HOW TO LAYER FOR WORK IN COLD ENVIRONMENTS

Layering up is the best way to take down the cold. Dressing in light and adjustable layers of winter workwear and insulated clothing means you’re always prepared when conditions change.

There are three basic layers to remember when you’re working in cold environments: base layer, mid-layer and outer layer. With the wide-ranging fabrics and different garment types available for each type of layer, you can create a versatile range of combinations to best suit your job duties and the climate you’re working in.

Whether you’re working outside in winter’s worst weather or inside in a sub-zero climate-controlled freezer, the same basic principles of layering work for both environments.

Moisture-Wicking Base Layer

The base layer is the first you put on and it usually rests against your skin. Fabric is the most important consideration here because you want something that wicks sweat away from your skin. When your skin is damp, it’s more vulnerable to cold.

Avoid cotton base layers if you’ll be moving frequently and sweating, or in a damp or wet environment because cotton garments retain moisture. Instead, choose fabric blends with moisture-wicking capabilities.

Activity level is also important for determining how thick and insulating you need your base layer to be. Stationary activity - like driving a forklift - means you want a base layer set of top and bottom, with a lining for extra comfort and warmth. When you’re working outdoors in mild temperatures, you may only need long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirt.

Don't forget, base layers aren't just for your upper body. Your lower half needs protection, too.

Core Warming Mid-Layer

The mid-layer is an extra insulation layer. It is meant to trap heat against the body, providing your core with warmth and protection from low temperatures. Keeping your core warm is essential to overall body warmth: the warmer your core is, the more your body can pump blood to your extremities to avoid frostbite or, at the very least, a reduction in the tactile use of your hands.

Vests are a versatile layering option for a range of temperatures and job duties to keep your core warm while retaining a full range of motion for your arms. Fleece is often used in warmer environments or with more active duties; insulated vests or mid-layer jackets are better suited for colder environments or more sedentary duties.

Wind-Tight Insulated Outer Layer

The outer layer of your cold weather workwear provides protection from the elements - wind, water and extreme low temperatures. You might search for winter coats or insulated jackets to find the most common outer layer garments. In milder temperatures with windy or wet conditions, however, wind- and water-resistance will be more practical than heavy insulation.

In windy outdoor conditions, or for job duties like operating equipment that creates a wind chill, your outer layer needs to be wind-tight to prevent the additional chill from reaching you.

In rainy conditions, or for job duties that mean frequent contact with condensation, the outer layer of your workwear needs to be waterproof. Remember, moisture is the enemy of warmth and comfort.

In extreme low temperatures, the outer layer should be an insulated jacket for extra warmth. But, it’s also important not to overdress with layers that are too warm for the conditions, as overheating in cold environments can hinder your productivity and put your body at risk for both heat- and cold-related injuries.

The Risks of Overdressing

Just as conditions that are too cold negatively impact productivity, an employee that is too warm will be less productive. Concentration will be lost as their focus splits between their discomfort and their duties. As internal body temperature rises, fatigue sets in, drastically reducing performance and increasing the chance of safety risks.

Exhaustion also comes more quickly when the body is not at its optimal temperature. When an employee is exhausted and experiencing muscle fatigue, they are more likely to make costly mistakes, injure themselves or others, or mishandle equipment.

Sweat also plays a role in comfort and productivity. If gear is too warm for the conditions, the employee will sweat more. When you sweat, your clothing gets wet and it takes additional body heat to evaporate that moisture. If the sweat doesn't evaporate, the moisture will remain against the skin, cooling you, eventually leading to an uncomfortable chill.

Insulated workwear that at first overheats and causes sweat eventually cannot protect against the cold caused by the moisture, subjecting the person to two uncomfortable extremes rather than consistent protection and comfort.

Keep Your Head (and Hands and Feet) in the Game

When most folks think about layering up to stay warm, they’re not thinking about options for layering up with headwear, gloves and footwear. But you should be.

You’ll want to protect your head and ears from extreme cold, right? If you need to make sure you’re peripheral vision is absolutely clear, you probably can’t use a hood, a mask or a balaclava. But you could pop a neck gaiter on, pull it over your nose and ears, then layer on a knit cap with an fold-up cuff that you can tug low over your ears. With that combo, your vision stays clear while your ears have 2 layers of coverage and the cold can’t creep down your neck.

If it’s so cold you can’t feel your fingers, it’s probably a good idea to give your insulated work gloves a boost with a glove liner. Choose a thin knit glove liner to wear under your work gloves to add warmth without making your hands feel clammy. If you need more dexterity, choose a thicker glove liner to wear under a pair of fingerless work gloves.

You can count on the job to keep you on your toes, but you’ll need some serious footwear to get through extreme cold conditions. Double up on your moisture-wicking socks before you put on your work boots or look for a pair of insulated work boots with a removeable liner that acts as a second, more insulated sock.

Layer Up, Take Cold Down

You won't always need all three layers, and sometimes you'll need more than three. Often, the waterproof outer layer can be stored until needed, or a mid-layer removed as the temperature rises throughout the day. The more you experiment, the better you’ll be at choosing the right layers for differing duties and activities. What is important is to consider not just the temperature, but your activity, the environment and how the material of each of your layers works in those conditions.

Now that you understand layering for working cold weather, check out the most popular insulated workwear from RefrigiWear:

Shopping for a Team?

If you need help selecting insulated winter workwear for your employees, please contact RefrigiWear Customer Service.