Cold Temperature Clothing for the Body & Head

When cold environments or temperatures cannot be avoided, dressing properly can help protect workers from cold stress. The following tips provide best practices for keeping your body, heads, hands, and feet protected in cold environments.

Body

Wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing. Tight clothing reduces blood circulation, and it is important for warm blood to be circulated to the extremities. Loose-fitting clothing traps air to provide insulation and allows for better ventilation.

Layering also provides better insulation. Use the following tips for each layer of clothing:

1. The inner layer should consist of a wicking material, such as wool, silk, or a synthetic fiber like polyester to keep moisture away from the body. Thermal wear, wool, silk or synthetic inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton.
2. The middle layer should consist of wool, down, or fleece that will hold body heat and provide insulation even when wet.
3. The outer layer should protect against wind and water, made of a breathable waterproof fabric that allows some ventilation, like Gortex or nylon.

Head

Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when the head is left exposed. Wear a wool knit cap that covers the ears or a liner under a hard hat to reduce heat loss. If necessary, wear a knit mask to cover your face and mouth.

To learn more about Cold Stress Safety visit our Cold Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.