Winter Layering Mistakes You Should Avoid

It seems simple enough—the more clothes you pile on, the warmer you’ll be, right? While this is true to some extent, it’s not entirely efficient or comfortable. If you’re looking to improve your winter gear wardrobe, you need to address a few inaccuracies and misconceptions first. Here are some of the most common winter layering mistakes you need to avoid.

Too Many Layers

As mentioned, layering a lot of clothing will technically keep you warm, but it’ll more than likely cause you to sweat an uncomfortable amount. If any snow or frigid air gets into your layers and comes into contact with that sweat, you can end up feeling colder. Plus, trying to move and stay active in all of those layers will be difficult. It’s best to stick to the basic setup of a base layer, mid layer, and weatherproof shell.

Not Enough Layers

This may go without saying, but if you don’t plan and check the weather beforehand, you can end up not wearing enough clothing, which can quickly become dangerous in freezing conditions. While it may be tempting to go for fashion over function, you’ll likely end up suffering more than it’s worth. These days, there’s plenty of warm, fashionable clothing that you can mix and match to show off your style any time of year.

You’re Wearing Cotton

Unfortunately, wearing cotton is the most common winter layering mistake that everyone should avoid. Even though cotton can feel quite thick and heavy, it isn’t the right material to wear during cold weather. This is because cotton retains moisture. Any sweat you work up will absorb right into the cotton, making you colder faster. If you’re looking for materials that’ll keep you warm and won’t absorb sweat, merino wool and synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics, such as microfleece, are both good choices.

You’re Forgetting the Accessories

Neck gaiters, gloves, and socks play a much larger role than just keeping your body warm. These essential accessories help fill in any gaps between your skin and the rest of your clothing to keep warm air in and cold air out. Additionally, your ears, nose, and eyes are particularly vulnerable to the cold. Really, your entire head will feel uncomfortable without the right accessories. Scarves and winter hats are non-negotiables in seriously harsh weather, so don’t skip out!

Now that you know what to avoid, it’s time to stock up on the right gear with Polarmax. We sell men’s and women’s base layers that come in your choice of polyester, microfleece, or merino wool. And because you can shop by warmth on our website, you can find the perfect set of thermals to meet your cold-weather needs.