Keeping Cosy This Winter
Cold weather can be brutal, especially if you aren’t wearing the right clothing. It is essential that you know how to layer properly and stay warm during the winter.
Proper layering requires three main pieces: a base layer that keeps your skin dry, a middle layer that works as insulator and an outer layer to protect against external conditions like wind and rain.
Base layer, for absorption:
Your base layer should be a light, soft, snug fitting and long sleeve under layer intended to protect your skin and keep it warm and dry. A good base layer keeps the skin dry by removing sweat from the skin. Dry skin is your first defence against the cold. If your skin is damp, evaporation starts to set in which has a cooling effect. This leads to shivering and chills that will be almost impossible to stop. Some people suffer from excessive sweating, even during the winter, which can become a huge problem. Being cold and damp puts you at higher risk of getting severely sick.
Pure Silk Thermals make excellent base layers for protection against the cold weather. They are soft on skin and provide a smooth, friction free shield from the dangers of cold air and a smooth barrier underneath your other layers. Perfect for sensitive skin. Silk is a luxurious and naturally temperature regulating fabric. The knitted silk jersey is great for keeping you warm during the winter. Its natural thin fibres also allow for good air circulation and is ideal for maintaining a good temperature. It allows you to stay warm when outdoors in the cold and to cool down when entering indoors to avoid overheating. Silk is also perfect for skiing and other outdoor activities.
Alternatively, Bamboo-Cotton blend is a warm, highly absorbent and more affordable alternative to silk. Combining the naturalness of bamboo and the durability of cotton, it works as a great base layer to keep you warm during the winter while still being smooth, lightweight comfortable on skin. Bamboo-cotton is kind to skin, hypoallergenic and allows your skin to breathe. It is highly absorbent and will absorb sweat and evaporate it into the air. Keeping you warm and dry all day long without irritation.
Left to Right: LSN Pure Silk Thermal Vest with LLJ Pure Silk Thermal Long Johns, BLSN Bamboo & Cotton Scoop Neck Underwear Tee with BLLJ Bamboo & Cotton Long Johns
Middle layer, for insulation
The middle layer is for trapping body heat in, insulating you from the cold. The better this layer is, the warmer you will be. These are typically jumpers and sweaters made from wool or cotton. Pure cotton is a great option for knitwear and makes the perfect insulating layer. It will keep you warm while still being lightweight and breathable. Our cotton knitwear items are essential to your winter wardrobe. They are warm and cosy without compromising on style. At Patra, we have a range of styles from cable knit details to roll collars.
Merino wool is soft and comfortable. Its fibres are extremely fine meaning that it feels soft and luxurious. It also means that merino wool is flexible and will bend and return to its original shape more than courser wool fibres. Its elasticity also makes merino wool great for all sorts of activities. It reacts and changes to body temperature helping you stay warm during the winter. A classic, versatile and natural option that can be worn as a jumper or a scarf.
Left to Right: CPNT Pure Cotton Polo Neck Jumper, MJ Merino Wool Jumper
Outer layer, for protection
An outerwear layer would be a coat or jacket that shields you from wind, rain or snow allowing your inner layers to stay dry and function properly. It needs to be large enough to cover your inner layers without being too tight. You mustn’t skip the first or second layer and head straight to the outer layer as it will not give you the best protection against the cold weather.
Layers should be snug but not tight. Allowing some space between your skin and the item of clothing helps to insulate you against the cold and keep you warm. You should also be able to add and remove layers during the day to maintain an ideal temperature. Dressing in the right layers allows you to be prepared for any situation as winter weather be unpredictable. It is important to layer in natural fabrics. Heavy, synthetic materials like polyester will cause your body temperature to rise by trapping warm air. This eventually leads to sweating.
Left to Right: SQJ Habotai Silk Jacket, NRJ Reversible Cotton Jacket
Hats and scarves
Once you are able to keep your body nice and toasty, taking care of the rest is the next step. Keeping your head, hands and feet cosy is essential for staying warm during the winter. Body heat can escape from all parts of your body, from your head to your toes, so it is important to cover up all the way to stay nice and warm. Hats, gloves, scarves and a good pair of socks are essential. They perform the same function as clothing layers, to keep you warm, absorb moisture and protect you from harsh weather.
A wool hat or beanie provides extra insulation from the cold. Also consider wearing a balaclava to keep your head, face and ears safe from extreme cold weather.
Chest and neck warmers are great for keeping those parts of your body protected as they are the most vulnerable. Made with natural materials and a touch of elastane, they stretch to fit you and are soft and gentle against skin. (BIBC/GIBC or NCOL/COL)
It is important to wear socks that not only keep your feet warm, but make sure they stay dry. Even during the cold weather, just like the rest of your body, your feet are prone to sweating which will make you even colder and uncomfortable. Bamboo cotton or silk socks are great. Soft, breathable, hypoallergenic and perfect for all activities.
Left to Right: CSH Cotton Scarf and Beanie Set, GIBC Bamboo-Cotton Neck and Chest Warmer, BSS Three Pairs of Bamboo Mix Socks
Throw on a pair of gloves and you are good to go.
It is important to maintain a warm temperature when you step indoors too. Keeping the heat inside your house by sealing doors and windows will ensure that you stay warm during the winter. Keeping your body warm with the right layers and by consuming warm food and drink is important for keeping warm and healthy.
At Patra we are always bringing stylish and functional clothing and accessories no matter the season. Our thermals, knitwear and accessories are designed with natural fabrics and are sure to keep you warm in extreme weather.
