Winter has officially set in, with frequent cold snaps and dropping temperatures. Many years ago, the military-style coat was the go-to winter wear. In recent years, this vintage piece has made a comeback, becoming a trendy accessory that showcases individual style. What are some other key points to keep in mind when dressing for winter? Life Times consulted various experts to share several ways to stay warm, stylish, and fashionable.
Head
Choosing the Right Hat Is Like Putting a Stopper in a Thermos
The human head is known as the “convergence of all yang.” Wearing a hat when going out in winter is like putting a stopper in a thermos. Research shows that when not wearing a hat while at rest, at 15°C, about one-third of the body’s heat is lost through the head; at around 4°C, about half the heat is lost from the head; and at approximately -10°C, up to three-quarters of the heat escapes from the head.
Elderly Prefer the Lei Feng Hat – Older adults are at greater risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, so keeping warm during outdoor outings is crucial, especially protecting the neck. The Lei Feng hat is a suitable style for seniors, typically featuring thick inner fur and a deep cap that covers the head, neck, and ears well, offering excellent warmth. On windy and cold days, the ear flaps can be pulled down to prevent frostbite.
Children Should Wear Knit Caps – Generally, children have delicate skin and are less adaptable to temperature changes, so their hats should protect the cheeks and ears. As children’s heads are still growing, it’s recommended to choose slightly loose knit caps. Most children are highly active and have weaker safety awareness, so brighter-colored hats are preferable—they’re more noticeable and can help reduce accidents to some extent.
Those Prone to Hair Loss Should Choose Slightly Larger Hats – Wearing a hat for extended periods can impede scalp pore ventilation, leading to sebum buildup, dandruff, itchy scalp, skin inflammation, and eventually hair loss. Those prone to hair loss should first choose a hat size slightly larger than their head circumference, so it doesn’t press tightly against the hair, allowing some breathability. Also consider the material—people with oily hair should opt for slightly thinner hats.
Body
How to Choose a Lightweight Yet Warm Down Jacket
1. Choose Fill Power Based on Temperature – Down content refers to the proportion of down clusters in the filling. Lightweight down jackets aim for both “lightness” and “thinness,” requiring higher down content, generally over 90%. For jackets of the same volume, the higher the down content, the lighter and warmer they are. Fill power refers to the weight of the total down filling in the jacket. For example, for a down jacket with about 90% down content, if the temperature is between 0°C and 10°C, you can choose one with 76g fill power. If the temperature is between -10°C and 0°C, opt for one with 92g fill power. The colder it gets, the more fill power you’ll need.
2. High Loft Means Better Quality – Loft refers to the volume in cubic inches that one ounce (30 grams) of down occupies under specified conditions. If one ounce of down fills 600 cubic inches, its loft is 600. The general domestic standard for loft is 450. The higher the loft, the more air the down can trap to provide insulation, meaning better warmth. When shopping, place several down jackets side by side and press the surface with equal force: the one that bounces back fastest has the best quality and higher loft. If it doesn’t bounce back or does so very slowly, the filling is likely of lower quality. If there’s no bounce at all, the filling may be chicken feathers or shredded other long feathers rather than real down.
3. Goose Down vs. Duck Down – Not Much Difference – Typically, larger and more mature birds produce higher-quality down, which offers better warmth. Goose down has slightly better insulation than duck down, but the difference is minimal and barely noticeable to the human body. Because goose down is less abundant, it’s more expensive. The common belief that white duck down is better than gray duck down isn’t entirely accurate—white duck down is indeed more commonly used in light-colored jackets, but apart from color, there’s no difference in warmth. Note that although down jackets are warm, if they only reach the waist, your lower body remains exposed, creating a temperature difference between the upper and lower body that can hinder blood circulation and make you feel colder. Especially with open-bottom down jackets, your waist can get cold, and cold air may “leak” in, chilling the upper body too. It’s recommended that if you wear a half-length down jacket, it should extend past the waist, and you should layer up on the lower body.
Related Links
Winter Outdoor Activity Clothing Guidelines
Marley, a physical therapist at the Mayo Clinic in the U.S., has summarized a “Winter Outdoor Activity Clothing Guideline” for those who frequently engage in outdoor sports, teaching how to dress warmly yet lightly.
1. Don’t Dress Too Thickly
It’s recommended to check the outdoor temperature first, then dress as if it were 20°C warmer. Warm up indoors by stretching or jumping rope before heading out. This helps your body adapt to the environment and reduces injury risk. Clothing thickness can be guided as follows: at -1°C, wear two tops and one pair of pants; at -12.2°C to -6.7°C, wear two tops and two pairs of pants (including a jacket + windproof outer pants).
2. Wear Rubber-Soled Shoes
While we usually watch out for icy or snowy ground to avoid slipping, wearing non-slip athletic shoes is even more important. Avoid leather shoes or hard plastic-soled footwear; opt instead for athletic shoes with deep rubber treads.
3. Try to Wear Yellow Clothing
Winters have shorter daylight and earlier darkness, so those exercising early in the morning or late in the evening should wear bright colors like yellow or orange. These are more visible to vehicles, helping to avoid accidents.
4. Snow Boots Aren’t Meant for All-Day Wear
Research by Dr. Desdale, president of the British Orthopaedic Association, found that snow boots have relatively large inner spaces. When worn, the foot can slide somewhat inside, causing each step to disperse gravity outward, placing significant impact on the arch. Additionally, most snow boot soles lack arch support and are typically flat, which is not ergonomic. Though comfortable, prolonged wear can cause fatigue. They’re fine for indoor or casual use, but not suitable for long walks or outdoor activities.