With the weather growing colder, some may wonder what to wear during this time of year. Here are a few tips to follow when making clothing decisions.

Follow a head-to-toe checklist
When getting ready to go out in the cold, it can be important to follow a head-to-toe checklist to make sure the whole body is safely covered. This can include hats, gloves, boots and coats. For hats and coats, it is best to look for one that will protect the body from wind, rain and snow. When it comes to gloves, fleece ones provide basic warmth but a better option may be insulated gloves to provide protection from the cold. Winter boots are another good option as they offer traction for the snow or ice and are also insulated, all according to rei.com.

Wear loose fitting clothing
While it may seem preferable to bundle up in tighter clothes, they can cause the body’s circulation to slow. This reduces the body’s warming process and causes warm air to escape. It is important to wear clothes that trap warm air such as mittens or scarfs and not clothes that are too tight or thin. To keep cozy with loose clothing, it can be beneficial to wear items made from wool or with good insulation, all according to coloradoinmotion.com.

Wear layers
Wearing layers can make it easier for warm air to circulate in the body. The three main steps to layering include wicking, insulation and the shell. Wicking is the first layer and it should keep the body warm and dry. Materials made with synthetic fibers are the best to pull perspiration away. The second layer is insulation, which traps air but provides ventilation. One of the best materials for this layer is wool, which allows for clothing to be light-weight and durable. The final layer is the shell, or the outerwear. This includes jackets and pants, which should be able to block wind and rain as well as reduce heat loss and provide comfort, all according to wp.stolaf.edu.