How to Dress for Jack Frost

Very soon you will be coming to visit Jack Frost's home where the temperature can be very cold. Please dress warm to ensure that you will have a fun experience. When getting ready, please keep the following in mind.

Think like a sandwich: 

The best way to dress for winter is to wear layers. This gives you flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and your activity. In general, the three main layers are wicking, insulating and weather protection.

Wicking Layer: 

this is the layer worn next to your skin, usually consisting of long underwear. The wicking layer should fit snugly (not tight) next to your skin in order to effectively wick (move) moisture away. Look for thermal underwear made of a synthetic – usually polyester – fiber that has “wicking” power. Silk is also a good, natural fabric that has wicking abilities.

Insulating Layer: 

This middle layer includes sweaters, sweatshirts, vests, and pullovers. The purpose of this layer is to keep heat in and cold out, which is accomplished by trapping air between the fibers. Comfort is important for the insulating layer. It should be loose enough to trap air between layers, but not so bulky that it restricts movement. Popular insulation materials include: Fleece, a synthetic material which maintains its insulating ability even when wet and spreads the moisture so it dries quickly. Wool naturally wicks away moisture. Tip: Cotton is not for winter anymore. Cotton is great for towels, because cotton soaks up and retains moisture. That’s precisely why cotton is all wrong for outdoor apparel. It absorbs moisture (sweat and snow) and retains it. When the wind blows, the result is very very cold. Don’t wear cotton athletic socks, cotton jeans, cotton sweatshirts or cotton t-shirts.

Protection Layer: 

The exterior layer, generally a shell and pants, serves as your guard against the elements of winter. It should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind; while letting perspiration evaporate. The protection layer should fit comfortably, offering you a maximum range of motion. Tip: Remember, don’t wear jeans or street pants. Denim is not waterproof, as water will soak through and the result is wet and cold.

Headwear:

Up to 60 percent of the body’s heat can escape from an uncovered head, so wearing a hat, headband or helmet is essential when it’s cold. (Tip: Wearing a hat, translates to one less layer on the body.) A fleece neck gaiter (like a collar) or face mask is a must on a very cold day.

Sunglasses and goggles:

Sunglasses do much more than create a cool image. They also protect your eyes from damaging solar radiation. Snow, or any other reflective surface, makes ultraviolet (UV) rays stronger, while increased altitude also magnifies the danger. On flat-light days or when it’s snowing, goggles are vital. Look for 100 percent UV protection in sunglasses. Make sure glasses fit snugly behind the ears and rest gently on the bridge of the nose. Goggles should form an uninterrupted seal on the face, extending above the eyebrows and below the cheekbones, watch for gaps especially around the nose.

Gloves and Mittens:

Look for gloves and mittens that use waterproof, breathable fabrics. Mittens, in general are warmer than gloves. Consider the type of activity. Don’t buy gloves or mittens that are too tight. There should be a little air space at the tips of your fingers, which acts as additional insulation.

Socks:

Resist the temptation of putting on too many pairs of socks which will restrict circulation and actually cause your feet to get colder. One pair of light-weight or medium-weight socks work best. Socks are made from a variety of materials, including polyester, silk, wool and nylon. Some socks have wicking properties similar to long underwear, meaning dry and comfortable feet.