Lifestyle Smart Strategies for Cold Weather Dressing 10/14/2024 | By Terri L. Jones Regulating our body temperature becomes even more important as we age, for health and life, not just for comfort. Layering and choosing the right fabrics for cold weather dressing can help. As temperatures drop, aging bodies have a harder time staying warm than they used to. That’s because our bodies lose much of their ability to self-regulate internal temperature. This loss comes from slowing metabolism and fewer layers of fat beneath thinning skin. Blood vessels also lose elasticity, which makes it tougher to conserve heat. Plus, many chronic medical conditions and medications can also interfere with the process of regulating body temperature. But staying warm isn’t just a matter of comfort. Cold can stiffen muscles and increase joint pain, and, more importantly, it can cause internal body temperature to dip below the dangerous level of 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius) and lead to hypothermia. Two strategies for regulating body temperature By choosing the right fabrics and wearing them strategically, you can keep yourself comfortable and be better able to weather the cold. 1. Layering Layering serves a dual purpose. First, as you move between temperatures or adjust and begin to feel colder or hotter, you can add or remove top layers as needed to prevent overheating. A good full-zip hoodie offers easy layering: the hood protects head and neck, but can easily be pushed back, and the zipper allows real-time adjustments. Second, each layer serves a different purpose. The base layer should wick sweat away from your body to keep you from getting wet and chilled. The mid layer insulates, trapping body heat and creating a barrier from the cold. And the outer layer or shell protects you from elements such as wind, rain, and snow. 2. Cold weather fabrics Not all fabrics are created equal for cold weather use. Cotton, for example, absorbs moisture. The wet fabric provides less insulation and the dampness chills your body, rapidly lower body temperature. Besides fabrics labeled “cotton,” corduroy, denim, and flannel are often made from cotton. Many quality sports apparel companies offer quality clothing made from effective cold weather fabrics. Since their reputation and business depend upon it, many of them have invested in research to ensure their apparel works for their active customers. And you don’t have to be an athlete to wear the gear! Columbia, for example, offers a line of specialty clothing called Columbia Tech that targets weather protection from sunny to hot to cold. For winter wear, Omni-Heat Infinity and Reflective materials reflect body heat back to the wearer; seven lines of insulating technologies, like HeatSeal and Thermarator, trap in the heat; four waterproof fabrics keep out the moisture; two wicking materials keep your skin dry and comfortable; and more. Other reputable performance clothing brands include Patagonia, REI, and Orvis. Fabrics for cold weather dressing: from base to shell We’ve found some of the best fabrics for cold weather dressing to keep you warm, comfortable, and protected all winter long. Capilene. This is an example of quality technical material from a reputable sporting brand. Patagonia makes tops, bottoms, hoodies, and gloves from Capilene, which is quick drying, stretchy for mobility and comfort, and even boasts odor control. Silk. When you think of a fabric to wear in cool or cold weather, you may not think of silk; however, this lightweight, natural fabric makes a nice base layer when it’s not too cold. Silk’s has fair ability to wick away moisture to keep your skin dry. The fabric is hypoallergenic and is known for its smooth, luxurious feel so it won’t irritate sensitive skin. Wool. When it’s blustery outside, this natural fabric makes a great base or insulating layer – for your upper or lower body or hands and feet – because it’s moisture-wicking and traps air in tiny pockets to maintain body temperature. Wool even keeps you warm when wet, thanks to lanolin, which is a natural water repellant. It’s also durable and naturally odor resistant. If you choose wool as your base layer, wear thermal clothing made from softer merino wool or a wool-synthetic blend that feels good against your skin. Wool-synthetic hybrid fabrics offer the best of wool while counterbalancing its downsides. The Smartwool company has demonstrated the quality of its products over the years. The company promotes its clothing as a base layer. They’re made with Merino wool blended with technical materials for added comfort, moisture wicking, and odor resistance. For the mid layer, Smartwool recommends its hoodies, for lightweight insulation. Related: 6 Tips for Managing Arthritis in the Winter Fleece. This synthetic material is made of a type of polyester that’s breathable and keeps you from overheating. While fleece is not as warm as wool or down, it’s lightweight and allows you to stay warm even when the fleece is damp, also drying out quickly. But if it rains, fleece will absorb water, so you’ll need either waterproof fleece or a layer over top to remain dry. Down. An incredibly lightweight, natural insulator, down offers the most warmth for its weight. And because down is always housed in a shell material, these jackets offer resistance against light wind and rain without adding an extra layer. However, in wet conditions, feathers lose their insulating properties, so if you’re expecting precipitation, you’re better off trading that down jacket for one with a synthetic fill or adding a waterproof outer layer. Fabrics for your shell. Once you’ve wicked away the sweat and insulated against the cold, don’t forget that final element of cold weather dressing: an outer layer to block the wind, rain, and extreme cold. A waterproof or water-resistant jacket, such as woven nylon or polyester, provides your perimeter defense against the weather. Related: Cold Weather Safety Tips for Seniors If heavy precipitation is likely, be sure that the outer layer has a durable water repellent finish while still being breathable (so you don’t get overheated). Columbia, for example, offers Omni-Tech material, which sheds water and releases excess heat with multi-layered breathable materials. Some crafty sporting brands have layered jackets, for all-in-one convenience. Columbia also has jackets that feature a waterproof-breathable outer layer and a reversible insulated inner layer. Accessorize! Lastly, protect other parts of your body from the cold with warm hats, gloves, scarves, socks, and shoes or boots. The same principles apply, especially moisture wicking. Wet, sweaty feet, hands, or head can quickly rob your body of warmth. Keeping yourself from overheating, sweating, chilling, and keeping the wind and water out are essential to comfort and safety. For smart cold weather dressing, choose the right fabrics and dress in layers. Stay protected from the cold all season long! Related: Tips and Technologies for Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder Read More Terri L. Jones Terri L. Jones has been writing educational and informative topics for the senior industry for over 10 years, and is a frequent and longtime contributor to Seniors Guide.