Chills in damp weather and what to wear
Short answer: Damp cold often feels worse than dry cold, because the moisture draws heat from the body, and clothes that turn clammy make it worse. Dress in layers of soft fabrics that can dry again. Here is how to choose clothes when the cold gets into your body.
Why damp cold feels hard
Damp air carries heat away from the body faster than dry air, so a few degrees in rainy weather can feel like much more. If the clothes get damp, they take the heat with them. That is why chills in damp weather often come from clothes that have not been able to dry.
Layers are better than one thick piece
Several thin layers are easier to adjust than one thick one. You can take one off when you come inside and put one on when you go out. If you start with a soft layer close to the skin, the next layers can follow the weather. Damp clothes next to the body should be changed quickly.
When the cold arrives at night
Many feel the cold most when they sleep, because the body cools down and a damp bedroom can feel raw. Choose bamboo sleepwear for women in a soft fabric that hangs loose and does not turn clammy. Put a blanket at the foot of the bed that you can pull over if you wake up cold.
Pajamas and loungewear for cold evenings
In the evening you often sit still, and then you feel the cold faster. Long pajamas for women with long sleeves and legs can give a feeling of security when the radiator is not enough. Choose a set that does not pull and that you can put a cardigan over.
Loungewear that keeps you warm
If you sit at home in damp weather, a soft set such as a bamboo jogging suit for women can make the evening more comfortable. It fits loosely, and you can add layers on top. Choose a fit that does not pinch at the waist and that you can also wear on the sofa.
Feet, hands and head
Many freeze first at the feet, hands and head, because the body gives priority to the core. Dry, soft socks help, and so does a thin hat or neck warmer. Do not stay in clammy socks when you come in from the rain. Change to a dry pair before you settle in.
Moisture at home
The clothes are only part of the solution. If a lot of moisture hangs in the home, it feels colder. Air the rooms briefly but thoroughly, and avoid drying laundry in the bedroom if you can. Do not leave clothes damp in a basket, but wash them before they start to smell.
When chills are more than the weather
Chills can also be a sign of fever or illness, especially if they come with feeling unwell, a cough or a sore throat. Take your temperature and talk to your doctor if you are unsure. Clothes can make you more comfortable, but they cannot tell you whether something is wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Why does damp cold feel worse than dry cold
Damp air carries heat away from the body faster, and damp clothes take the heat with them. That is why a few degrees in rainy weather often feel worse than dry frost. Dry clothes in layers help.
What should I wear closest to the body
A soft layer that does not cling and can dry again. It should fit close enough to give warmth, but not so tight that it pulls. Change it if it gets damp.
Are chills always a sign of illness
No, they can come from cold and damp. But if they come with fever, a cough or feeling unwell, take your temperature and talk to your doctor.
