Clothes for cold ears and neck in changeable weather
Short answer: Ears and neck are where cold wind can feel worst, especially in autumn and spring. With the right collar, hood and layers you can stay warm without getting sweaty when the weather changes quickly.
Why ears and neck feel cold
The neck and ears have thin skin and sit high up, where the wind hits first. That is why you notice the cold quickly, even when the rest of your body is warm enough. When the neck gets cold, many people pull up their shoulders, and that causes tension. Protecting exactly those two spots often does more for your sense of warmth than an extra jumper. It is also where you can adjust most easily when the weather changes.
A high neck and a scarf
A jumper with a high neck or a thin scarf shields against the wind and holds warm air around the neck. Choose a soft fabric that does not itch against the skin and that can be pulled up over the chin if it blows. A scarf can be taken off when you come indoors and put in your bag. It is a small, light layer that handles many changes in the weather without taking up space.
Hood, hat and headband
A thin hat or a headband over the ears makes a big difference on cold mornings, and both take up almost no room in a pocket. A hood on a sweatshirt also gives shelter, but it can become heavy if it gets wet. If you wear glasses, choose a hat that does not press the arms against your ears. See bamboo sweatpants for women for soft everyday clothes that can be combined with a thin top and a hat.
Changeable weather calls for layers you can adjust
In autumn and spring the temperature can change several times in one day. That is why layers work better than one thick jacket. Start with a thin blouse, add a warmer jumper, and finish with a windproof layer. Take the layers off when the sun comes out, and put them back on when it disappears. For cold ears and neck it is often enough to add a scarf or a hat, so you do not need to put on more layers.
When the clothes also need to suit everyday life
Clothes that keep you warm at the neck must not chafe. Labels in the collar and coarse seams can irritate the skin, so cut them off or choose clothes without. If you are extra sensitive around your period, it can help to choose underwear without tight edges and with a soft fit. See period underwear. Talk to your doctor if you have lasting discomfort or pain.
Keep the warmth in from inside and below
Warm feet and a soft bra help the body hold on to warmth, so you do not freeze at the neck. Cold feet and tight bands around the body can make you breathe higher and tense the shoulders. A soft bra without underwire can be more comfortable when you are out all day. See bamboo bra without underwire. Wash the clothes at 30 to 40 degrees and let them dry flat so they keep their shape.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get cold at the neck even though I wear a jacket
Because wind often gets in at the collar. Try a high neck or a scarf that closes the opening, and choose a jacket with a collar that can be fastened closely.
Is a hat enough to keep the ears warm
For many it is, but it depends on the wind and temperature. A headband is thinner and suits milder days.
Should I put on a thicker jacket instead of layers
Layers are more flexible in changeable weather because you can adjust. A thick jacket soon becomes too warm when the sun comes out.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
