How to Choose the Right Gym Clothes for Cold Weather

It is always important to protect yourself against the cold, even when you’re exercising. During cold weather, make sure that you are wearing the right layers made out of material that both wicks away moisture and insulates your body. You should also choose clothing that protects your head, hands, and face. You may even decide that you need winter-specific footwear. The key is to pick layers that you can remove and add as you need.

Choose the Right Clothing Fabric

The layer closest to your skin should be a moisture-wicking material that will keep you dry as you sweat. It should also be form fitting to help insulate your body. Avoid cotton, as it can become damp from your sweat. Instead, look for shirts that are made of:
 

Wool
 

Polyester
 

Wool/Polyester mix
 

Polypropylene

Dress Lightly For Easy Movement

The best way to keep warm while working out outdoors is through continuous movement with a light layer of clothing that follows the natural shape of your skin. This means clothes may need adjusting during workouts, interrupting momentum, but it’s better to stop moving long enough to fix an article of clothing than get frostbite on top! 

When dressing lightly this time of year, a good rule of thumb is one thin layer over another so sweat doesn’t build up and freeze. You can check for saving options on light-layer clothes for an affordable approach.

Choose Breathable Outerwear

The outermost layer should be a waterproof coat. You may want to look for one that has zipper vents, which you can open to air out your armpits. Unless you live in an extremely cold area, you may only need a light shell or a raincoat for this layer. Some good materials for the outer layer include

You should not wear shorts during the wintertime. Although you can warm up through exercise, it may not be sufficient to prevent cold related conditions like hypothermia. Wear long pants, leggings, exercise tights, or yoga pants when exercising outside.
 

If it is dry outside, you might choose a polyester blend or cotton for your pants.
 

If it is wet or snowy, you might opt for a waterproof bottom.
 

If you run, you may want to look for thermal running tights.

Hats and Gloves

Headgear can keep your ears and head warm as you exercise outside. When looking for good hats and headbands, find a material that is thick and insulated. Both hats and headbands should pull over and cover your ears
 

If you get a knit hat, make sure that it is lined on the inside.

Try finding thin glove liners that you can wear under thicker gloves. When your hands get too warm, take off the heavier gloves, and just wear the glove liners.

Glove liners are often made out of thin, insulating materials. Some may be made out of natural materials, like wool, while others made be a mix of synthetic materials, like Thermasilk, spandex, and nylon.

Your outer gloves can be something heavier, such as knitted wool. You can even wear fingerless hand warmers over the glove liners if that is more comfortable.

Choose Thermal Shoes and Socks

If your feet get cold while exercising, you may want to find warmer socks. Thermal socks are a great choice as they keep your feet warm and dry through all types of cold weather.

Thermal socks tend to be made out of wool. If you have a wool sensitivity, look for a pair made out of synthetic materials.

If you decide to wear thinner socks, you can layer an extra pair over the first pair for the same effect. This may be uncomfortable for running.

If snow and ice are an issue for you, you may want to find a shoe that is waterproof. A waterproof shoe is generally more expensive. The material is heavier and less flexible, but it can keep your feet warm and dry in snowy conditions. Water can still enter the shoe through the sock. If you do not have much snow or rain in your area, you may not need a waterproof shoe.

Dress In Layers

Dress in layers. It may be cold outside, but you will stay warmer for more extended periods if you dress warmly enough. When the inside layer becomes wet from sweat, it is time to change into a new one as this moisture can also lower your body temperature and make the exercise feel more uncomfortable. 

Let your body heat do the work. Wear clothes that are not too thick, so you have less insulation between yourself and the outside world. It will allow your natural internal temperature regulation process to kick in without much interference from external fabrics.