How to Stay Warm this Winter Without Adding Too Many Layers

Depending on where you are in the United States, winter can mean very different things.

In the north, winter is not just an occasional cool day. It’s a way of life, a seasonal changing from “pleasantly warm” to “very, very cold” that’s to be accepted as a fact of life, much like death or taxes. In the south, winter can be a pleasantly mild respite from oppressing hot days, with an occasional snowstorm that means major trouble for roads and public services.

But no matter where you live, winter means that temperatures won’t be as hot. And if you want to continue looking as good as you can—wearing light layers whenever possible—without succumbing to the cold, you’re going to need an action plan.

Finding the Right Fabrics

Before you add on another layer for winter, ask yourself if simply changing fabrics might be a warm enough change to brave the cooler temperatures.

For those of you who don’t know much about different fabrics, it’s a good idea to start checking your shirt and trouser tags. A cotton/tansel combination will tend to be pleasant and appropriate for most forms of weather—even hot weather. Corduroy, on the other hand, can give you a more textured look with a heavier, warmer feel for cool autumn days. You don’t have to add an extra layer of trousers to make a simple transition from cotton to corduroy; you simply have to know which pair of pants belongs when.

Cover Up When You Can

The quickest way to ensure that you don’t need a thousand layers to stay warm is to complete your first layer. That is, cover up the parts of your body you usually wouldn’t cover up in the warmer months. Switch from a sockless trouser look to wearing wool socks; you’re still wearing one layer, but the cool air would have less access to your legs. Similarly, switching out a T-shirt, or a short-sleeve shirt for a long-sleeve, gives you the same casual look without adding a layer at all; it simply covers up more of your arms.

As the weather gets cooler, you will have to add other layers like scarves and hats to keep out the cold. But until then, it’s easy to dress casually and appropriately without keeping multiple layers of clothes on at all times.

Keep Warm This Winter

Keeping warm isn’t just about the clothes you wear; it’s about exercising your common sense. Check a site like WeatherSpark.com to have a visual clue of where the weather will go in your area or simply give a look at your smartphone’s quick weather report. It’s easier than ever to know what’s going on outside; you don’t even have to check the window these days.

And stay smart with your wardrobe as well. Dress appropriately. Have a look at all of our casual pants options and look for the pants that will best suit you this winter.