Today, it has been snowing for the first time in Norrköping, which shows that winter is just around the corner. As the stigma of the unbearable Swedish cold is something you will hear a lot when preparing for your studies in Sweden, learning how to master the cold is an essential step for making your stay more enjoyable.

First of all, a very important lesson about the cold: warm clothes will not warm you themselves. Instead, they reflect your body’s heat, which then keeps you warm. So, the key to dressing for winter is not only to put on as many layers as you can but also to ensure that there are no spaces in between your clothes through which your body warmth can escape.

In addition, two very important rules to keep in mind are to leave enough space and to look for moisture-absorbing fabrics. One of the most prevalent misunderstandings about staying warm in cold weather is the belief that clothing layers must be tight. However, if we consider each layer of clothing as a barrier between us and the cold, it becomes apparent that wearing a tight-fitting shirt actually brings our skin closer to the cold air. Thus, adding some outer loose-fitting layers helps to create a bigger barrier between your body and the outside.

Apart from wearing the usual winter clothes like a thick jacket, mittens, hat, and scarf, here you can find 10 more items that make a real difference in helping you stay warm during winter:

  1. Good pair of Socks: Socks make a real difference, especially if they cover your ankles.
  2. Thermo Turtleneck: My personal game changer keeping me warm was when I started to wear a black thermo turtleneck under all my big sweaters and pullovers to keep me extra warm.
  3. Thermo Tights: I always put thermo tights under my pants when going outside for a longer time in winter to have an extra bodily hugging layer against the cold.
  4. Reflector: A big problem in winter is not only the cold but also the early darkness that makes you quickly invisible. Wearing a reflector ensures that you will be seen when crossing a street.
  5. Hand warmers: Hand warmers are a great thing to keep in your pockets for longer walks outside, and once you are cold, you can just activate them to warm up your hands.
  6. Hot water bottle: Hot Water Bottles are great when you need that extra heat under your blanket.
  7. Warm foot soles: Keeping your feet warm is mainly due to how good winter boots are. However, you can still give them an extra update with some warm foot soles.
  8. Pulse warmers: Pulse warmers are a great item if you want to have free mobility for your fingers. For example, if you are working indoors, you can wear them so you do not have to place your wrists on a cold table.
  9. Undershirt that absorbs sweat: Adding an undershirt gives you an extra layer that specifically protects your inner organs from the cold. However, when adding this layer, which is in constant contact with your skin, be aware to pick a material that absorbs sweat. Sweat cools you down, so you would achieve the contrary effect if your undershirt does not absorb moisture.
  10. Thermo flask: Getting warmed from the inside can be a game changer when being outside in the cold for a while. Thus, hot beverages can really help. If you do not already have one, this is your call to get a thermos flask right now.

Please note that all the links are mere suggestions of products that I found personally really helpful and that should serve as mere inspiration. The most important thing is to find the items that you deem necessary and fit your budget.

I personally can’t wait until there is enough snow for skiing, so stay tuned for this upcoming experience.

-Love, Barbara

 

Cover Picture: Fredrik Schlyter/imagebank.sweden.se

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