Opinion: Best ways to prepare for a Midwest winter

It’s that time of year when Midwesterners, Canadians, and anyone slightly close to the Arctic prepare for what seems the longest time of year: winter. That also means it is time for everyone’s favorite tradition to prepare themselves for the weather: layering!

Despite many people dressing in short sleeves, tank tops, and shorts in below-freezing weather, no one likes being cold.

Junior Jaidyn LaGrange said they came to school in “jeans, a flannel, shirt, and winter boots with a green Michael Kors jacket,” which is also their go-to jacket for the season. Another junior, Aaliyah Coleman, said the way they prepare for winter weather is “wearing what they usually do, jeans or leggings with a shirt and a light jacket which is under their Northface blue coat.” 

This guide can help OH students layer up for the next six months.

Hats and Face Coverings 

The number one rule when it comes to preparing for cold weather is covering up the extremities. A good place to start is the head and general face, as it is one of the first places to get cold the quickest. They are the most vulnerable as they do not have the muscles to keep warm. 

A face covering can cover a person’s face and head or just everything below their nose. A ski mask, a neck gaiter, or a simple scarf can help the lower half of someone’s face without being too suffocating.

Beanies or knit caps are a nice way to keep a person’s head warm without weighing it down too much and tousling their hair a lot. However, there are ushankas (Russian fur hats with ear flaps) or trapper keeper hats (similar to an ushanka but fur only on the outside) that provide more warmth than caps. But be cautious of them drying out your hair as they can be tighter than the previous headwear mentioned.

Gloves and Socks

Another place that gets cold the quickest are one’s fingers and toes since they also have fewer muscles to keep warm.

A pair of gloves does not have to be too thick but should bear enough cloth to cover one’s hands and keep them cozy for however long someone may be outside. A pair of socks can vary in either thickness or material, but the warmest type can usually be found in wool and cotton socks.

First Layer

Now most people recommend wearing an item of moisture-wicking clothing for a base layer to keep away sweat and keep themselves warm.

There are shirts and long sleeves that specify themselves as being breathable and waterproof. This does not mean someone has to go and get more clothes most clothing is already moisture wicking as it just depends on the material.

These materials can be nylon, polyester, silk, or wool, some of which are easier to come by and are more cost-effective. If someone has an extremely tight budget or prefer to shop locally, thrifting is the best option. Older clothing tends to be made from 100% of these materials or have a smaller amount of one to help with texture and stretch, making them able to retain warmth for longer and easier. 

A few well-known places to thrift are Goodwill and Salvation Army but someone can most likely find some vintage clothing at local thrift shops as well.

Second Layer

A second layer can also vary quite a bit as long as it is thicker than the first layer and provides warmth.

It can be a thick sweater, tee shirt, cardigan, or just another long sleeve, it is up to the person! Cotton, wool, and many other synthetic fabrics can provide enough heat to last an individual long enough at bus stops and a few hours outside.

As stated for the first layer, thrifted or older clothes can provide the most heat to withstand the frigid weather.

Jackets and Coats

For myself personally, I wear both a windbreaker and a bigger jacket over that, but there are a few ways to pick out a coat or jacket. Ideally, a coat should be waterproof and insulating but even I do not own either one of those. The best way to compensate for this is to wear the largest coat over top of everything else.

This time of year is rough for everyone who lives far up north but with a bit of effort and time, they can become both cozy and prepared for wintertime.