Cold Weather Workout Clothes: Maintain Your Style While Staying Warm

Mar 03 2021 - Views: 568

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You might find it uncomfortable to exercise outdoors in cold weather. However, with proper cold weather workout gear, you can keep your body not only warm but also stylish. Take a look at the following tips for cold weather workout clothes and brave the frigid temperature.

A guide to the best cold weather workout clothes

How to Choose Proper Cold Weather Workout Clothes?

Proper dressing is key to exercising comfortably outside. The best way to stay warm while exercising in cold weather is to wear a specific combination of layers.

By layering correctly, you can regulate your body temperature, keep moisture away from your skin, and stay warm. Moreover, having a layering plan makes removing or adding layers easier to adjust your temperature control.

Best cold weather workout clothes

When it comes to cold weather exercise clothes, we talk about layering. There are essentially three layers to consider, and each has a specific function:

The base layer: Wicks moisture and perspiration away from your skin to keep you warm and dry.
The mid-layer: Insulates and keeps you warm
The outer layer: Blocks wind and retains the body heat

The Base Layer

The base layer is closest to your skin. You should opt for a tight-fitting and wicking material to keep you warm and dry.

Your base layer should also use technical, sweat-wicking fabrics, such as antibacterial Smartwool, Polypropylene, silk, polyester, Thermax, and Thinsulate.

Tips for choosing workout clothes for cold weather

Cotton is not recommended as it traps moisture next to your skin, so it stays wet and draws heat from you.

Select the weight of the base layer according to the outside temperature and your activity level. The lighter weight is better at wicking, while the heavyweight has more insulation.

The Mid Layer

The middle layer provides insulation. It needs to be looser than the base layer but maintain contact with it. The middle layer also carries moisture from the base layer to the outer layer.

Cold weather workout clothes to stay warm

Polyester, wool, and the newer synthetic/natural blends are popular mediums for the middle layer. Most mid-layer clothing has extras like a pit zipper, elongated front buckle, adjustable cuffs, and a collar.

Paired with a base layer, it’ll be warm enough for you to exercise in most conditions.

The Outer Layer

Regarding the best cold weather work clothes, the outer layer helps shield you from the wind and rain and retain the body heat. Choose outer layers made of Gore-Tex or a similar material.

Additional features such as pit zippers, ankle zippers (for pants), and plenty of ventilation options are standard. The outer layers must also be strong enough to withstand tears and wear.

Best ideas for cold weather workout clothes

One tip on maintaining exercise clothes for cold weather is to follow the care instructions on the item.

Proper cleaning of synthetic, technical fabrics is necessary to wick, insulate, and repel water. Special cleaning products can restore moisture-wicking and water-repellent properties if needed.

Cold Weather Accessories

Pay attention to these essential pieces to complete your cold-weather ensemble. You can find out the full list in our guide to cold weather accessories:

Headgear: Wear a hat to cover your ears and head
Hand protection: Mittens are ideal for maximum warmth, or consider gloves with an over-mitten for extra protection.
Neck protection: Put on a scarf to shield your neck
Footwear: Go for wool or polypropylene-blend socks that fit comfortably in your shoes without constricting your toes
Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen carefully since your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays even in winter

Pick suitable winter accessories

You may also like:

Autumn style clothes

Snow weather outfits

Cold Weather Workout Clothes Ideas

Below are our suggestions you may take into consideration if you don’t know what to wear when exercising in cold weather:

A bit cold weather (20-30 degrees)	You usually only need to wear a layer of elastic clothing. If it's not warm enough, you can add a sleeveless T-shirt or a waterproof and windproof vest. A headband can fix the hair and help prevent sweat from draining down the scalp to the eyes.
Cold weather (10-20 degrees)	You should wear at least two layers of clothing, a hat, and thin open-toed gloves. If you exercise on a humid day, wear a windy jacket and pants.
Freezing weather (under 10 degrees)	You need to be very careful when selecting cold weather workout clothes. Your "gear" is indispensable for the following: two layers of thin T-shirts, a thin sweater, a windbreaker, fur panties, a scarf, a wool hat, and gloves.

Conclusion

The temperatures are getting frigid, but that can’t stop you from crushing a workout. As long as you have the right gear to keep you warm and energized, you can enjoy outside workouts. Whether you’re opting for a run or a training session, the best way to withstand the cold and achieve your fitness goals is to wear proper cold weather workout clothes that are breathable and insulating.

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