GET THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL PACKING LIST! (Yes. It's editable, printable & FREE)

Support TFG by using the links in our articles to shop. We receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) so we can continue to create helpful free content. We earn from qualifying purchases made to the featured retailers. Thank you, we appreciate your support!

 

It was unusually cold in LA one winter and even hit 35F during the day, which is unheard of. I noticed all my friends on Facebook wrapped up in inches upon inches of bulky sweaters to stay warm, which inspired me to write this post on how to stay warm in cold weather…and not look like a snowman!

 

Please note: these tips are most useful for those not used to the cold weather

 

 


How to Stay Warm in Cold Weather


 

 

Instinctively, as the temperature drops we find the thickest clothing in hopes of achieving warmth. However, as our friend Anubha shows you in what to wear in sub zero temperatures, that’s not always the case.

 

 

It’s not about the size of your clothing; it’s about how you use it.

 

If you’re familiar with TFG and you’ve taken my Stop Overpacking ecourse, you’ll know that the key to packing light is all in the fabric.

It’s important to note that bulky fabrics won’t necessarily make you feel warmer! You have to choose the right cold weather fabrics and layer your items strategically for your travel capsule wardrobe as explained in this article.

You can still pack in a small suitcase even when you travel in cold weather by using packing cubes to compress your clothing as shown in this video.

By choosing special fabrics like merino wool, cashmere, technical polyester synthetics, and silk and you’ll know how to stay warm in cold weather.

 

Avoid cotton thermals. They’re just not as good plus they look bulky under your clothing.

 

This is the same for staying warm at home or on the road.

When traveling in cold weather you choose these fabrics because they take up less space in your suitcase yet offer you optimal warmth. Likewise, they’ll also help you stay warm in cold weather without looking like a snowman.

 

Start by reading these general tips on packing for winter travel:

 

 

Here are a few layering tips to help solve the dilemma about staying warm in cold weather. Please note that the images are to show an idea not an exact wardrobe suggestion. Adding warm boots is a must!

 

 

how-to-stay-warm-in-cold-weather

Thermal Top | Sweater | Beanie | Backpack | Thermal Bottom | Earrings | Jeans | Longsleeve | Boots | Coat

 

When it’s cold:

 

One set of merino wool or silk thermals  ✚  a top  ✚  sweater  ✚  jacket on top.

 

 

how-to-stay-warm-in-cold-weather

Thermal Top | Crewe Top | Sweater | Jacket | Thermal Pants | Bottoms | Jeans | Scarf | Boots | Longsleeve

 

When it’s really cold:

 

Two sets of merino wool or silk thermals  ✚  top  ✚  sweater  ✚  jacket on top

 

 

how-to-stay-warm-in-cold-weather

Outfit 1: Click here. | Outfit 2: Click here.

 

When it’s arctic cold:

 

This depends on the climate, temperature, and activity, but for our coldest days, my setup is as follows:

 

  1. Merino wool socks
  2. Merino wool base layerstop and bottom
  3. Fleece pants and sweatshirt
  4. Snowpants
  5. Warm parka
  6. Winter boots

 

Read these tips on how to choose the best arctic clothing to find out the best extreme cold weather gear for women!

 

 

how-to-stay-warm-in-cold-weather

Thermal Top | Sweater | Fleece Jacket | Long Sleeve | Thermal Bottom | Winter Jacket | Turtleneck Top | Pants | Gloves | Beanie | Ankle Boots | Tall Boots

 

I’ve found the double merino wool combo to be absolute perfection. It even kept me warm on Christmas Eve when I spent the morning outside and everyone (locals) were complaining about the cold while I was toasty warm!

Boy I couldn’t help but feel a bit smug – I even had my jacket unzipped!

In a perfect world, I’d also have a set of silk thermals to go under these clothes on colder days which would make be super warm and take up no space in my suitcase or my body!

 

Another option is to pair your tops with cozy fleece lined leggings!

 

 


Ladies, as the temperature drops layer smart! Check out this list of companies that make the best women’s thermals for home or travel.

 What are your best tips for how to stay warm in cold weather? 


 

For more ideas on staying warm in cold weather, please read:

 


 

LIKED THIS POST? PIN THIS PIC TO SAVE IT!

how-to-stay-warm-in-cold-weather

 


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!