Clothing for cold hands and warm feet
Short answer: Some days you have warm feet in your boots but ice cold fingers. Hands have little muscle mass and a large surface area, so they lose heat quickly. The answer is a combination of gloves, a warm upper body and balance in what you wear.
Why hands get cold
Hands have a large surface area relative to their size and very little muscle to produce heat. When the body gets cold, the blood vessels in the hands narrow to keep warmth in the core. It is a natural reaction, but it means fingers get cold quickly. Feet, on the other hand, are often well wrapped in socks and boots. That is why it is completely normal to have warm feet and cold hands at the same time on a winter day.
A warm upper body means warm hands
The best way to get warm hands is to keep your upper body warm. When your core is warm, the body is willing to send more blood out to your fingers. A soft mid layer under your jacket makes a big difference. A bamboo sweatshirt for men can be worn under a winter coat or on its own indoors. Choose a style with sleeves that reach right over the wrist, so there is no cold gap between sleeve and glove where warmth escapes.
Choose the right gloves
Mittens are warmer than gloves, because the fingers warm one another. When it is really cold, you can wear thin gloves underneath and mittens on top. On the bike, windproof gloves are important, because the oncoming air cools you quickly. Gloves should not be too tight, as that restricts circulation. Keep your gloves dry, and put them on before your hands get cold. It is much harder to warm cold fingers up again than to keep warm fingers warm.
Keep feet comfortable without overheating
Even if your feet are warm, it is important that they do not get sweaty, because they will then turn cold when you stand still. Choose socks that absorb moisture and suit your boots. Bamboo socks for men are good for everyday wear and can be used as an inner layer under a wool sock on cold days. Avoid too many layers on your feet if you will be moving a lot, as that can lead to sweat and rubbing.
Short socks for indoors
When you come inside, it is nice to swap warm winter socks for something lighter. Feet can get too warm in thick socks indoors, and that leads to sweat. Bamboo footies for men are short and light and can be worn with slippers or loafers. Many people keep a pair of indoor shoes at work and change as soon as they arrive. That keeps your feet fresh all day and gives your boots time to dry.
Good habits for cold hands
Put your gloves on before you go out, and keep them in your pocket so they stay warm. Warm your hands under your arms or in your pockets if they get cold. Avoid touching cold metal with bare hands. A hot cup of tea can help when you come in. Move your fingers and clench your fists regularly to get the blood flowing. If your fingers turn white, blue or numb in the cold, talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have cold hands but warm feet
Hands have little muscle and a large surface area, so they lose heat quickly. Feet are often better wrapped up.
Are mittens warmer than gloves
Yes, because the fingers warm each other. In severe cold you can wear thin gloves under mittens.
How can I warm my hands quickly
Hold your hands under your arms or in your pockets, and make sure your upper body is warm so blood can reach your fingers.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
