Winter in the City – How to Stay Warm in a Storm...

Winter in the city can be very challenging… Perhaps even more so than spending the weekend touring in the backcountry in the middle of winter. 

Heading out on a stormy day in the city can feel overwhelming … who wants to go outside and get soaking wet, over heated or suffer from frost nip, but life goes on. 

When a storm hits in the city it can make life very stressful... 

Trying to figure out how to get to work, how to get the kids to school and how to stay warm. 

Digging out the car, standing at the bus stop and working in the office. Moving from cold to warm back out to cold…

What if, I told you that there is no bad weather just inappropriate clothing…

If you knew how to stay comfy and cozy in any type of weather would you feel less stressed about heading out on a stormy day?

Your mission, should you so choose to accept, is to continue reading to the end to discover how to create your own unique Staying Warm in A Storm dressing blueprint, so you can be comfy and cozy in any weather or climate all year round.

The Logic of Layering…

What is meant by layering?

Layering is when several layers of clothing of varying weights and fibres helps to keep you warm or cool and dry. 

Usually, the lighter weight layers are worn closest to the skin and heavier clothing for the outer layers. 

The weight and number of layers can vary depending on the temperature, weather and personal tolerances to heat or cold.

What does layering actually do?

• Layering helps to regulate the body’s temperature keeping you comfortable throughout the day, both indoors or outdoors,
• Layering moves moisture from the skin to the outside when doing physical activities,
• Layering enables you to remove clothing when you get too hot or replace a layer or two when you begin to get cold, 
• Layering protects the body from losing heat when the temperature changes, or when the snow or rain begins to fall and the wind begins to blow.

What are the recommended layers?

   1. The Unmentionables Layer

   2. The Modesty Layer

   3. The Office Wear Layer

   4. The Insulation Layer

   5. The Weather Proof Layer

Layers Explained…

~The Unmentionables Layer~ 

This layer is a very important and is often overlooked. 

Having the proper underwear fabric goes along way in keeping you comfortable and not feeling clammy, damp or chilled.

Any quick drying fabric will do, but never use cotton fabric for this layer.

Later in this article the answer will be revealed why cotton should not be used for any layer when creating your staying warm in a storm dressing blueprint.

~The Modesty Layer~ 

This is the layer that is next to your skin and is made of thinner weight fabric that gently hugs the body. This layer is the first to start moving moisture away from your skin towards the outer layers.

The fabric for this layer is anything that is quick drying, which means it is easily dried after becoming damp or wet. 

This layer is thin enough that your own body heat can keep this layer dry. Any non-cotton fibre is great for this layer.

Suggested garments are light weight thermal leggings, camisoles, undershirts in fibres such as silk, wool, polyester or polypropylene.

~The Office or Day Wear Layer~ 

This layer is the layer you show to the world. Your daily outfit, whatever, you like to wear. 

It is possible to show up at the office looking professional and well put together and still follow the layering system. 

Suggested fibres are wool, polyester or silk.

~The Insulation Layer~ 

Just as it says the insulation layer provides the warmth needed to feel comfy and cozy. 

This layer is heavier than the previous layers, its like wrapping a warm blanket around you, keeping the chill away. 

This could be your favourite sweater, blazer or wrap. 

This is a layer you would remove when you get to warm and put back on when you started to feel a little chilled.

Suggested fibres are woven or knitted materials of wool, polyester or silk

~The Weather Proof Layer~ 

This is the layer that protects from the elements, rain, snow or wind… 

The weight and style depends on the type of climate and weather you are likely to experience. 

There are so many different types of weather proof layers to keep you protected from the elements. 

Suggested fabrics would be closely woven wool or polyester that is water repellent, will shed snow and provide some wind protection.

How waterproof or windproof this outer layer is depends on the climate you live in… a wet, temperate, windy climate or a dry, cold, windy climate.

Winter Fashion Accessories

Our extremities are extremely susceptible to exposure, such as frost bite or frost nip. 

Keeping our head, hands and feet warm, dry and comfy is unique to each individual and very important to make sure they are well protected from the elements. 

Finding or making your own winter fashion accessories can be a fun way to add your favourite colour and textures to your winter wardrobe making your dressing blueprint show off your personality! 

Let your imagination go wild… shawls, scarves, hats, mittens, gloves the possibilities are endless. 

No need to buy off the rack accessories unless you want to that’s okay too.

Coming Soon – Knitting the New Meditation… Knitting is becoming the new way to reduce stress and help to increase focus and well being. 

Maybe try some knitting to relax and create your winter fashion accessories at the same time.

Fun Fact

Our extremities can also help to regulate body temperature when outside. 

The body looses a lot of heat through the head, neck and hands. 

If you are feeling cold try putting a hat on or covering up your neck and if you are getting warm take your hat off and uncover your neck.

Pro Tip

Wearing garments with zippers are a great way to easily regulate your body’s temperature. Zip up when feeling cold, unzip when getting warm. Saves having to physically remove outer layers to achieve the same thing.

Fabrics DeMystified

Clothing designed for outdoor activities has a wide range of characteristics that will help to keep you warm, dry or cool. 

There are technical fabric, synthetic and natural fibres used in a variety of different clothing.

As a textile artist, one of my passions is fibre, it’s characteristics, how it feels and how it keeps me comfortable and protected on all my adventures. 

The best types of fabrics to use for outdoor activities are ones that resist absorbing water, that will wick moisture away from the skin, breathable and maintain their insulation value even when wet. 

Synthetic fibre are polyester, nylon and acrylic. Polyester is quick dry and somewhat breathable and can be used in all layers. 

Natural fibres that are great for outdoor activities are wool and silk. 

Wool is breathable, and wicks moisture away. Wool will keep its insulation value even when wet. Wool can be used for all layers. 

Avoid Cotton… Here’s Why

Even though cotton is a natural fibre, it should be avoided as much as possible for clothes that will be worn in extreme conditions. 

Cotton absorbs moisture and when it becomes wet it doesn’t dry, it doesn’t hold its insulation value and can cause the body to loose heat.

Next time you wash clothes notice which clothes weigh the most after the spin cycle and what type of fabric takes longer dry? Would you like to wear this when it's cold and your garment is wet?

Be A Weather Watcher

Being a weather watcher will help to fine tune your unique Staying Warm in A Storm dressing blueprint.

 Taking a look each day what the forecast is going to be can help you decide what layers, weights and fibre content. 

This is where the magic begins… patterns will begin to appear… different temperature ranges require different layers and weights. 

Note these patterns and the clothing combinations that make you feel comfy and cozy. 

As you tweak your layering blueprint and compare this with the forecast it will become easier to quickly put a winter outfit together whether it is storming or not.

Wouldn’t that feel awesome to know exactly how to dress in any weather and feeling confident you could handle any “what if’s” on your way to and from work or school. 

Bringing It All Together

Now its your turn to create your own Stay Warm in A Storm Dressing Blueprint by using layers of clothing in a variety of weights and types of fibre appropriate for one of the five layers.

A Quick Review Before You Start

The fabrics used for the layers should move the moisture from your skin to the outer layers to allow for evaporation.

Use fabrics that will dry from the inside out using your own body heat.

Once again the layers are:

• the Unmentionables layer
• the Modesty layer
• the Office Wear or Day Wear layer
• the Insulation layer
• the Weatherproof layer

Everyone has varying tolerance levels to cold and heat… the layers can be adjusted and tweaked to what best suites you. If you need more layers that is okay too… 

I usually get teased at work as a wildlife naturalist for wearing so many layers, usually seven to be exact... 

Remember its all about you, so create the perfect dressing blueprint that will keep your cozy and dry throughout the winter in the city. 

If you need extra help or more information on how to STAY WARM IN A STORM write in the comments “More Information Please” and I’ll get back to you right away...

Or feel free to check-out my Free Resource library at the Adventurous Dancer Academy for inspiration on getting outside and experiencing the benefits of nature and staying warm in a storm…

Mission Accomplished…

NOW IS THE TIME TO CELEBRATE BECAUSE:

You will…

* Be prepared when a storm in the city hits, so you can feel less stressed and overwhelmed.

* Feel confident in your ability to get to work or school safely, staying warm and dry.

* Be able to navigate the adventure clothing racks and catalogues like a Pro, zeroing in on your exact needs and requirements saving you time and money.

* Be able to create your own dressing Stay Warm in a Storm blueprint, so you can stay super comfortable no matter what outdoor activity you are doing and what type of weather.

* Learn how to adjust your clothing to suit any activity or climate so you can have a the best experience possible.

* Be able to share your new found knowledge with family and friends, so they can get outside for adventure, curiosity and awesomeness!

For more information head on over to the Adventurous Dancer Academy and check out the resource library, check back often new information is being added.

The images are from Pixabay and the GIF's are via Libby Vander Ploeg on GHIPHY.