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Staying warm in winter doesn’t have to mean packing bulky layers or sacrificing style. After seeing so many great discussions in the TFG Facebook group about cold-weather dressing, we put together this guide to show you how to stay warm in cold climates while packing smart and looking polished.
These tips are especially helpful for travelers who aren’t used to cold weather.
How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather
Table Of Contents
When temperatures drop, instinctively we find ourselves reaching for the thickest, bulkiest pieces we own in hopes of staying warm. I remember one unusually cold winter I spent in Los Angeles when daytime temperatures dipped to 35℉ (almost unheard of!). My Facebook feed was filled with friends bundled in inches upon inches of oversized sweaters just to cope with the chill.
But here’s the thing: staying warm isn’t about how thick your clothes are, it’s about how you use them.
That lesson really hit home one Christmas Eve I spent in England. While the locals were complaining endlessly about the cold, I was perfectly toasty thanks to my trusty thermals. My secret weapon? A double layer of merino wool. It was absolute perfection.
I’ll admit it, I felt a little smug… especially when I had my jacket unzipped while everyone else was shivering!
Checking out Park City, Utah in my Columbia Carson Pass II Jacket (similar), Cashmere Turtle Neck (similar), thermals, Zara Jeans and Ugg Wilde Boots (no longer available). Find out how I managed to pack carry-on for my week-long wintry stay in a Deer Valley cabin here.
Over the years, I’ve refined my approach so much that I even came up with simple “layering equations” to take the guesswork out of dressing for cold weather:
When it’s cold:
One set of merino wool or silk thermals + a top + a sweater + a jacket
When it’s really cold:
Two sets of merino wool or silk thermals + a top + a sweater + a jacket
Layering is the secret to staying warm without overpacking, and it all starts with the right basics. Big, bulky sweaters? Leave them at home.
The real magic lies in choosing a few strategic pieces made from lightweight, high-performance fabrics that work together to keep you warmer with less and still pack carry-on.
So what actually deserves space in your suitcase? From snowy escapes to chilly city breaks, here are the cold-weather wardrobe essentials that make carry-on packing possible:
Icebreaker Top & Bottoms | Smartwool Top & Bottoms | Uniqlo Top & Bottoms
#1 – Thermals: The Small Layer That Does the Heavy Lifting
Thermals are the foundation of every cold-weather outfit, and the reason carry-on packing is possible even in winter.
Look for merino wool, silk, or high-quality synthetic fabrics that are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and easy to layer.
One set is usually enough, but pack two if temperatures will be very cold or if you’re less accustomed to winter weather.
Once you start traveling with them, you’ll never go back. Simply put they deliver the biggest warmth-to-space payoff in your suitcase.
Quince Merino Sweater | Lands’ End Cashmere Cardigan | Unbound Merino Long-Sleeve | Quince Merino Half Zip Sweater | Eddie Bauer Fleece Jacket | Caslon Sweater
#2 – Build warmth with smart mid-layers
Once your thermals are on, it’s time for your mid-layers to do the work of trapping heat while keeping your look polished.
Think:
- Long-sleeve tees
- Sweaters or cardigans made from merino wool or cashmere
These pieces are easy to rewear, layer, and mix, so you can pack fewer items and still create multiple outfits.
Layering = flexibility. You can easily add or shed layers as temperatures change throughout the day, especially helpful when going from outdoors to heated interiors.
Tip: Always check the forecast, but pack based on your cold tolerance. Some of us run colder than others (me included!).
Baleaf Leggings | Unbound Merino Sweatpants | Eddie Bauer Fleece Pants | Columbia Pants | Quince Ponte Pants | Lands’ End Fleece Pants
#3 – Bottom Layers That Actually Keep You Warm
Yes, you can still pack just one pair of jeans, they’re a winter travel favorite for a reason: they’re durable, versatile, and easy to style.
When temperatures drop, the same layering logic applies below the waist. Add thermal leggings (merino wool or fleece-lined) underneath your jeans or regular pants for instant warmth.
For especially cold destinations or long days outside, insulated winter pants offer maximum comfort. And if you want something a little dressier, sweater dresses or merino wool dresses paired with thermal tights or leggings strike the perfect balance between cozy and chic.
Tip: Stick to neutral colors so every bottom pairs easily with your tops, boots, and outerwear: more outfits, fewer items.
Quince Puffer Jacket | Columbia Suttle Jacket | The North Face Parka | Lands’ End Down Jacket | Eddie Bauer Trench | Columbia Lolo IC Jacket
#4 – One Great Winter Coat (Instead of Three “Just in Case”)
Unlike at home, when traveling in cold weather, you’ll likely spend hours outside, so your coat matters. Instead of packing multiple options, choose one hard-working jacket that does it all.
Look for a coat that is:
- Waterproof or water-resistant
- Warmly insulated but not bulky
- Packable or compressible
- and lastly, stylish enough to wear every day
A well-chosen jacket pulls your entire capsule together and eliminates the need for extras.
Explore these TFG reader–favorite winter coats, loved for their warmth, versatility, and travel-friendliness.
Tip: A packable down jacket makes a great backup layer. It’s lightweight, easy to stash, and perfect for unexpectedly cold days.
Keeping out the cold with my ibex Wool Aire Down Jacket, Bernardo Hooded Jacket (similar), paired with Zella Leggings, thermals and Ugg Boots (no longer available).
#5 – Packing Tips for Cold Weather
Cold sneaks in through your head and extremities, so a warm hat, gloves, and scarf are must-pack essentials. They make a big difference in warmth and take up very little space.
For bulky items like coats or sweaters, use compression bags or larger sized packing cubes to save space and stay organized, especially on trips where you’re unpacking just once. Just remember: compressed doesn’t always mean lighter, so watch airline weight limits.
Wear your heaviest items on travel days. Coats and boots take up valuable suitcase space, and your jacket can even double as a pillow on the plane.
Compass Rose Compression Packing Cubes
Use Packing Cubes to Manage Bulky Cold-Weather Layers
Staying warm while traveling in cold climates often means packing bulkier items like sweaters, thermals, and insulated layers, which is where Compass Rose Packing Cubes become a game changer.
Available in slim and medium sizes, these cubes are designed to fit perfectly in an international carry-on while helping compress and organize cold-weather clothing. The medium cubes are ideal for thicker pieces like fleece tops, knitwear, or foldable jackets, while the slim cubes work well for base layers and thermals.
When used with the right folding or rolling method, packing cubes help maximize space without sacrificing warmth, making carry-on-only winter travel totally doable.
Check out this video on how to organize using packing cubes, it’s incredibly easy!
Want more cold-weather packing tips? We’ve got you covered with these TFG reader-favorite resources to help you pack less, stay warm, and travel confidently all winter long.
What are your best tips for how to stay warm in cold weather?
For more ideas on staying warm in cold weather, please read:
- Arctic Clothing: Extreme Cold Weather Gear for Women
- How to Pack for Cold Weather Like a Boss
- Best Thermal Underwear for Women
- Waterproof Boots you Won’t be Embarrassed to Wear this Winter
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Hope you liked these tips on how to stay warm in cold weather. Please share with your friends on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Thanks for reading!
When I was in Vancouver, I brought my anorak North Face Gortex jacket thinking it would be great for Vancouver weather in November. Well, I forgot about the warmth. Your article on layer is what I need last year. Lesson learned. I have read many of your posts everytime I have travelled from a weekend away to week holidays. Lesson when travelling to temperate climates – layering!!!
This list is so helpful for my upcoming trip to the Christmas markets in December! Layers of warmth so I can stay out day and night!
Thank you so much for your fantastic yet chic clothing options!
Looking for advise with coat selection for traveling to Spain; Barcelona, San Sebastián and Madrid in December. I have a black Patagonia Tres 3-in-1 Parka. There is waterproof outer layer and a down coat. Would you recommend I bring the entire coat, it’s bulky or the outside layer and wear warm layers, or just down coat and rely on an umbrella. I would appreciate your feedback.
Thank you,
Kelly
Hi Kelly, Spain is definitely one of the more pleasant European countries to visit in winter, but that doesn’t mean you should expect sunbathing weather. The temperatures will vary depending on where you go, but from December through March, you should expect a mix of warm and cold days, with plenty of rain in the north. So I would definitely recommend packing a waterproof jacket! Make sure to check the weather forecast for each city because you might experience sun in one place and snow in the other.
Have a look at this guide for tips to help you pack for the weather in Spain: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/what-to-pack-for-spain-vacations-a-seasonal-guide/
Here are some tips to help you choose the best jacket for your trip: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/best-winter-coats/
Have brilliant time on your travels!
Can’t wait to try the double merino wool tip! Great article, as always
Hi Kathy, so pleased you enjoyed the post! ? Enjoy your cold weather adventures!
Love your site, but very frustrated, in general, by lack of true “plus sized” options. To vent a bit, it seems that people who manufacture things to be used by what might be deemed a more adventurous group because of a smaller body size, have really missed the mark. I am heavy, have been big all my life, snow skied using men’s sizing for coats and long johns, which do not fit the female form.
With your creativity, attention to detail and all the other things that makes this website stand out, I hope you can come up with options for us big girls as well!
Thanks for the ear!
Hi Julie, thank you for reaching out! We are currently working on updating many of our articles to feature clothing for a range of sizes. We also have a selection of articles featuring the best womens plus size clothing: https://www.travelfashiongirl.com/travel-clothes-extended-sizing/ If you have any specific questions, then I would recommend that you join the TFG Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/travelfashiongirls/ Here you have the opportunity to ask for specific recommendations based on your requirements. With over 20,000 members, there are women of all ages, shapes, and sizes. Hope this helps! Thank you for reading TFG ? Happy travels!
it would be much appreciated if the links just didn’t go to Amazon’s home page, and went to the actual item. Any possibility of including the item name so that could used in Amazon’s search engine??? cheers
Hi Judith, I am really sorry about this, I will look into it for you. Sometimes this happens when an item is not available outside the US and it’s challenging to dictate how Amazon deals with global USA requests. Sorry for any inconvenience. Thank you for sharing your suggestion with us, thats a great idea. Which item from the article were you looking at, if you let me know, I will send you the details?
Can you really layer thermals under leggings or jeans without them feeling too tight? I like skinny fit and don’t like feeling stuffed
Hi Monica, my go to cold weather outfit is wearing leggings under my jeans and many of our readers also like to wear leggings or thermals beneath their jeans as another layer to keep warm. But it is a personal preference, wear what works best for you! 🙂
How do you make a Homemade Parka?
Hi Lynn, thanks for your question! We’ll share your question here so the author of the article can reply!! 🙂
This is a great help as I prepare to visit Boston in January. I’ve never considered layering my merino sweaters but I will now! I’m also realizing I need to get some silk thermals. Thank you for all your wonderful articles!
I’ll be traveling to Iceland and Paris in March, so it’s going to be chilly! Thanks for the great tips – I’ve been thinking about my wardrobe/packing and looking for lightweight but warm items!
Sounds like a great trip Cat! Thanks for sharing! Glad to help in your packing plans!
Hi Alex – I also have the JCrew merino wool sweaters like the one in your photo above and I was curious, do you hand wash it? I want to bring mine on a trip this winter but I am hesitating due to the ‘dry clean only’ tag…but it seems like it would be okay with woolite and cold water.
thank you!
Hi Loelle! I think I used the handwash setting on the washing machine. I have a tendency to purposely try to push all garments to their limits in order to be as functional as possible. Silks and wool still get machine washed in a delicate/hand wash setting. If they can’t make it in a machine wash then they aren’t travel worthy in my mind 😉
Wow you are so flagrantly violating FTC regulations by not disclosing that your site is STUFFED with affiliate links. You are required to have a clear and obvious disclosure on EACH and EVERY post (a hidden “blanket” disclosure is not sufficient) so your readers will clearly know that you are profiting from the links from your “recommendations.”
Hi Sandra, you can review my disclosure in my disclosure page: https://travelfashiongirl.com/disclosure/
You also might find helpful information on my Terms and Conditions page as well: https://travelfashiongirl.com/terms-and-conditions/
Please let me know if you have any further questions and I’ll be happy to help. Thanks!
What if you go shopping? Or eat in a restaurant? Often it’s really cold outside but very warm inside. Don’t you get too hot? That’s mainly why I add my layers on top, so I can take them off if needed. I do like a silk shirt as underwear though.
Surely you can take off any layer of preference if you get too warm?
Also merino is excellent at regulating body temperature. I never overheat indoors when wearing merino (as opposed to cotton or polyester).
Awesome point! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Your advice is 100% correct. I was just in Paris and London. I wore jeans, smartwool socks and boots on my lower half. For the top I layered lots of wool ( a tank and t-shirt in merino and a cashmere sweater) under my jacket. It was perfect for lots of walking, or about 30 minutes standing still outside.
I also packed wool long underwear that I would have worn if I was going to be standing still outside for more than 30 minutes.
Thanks Mary! Standing still definitely requires a bit more warmth. Hope you had a great trip!