What to wear at minus eight degrees
Short answer: At minus eight degrees a hoodie works as a middle layer under a jacket, and feet and ankles need extra attention. Layer upon layer, each one thin, keeps warmth in better than a single thick one.
Frost without the very worst of the cold
Minus eight degrees still feels clearly like winter, but it is a cold that many people can handle with ordinary, well thought out clothes. If you walk the dog, go to work or ride a bicycle, layering makes all the difference. You avoid freezing when you stand still, and you avoid getting sweaty when you move. The aim is to find a balance where you can adjust along the way instead of wrapping up from the start.
The hoodie as a middle layer
A hoodie makes a good middle layer because it is both soft and roomy enough to trap air between the layers. The hood can be pulled up in the wind and gives extra protection around the neck. Choose a model that is not so thick that it bunches up under the sleeves of your jacket. See bamboo hoodies for women. Under the hoodie, a thin layer close to the skin makes it more comfortable to wear for longer.
Socks and ankles, where the cold gets in
Many people forget that the cold gets in between shoe and trouser leg. Short socks leave a gap at the ankle that the wind finds. Tennis socks are short and fine for sportswear or closed, high cut shoes, but at minus eight degrees it is a good idea to have something above the ankle. See bamboo tennis socks for women. Combine them with long underwear or trousers that cover well.
Ordinary socks for cold days
For most winter days, socks that cover the ankle and a little way up the calf are the safest choice. See bamboo socks for women. Socks with some cushioning under the foot insulate against the cold ground, and a smooth thread against the skin reduces the risk of rubbing in boots. Avoid socks with a cuff so tight that it leaves deep marks, because they can make the feet colder.
Hands, head and the weather
Even if you have chosen your clothes well, you need something for your head and hands. A hat and a pair of gloves are cheap and effective. In rain and sleet, which often come at temperatures around zero, a waterproof outer layer matters more than an extra warm layer. At minus eight degrees it is more often dry and cool, so a windproof layer is the most important. Check the forecast so that you know what you are heading into.
Keeping your clothes in good shape
Wash viscose from bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees and let it dry flat. Do not use a tumble dryer for the hoodie, as the heat can shrink the fibres. Turn the hoodie inside out so that the surface lasts longer. Air the clothes after a cold outing and let the moisture disappear before you put them in the wardrobe.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the temperature and wind chill
The temperature is what the thermometer shows. Wind chill describes how cold the air feels on the skin when it is windy, and it can be markedly lower than the temperature.
Is a hoodie warm enough as the only layer
It depends on how long you are out and whether it is windy. At minus eight degrees a hoodie is usually best as a middle layer under a windproof jacket.
How long should the socks be
In frost, choose socks that cover the ankle so that there is no bare skin between shoe and trouser leg. Short socks suit mild days or trainers better.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
