North Indian winters are tricky to dress for. Mornings can be foggy and close to freezing in some places, afternoons turn pleasantly warm, and by evening the cold is back. One thick jacket rarely gets it right. Layers do.
Outdoor gear experts such as REI break good winter dressing into three layers. Here is how that works for everyday Indian life, whether you are commuting to office, riding a two-wheeler or heading to the hills.
Layer 1: the base, next to your skin
This layer’s job is to keep you dry. Sweat that stays on your skin cools you down fast once you stop moving.
- Choose thermal innerwear made of synthetic fabric or merino wool.
- The fit should be snug but not tight.
- Pick a lighter thermal for city days and a heavier one for hill trips.
Layer 2: the middle, for warmth
This is the layer that traps body heat. A woollen sweater, a fleece jacket or a light quilted jacket all work.
Down jackets are very warm but lose much of their warmth when wet. If you expect rain or sleet, or you sweat a lot, a synthetic-filled jacket is the safer choice.
Layer 3: the outer shell
The outer layer blocks wind and rain. For two-wheeler riders, this matters most, because wind at speed pulls heat away quickly. A windproof jacket over a sweater often feels warmer than a heavy coat that lets the wind through.
For the hills, REI recommends a shell that is waterproof and breathable, so rain stays out and sweat can escape.
Why cotton is a poor choice
Cotton is comfortable, but it soaks up moisture and dries slowly. A damp cotton vest under a sweater can leave you shivering. Keep cotton for warm afternoons, not as your base layer on cold mornings.
Do not forget hands, feet and head
- Wear a cap or monkey cap that covers your ears.
- Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves of the same material, because the fingers share warmth.
- Choose thick woollen or synthetic socks, not cotton ones.
- A muffler or scarf seals the gap at the neck.
The simple rule
Take a layer off before you start sweating, and put the outer shell on at the first sign of wind or drizzle. It is much easier to stay dry than to dry out once you are cold.
Older people and young children feel the cold more, so dress them in one extra layer and check on them often during cold waves.
Information based on REI Expert Advice.
Featured image: Sarahflowers, via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
