If you’ve been asking yourself these questions: What are the best cold weather clothes for walks? What brands can I wear outdoors? What essentials do I need to wear for cold weather? Then you’re in the right place.
I’m giving you the best cold weather clothes you can wear for walks, and what brands to opt for so you don’t have to hibernate like a bear all winter.
Here’s a little background info: For the past 7 year’s I’ve been going for daily walks for my mental health. It helps to get out, even if it’s only for half an hour. Over time I’ve tested many jackets and accessories, and know what works and what doesn’t. Spoiler alert: Warmth is all about the jacket.
What are the Warmest Clothes for Cold Weather
Here’s a short list for you to reference and stock pile the items:
- Fleece lined leggings
- Wool socks that go up to your mid calf
- Lined boots
- Gloves
- A Hat
- A long puffer coat (see pictured) this baby has been a lifesaver
- A scarf
- Shoe cleats to avoid falling on ice
- Cashmere or fleece sweater underneath your coat
Out of all of the best cold weather clothes I have in my closet fleece is one of my favourite materials to wear. Fleece is incredibly warm and you can layer it under your coat. Honestly this is cozy and warm heaven. I rounded up some of my favourite fleece jackets in the fall that you can layer underneath, they’re totally affordable and cute.
Avoid the following:
- Jeans
- Runners
- Leather shoes
- Short jackets
All of these items won’t do anything for you in the warmth department, so just avoid them entirely.
The Benefits of Going on Walks During The Winter
First of all why does this matter? There are benefits to walking in cold weather such as:
- Great for your mental health to get out even if it’s cold
- Fresh air
- Exercise
- Chance to recharge and be alone
- Listening to your favourite podcast helps boost productivity
- Gives you a sense of routine
Best Cold Weather Clothing Brands
Without getting too outdoorsy (we’re not hiking or going cross country skiing we’re simply walking) here is a list of cold weather clothing brands that are both fashionable and relevant to your lifestyle.
- Sorrel for anything winter boots
- Everlane or Aritzia puffer jackets
- Patagonia
- The North Face
- Columbia
- Frye for really stylish well made boots
What Brand of Coat is the Warmest For The Colder Months
I think warmth is relative, but to give you an idea of what brand of coat is the warmest I’ll add some details below so you can get a general feeling of what brand to shop. If you’re someone who gets warm easily keep that in mind, same thing goes for those of you that run cold. This coat from Everlane is my favourite for walks out of the best cold weather clothes that I own.
The #1 cold weather coat plus it’s sustainable
- Everlane Re:down Puffer Coat is the warmest coat I’ve tried. The length allows for no cold air to get through to your body, it’s lightweight, filled with recycled down, waterproof and insulated from hood to bottom.
I honestly can’t get over how warm this jacket is for the price and how lightweight it is. It’s truly a treat to wear and is a component of the best cold weather clothes I own. I add a hat underneath like the one pictured for extra warmth and I feel snug as a bug. It also hits at my mid calf so after I put on wool socks there’s no body part that isn’t covered in a double layer. Heaven.
Where I live in Canada it can get as low as minus 20 at the absolute coldest, so if you’re looking for an extreme cold weather jacket I still think this one is amazing, but you might want to add an extra layer underneath. I was walking in minus 11 in January and was comfortable and warm in this jacket. Absolutely no complaints.
See below for two different ways I’ve styled it in the past. The top is more of an everyday look and bottom is for cold outdoor walks.
How to Layer Clothes for Colder Weather
Finally, make sure to layer underneath and not rely on your outerwear to keep you completely warm. Fabrics like cashmere and wool are great to wear, and even Under Armour to keep your body heat in.
These tips are for leisurely walks and not hikes or any other form of out door activity that requires a more heavy duty set of clothing.
