats says
Sipping tea right now!
JennieM says
I am from MN and work in a OLD bldg…here are my tips. Wool blanket scarf use as shawl at your desk. Easy to wear,/take off and I keep it draped on the back of my chair. There are some cute ones available. Lt wool socks that go up the calves. On super cold or drafty days, I break out the heating pad and put my feet on it. I have also been known to wear half/fingerless wool gloves at my desk.
Katie says
If you are typing on the computer, wrist warmers/fingerless gloves may help. I used to wear them at a job where I was always freezing in the office in the winter. I still will put them on sometimes when I get chilled in the house and can’t warm up.
Leslie says
You need this!! I LOVE mine, and find myself living in it all winter!
http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Patagonia-Women-s-Re-Tool-Snap-T-Pullover_10193861_10208_10000001_-1_
KathEats says
I have a Christmas gift card to an outdoor store, and I want to buy something just like this : )
Kirsten says
I have one of the Dyson Cool & Heat fans. They are really good. When I put it on in the evenings it really makes a difference. I live in Whistler, BC, Canada and it is currently -9c!
I have a dog who needs to be walked a lot. I layer up when I go out, ski pants and all! Drink lots of tea and dream of summer!
KathEats says
Dreaming of summer currently.. : )
ErikaMC says
Smart Wool socks and Cuddle Duds. I wear them almost every day in the winter – have them on right now while I’m at work even.
KathEats says
Searching for Cuddle Duds now!
Amy says
LOL your questions make me crack up. I have never had to do any of those things for the cold. In the house I’ll wear a long sleeve shirt, sweatpants, lounge pants, or fleece lounge pants, and a pair of socks. If I still feel cold I’ll carry around a blanket with me when sitting. Maybe houses aren’t as insulated in the South? Also it’s probably a temperature shock for your body. When I leave the house I’ll wear a long sleeved shirt or sweater, jeans, and boots, with a winter jacket. That’s really about it. Maybe gloves or a scarf but I don’t really deal with those. Good luck!
KathEats says
Maybe it’s because I grew up in North Carolina where we rarely had snow. I didn’t know how to properly wear a scarf until college!! Lol.
kate says
Love the Bed Buddy Hot Therapy Back Wrap!
KathEats says
That sounds heavenly!
emma says
I echo many of these thoughts — wool socks, blanket, several top layers, a warm drink etc. But, one more I didn’t see much, SCARVES! I wear a big shawl/scarf which helps keep me cozy and warm around my exposed neck. Stay warm!!
erin m. says
I dress in layers and have an electric blanket on my couch and a heated mattress pad! I really wanted that Dyson heater until I saw the price!!
Anna says
I’m from Florida and currently living in Chicago freezing my butt off! I feel your pain. I just can’t get warm most of the time. I wear fuzzy/wool socks and slippers in the house and usually a long sleeve shirt and a fleece. I find if my feet are warm, the rest of me stays pretty warm. Sometimes I take a body shower in the middle of the day just to warm up.
We just bought this space heater on Amazon –
Lasko 751320 Ceramic Tower Heater. It’s $50 and warms up our 20 ft x 11 ft office really well! I keep calling it my best purchase of 2017! https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000TTSXNI/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484088443&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=space+heater&dpPl=1&dpID=41BNy5M4u-L&ref=plSrch
Sam @ Hygge Wellness says
Kath, you have to try Uniqlo’s HEATTECH collection! It is sooo much cheaper than a lot of the alternatives suggested, and it really works. I bought the leggings last week when I was in Chicago, and I’ve been wearing them around the house everyday since. They’re so soft! They have organ oil in the material. They’re amazing. And they were $14.
Sam @ Hygge Wellness says
PS. They also make long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, etc. I’m definitely getting one of their long sleeves! https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/women/heattech-collection/
Sarah says
Agreed – HEATTECH is great, and comes in fun colors, too. I have several of their long sleeve shirts, and they are great layered under sweaters where the collar peeks out, etc… they don’t look like typical long underwear.
Cuddleduds as mentioned by others are also really good and not too expensive.
JAMIE says
I live in Washington State, and wear smart wool most of the winter with silk underwear under my clothing. Also, are your curtains insulating? A lot of heat it lost through windows, so we switch out to heavier insulating curtains when the temperature starts to dip below 35 C to help keep down our electricity bill.
JAMIE says
Also, and I know I keep going on about the windows, but 25% of a homes heat is lost from its windows, you might want to look into doing an inexpensive plastic film covering on your windows and patio door glass. The film can be bought at a home center and is pretty easy to apply.
Patty says
Minnesotan here! Buy Cuddle Duds, they are by far one of the best base layers. They’re super soft and thin, so you can layer them under clothes. I agree on smart wool socks…I run outdoors in the winter and they keep my feet from freezing.
I also use an electric blanket or electric throw…it’s like a giant heating pad. 🙂 They keep me toasty!
Melissa says
I heart Smart Wools too (I am a MN girl too)! Socks and base layer long sleeve shirts are great for layerering and can come in some fun patterns. Got my first Darn Tough socks last winter (the tops of the socks itched me for the first day) and love their guarantee but I am still a die hard Smart Wool fan (try the knee highs for a really cold day).
The Mess Hall Momma says
Up your moisturizer game, especially on your legs! Then layer up…works like a charm!
Amanda says
I bought myself an early Christmas present back in January when we had some single-digit temps in Boston.
http://www.potterybarn.com/products/faux-fur-ombre-throw-gray/
Oh my gosh, was it a great purchase. It is so cozy to sit underneath and I warm right up!
KathEats says
Looks so cozy!
Ali says
Wool! Always skip the cotton. 🙂
Danielle says
I’m in DC so it’s not extremely cold, but I think I’m just really sensitive to the cold – I have ugg slippers that I wear around the house all the time. For me, if my feet aren’t covered, I’m going to be cold. I also bought a heated Sunbeam shawl on amazon that I use at work to lay across my lap (so it’s discreet but keeps me cozy) – I would highly suggest it!
Cheryl says
I have some thermal leggings I got at target that are warm and comfy and I didn’t spend a lot of money. I wore them under my jeans this weekend with the snow, then around the house. We also have 2 small ceramic heaters (maybe by sunbeam) that cost around $30 and they do a great job.
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) says
I like my house to be cool, even when it’s freezing outside. We keep the house at around the same temperature as you (66 F or 18 Celsius). I like to wrap up in a blanket when on the couch, but other than that, I find that temperature comfortable. When going outside, I wear a big, warm coat, thick, wooly mits, and warm boots. I find that does the trick, although I don’t spend too much time outside on cold days.
Chelsea says
From a Wisconsinite: FLEECE LINED LEGGINGS. I own five pairs, and I don’t know how I lived without them.