What to wear at minus eleven degrees
Short answer: At minus eleven degrees a morning bike ride or run calls for clothes that can handle both frost and sweat. Layers, dry socks and a hoodie under the jacket are a good starting point.
The early morning in frost
Minus eleven degrees in the morning is sharp. The air bites at nose and cheeks, and anything damp quickly turns cold. If you cycle, run or walk briskly to work, you produce heat, but you also lose a lot to the wind. It is about balance, so that you are warm enough to start and not too warm once you are moving. Layers that can be opened are a great advantage.
The hoodie as a warm layer
The hoodie is a soft and roomy middle layer that you can wear under a windproof jacket. See bamboo hoodie for men. The hood gives extra warmth around the neck, but does not always fit under a cycle helmet. Choose a model where the sleeves are long enough to cover the wrists and where the top does not bunch up under the jacket. Have a thin layer underneath if you will be out for long.
Tennis socks and frost
Tennis socks are short and light, and they are good in trainers. See bamboo tennis socks for men. At minus eleven degrees they are not enough alone if you are out for long. Use them as an innermost layer under a longer or thicker sock, or in shoes for indoor activities. Remember that bare skin at the ankle takes the wind, so choose trousers that cover.
Compression stockings and frosty days
Some people use compression stockings for long periods of sitting or standing work. See bamboo compression stockings. They give light pressure on the legs and can serve as an extra thin layer in the cold. They are not a treatment, though, and must not be used as a replacement for medical help. If you have swollen legs or pain, talk to your doctor before choosing.
Hands, head and face
At this temperature you need a hat, gloves and a scarf. Mittens are warmer than gloves, but you may find them hard to use on a bicycle. Consider having both thin gloves and mittens so that you can switch. Cover your ears and neck and watch for bare skin on the face. Go indoors and warm up if you lose feeling in your fingers.
Caring for frost clothes
Wash viscose from bamboo at 30 to 40 degrees and let it dry flat or on a hanger. Avoid fabric softener, and do not use a tumble dryer on high heat. Air the outer layer after every trip so that the moisture can disappear. Wash socks and compression stockings according to the label and dry them without direct heat.
Frequently asked questions
How do I avoid freezing on the bike at minus eleven degrees
Use several thin layers, a windproof jacket, gloves and a hat under the helmet. Dry socks and shoes with room for the toes help too.
Are tennis socks enough in frost
Not alone. For short activities they can be used, but in frost you need socks that cover the ankle, or a layer on top.
What do I do if my fingers go numb
Go indoors and warm the hands slowly. If it happens often, talk to your doctor.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
