Like it or not, winter is officially upon us. And those frigid temperatures mean one thing: it’s time to load up on cold weather gear. Whether your travels and preferred recreational activities keep you outdoors for much of the season, or you merely plan to step outside every few days this season, some reliable base and top layers are a must.
Fortunately, the Travel + Leisure team is stacked with cold weather experts (after all, we spend our winters chasing the Northern Lights, skiing at the world’s best resorts, and cruising to Antarctica). That’s why we found it fitting to round up the best cold weather gear we’ve used in the last year. From jackets to heated gloves to pajamas, here’s what we rely on to keep us warm through our wildest winter adventures.
UNIQLO
We often think of heavy coats and boots as our go-to cold weather gear, and while they’re definitely necessary, it’s a quality thermal layer that’ll keep you toasty for the long haul. We love this set from Uniqlo’s Heattech line — it’s form-fitting without feeling restrictive, and it locks in heat while remaining breathable, which makes it perfect for cold-weather activities like skiing and winter hiking. A fluffy fleece-like lining makes the set extra comfy, while stretch fabric allows you to move around without experiencing uncomfortable rubbing.
“A few years ago, I found myself walking around Quebec City on a snowy, 5-degree Fahrenheit day — no time to mess around without proper winter gear,” senior editor Kayla Becker said. “On a friend’s recommendation, I layered this leggings and long-sleeve T-shirt combo under my clothing, and it made such a difference that I now pack these for every winter trip I take — and I mean every. Single. One. I’ve worn them while skiing in Switzerland and even trudging through Nor’easters at home in Boston, and they keep me insulated every time. They don’t look or feel bulky when layered under sweaters and pants, and they take up barely any space in a suitcase. Genius.”
Amazon
If your fingers tend to feel cold in the winter no matter how much you layer up, it’s time you get your hands on (and in) Snow Deer’s Waterproof Electric Heated Gloves. Not only are they thick and waterproof, but when fully charged, they can reach temperatures of 150 degrees and last up to 6.5 hours. They feature three heat settings — low, medium, and high — that provide heat to each of your fingers in just 30 seconds. The gloves are even fleece-lined and windproof, ensuring you’ll never feel anything other than cozy when you’ve got these on.
“As a person with Raynaud’s syndrome (poor circulation in the hands and feet), but who refuses to shy away from cold weather, having a reliable pair of heated gloves is essential,” editor Sophie Mendel said. “I wore these gloves every single day on my trip to Arctic Norway last winter, doing everything from chasing down the northern lights to reindeer sledding and beyond. Just charge them up every night while you sleep, and your hands are sure to stay nice and toasty all day long – seriously, on a full charge, these can last up to 6.5 hours!”
Arcâteryx
Whether you’re heading off to a frigid destination this winter or you simply call an icy climate home, you’ll want to trade in your usual winter jacket for something a little heavier duty. This extra-long parka from Arc-teryx is basically the warmest coat out there — and we know because we’ve personally worn it on subarctic treks. Crafted with both down and thermal insulation as well as waterproof and windproof Gore-tex, the chill of winter won’t easily penetrate this piece, especially when paired with a quality base layer. It’s outfitted with neck and cuff gaskets to lock in heat, and two front pockets for extra hand warmth. Snag the coat in three colors and seven sizes.
“Last winter, I put this parka to the ultimate test — hunting for the northern lights in bitterly cold, negative 40-degree subarctic Canada,” digital special projects editor Elizabeth Rhodes said. “My eyelashes and hair were frozen, but this parka was the best heavy layer I could have asked for. It’s long, well insulated, and waterproof — perfect as a top layer on this frosty adventure (I also wore it ice fishing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding) and as my main coat on especially cold days in the city.”
Paka
Don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of socks in the wintertime. We prefer Paka’s Sebastian Crew socks for their heat retention, versatility, and fun alpaca print. Speaking of the notoriously fluffy animals, these socks are actually 41 percent alpaca fiber, so you can count on them being incredibly soft, comfy, and warm. However, since they’re also bulk-free, you can wear these mid-calf socks with pretty much any type of footwear when chilly weather arrives.
“These socks are amazingly comfortable whether you’re heading off on a hike or boarding a flight (where I, for one, am always cold),” updates writer Taylor Fox said. “They’re a really good height, so they protect your heels and ankles if you’re pairing them with boots, but also work well if you want to sport sneakers. I’m also absolutely obsessed with the alpaca pattern, but you can opt for mountain socks or pairs with simple, neutral colors for more versatility.”
Lands’ End
This jacket may look more like a spring or fall jacket, but trust us — this thing is warm. Fully lined and stuffed with polyester insulation, this anorak is perfect for colder days whether worn alone or as a mid-layer. It’s equipped with internal storm cuffs and a seam-sealed shell which make it both waterproof and windproof, plus it wicks moisture away should you get too hot. Other useful features include two side pockets, a kangaroo pocket bag, a reflective loop tag, and a drawcord hood. Sizing is unisex, so keep that in mind before purchasing.
“When traveling in winter, layering is absolutely key, and packing layers that are also waterproof will ensure you’re never cold or dealing with soppy clothing,” Fox said. “This pullover is well-padded for insulation but is plenty breathable, so you can wear it hiking, sledding, or exploring a new city. It fits well under large puffer coats if needed, but can also absolutely stand as your outer layer with some base items underneath.”
Everlane
It’s no secret that cashmere is one of the warmest fabrics around, so adding a cashmere scarf to your winter wardrobe is a must. This one from Everlane is made of recycled, GCS-certified cashmere, and comes in four neutral colors. As you could imagine, it’s quite soft and warm, but our favorite thing about it may just be how stylish and versatile it is — the ReCashmere scarf matches perfectly with just about everything in our closets.
“As much as I’d like to fill my closet with as many winter accessories as my heart desires, I live in a small apartment in New York and instead prioritize high-quality staples,” writer Alexandra Domrongchai said. “I was gifted this scarf a few months ago from my caring (and worried) Florida family to brace for the Northeast winter, and since then have worn it nearly every single day. It not only always keeps me warm, but it’s also incredibly cute, too.”
Amazon
It’s never a bad idea to have a beanie on hand, and our favorite is Carhartt’s Knit Cuffed Beanie. It’s stylish, warm, and available in 23 hues, including a limited stock of discontinued colors like pastel turquoise, atomic blue, and mink. Made of 100 percent acrylic rib knit, the beanie expertly seals out cold air, and it even looks pretty stylish thanks to a fold-up cuff featuring Carhartt’s iconic logo. Whether you don it for a quick jog or a full day on the slopes, it’s sure to elevate your style (and body temperature) all winter long.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it: it should be the tagline for Carhartt’s iconic winter watch cap, first released in 1987 and still going strong,” news director Paul Brady said. “The tight weave means it’s toasty even in single-digit temperatures, and it comes in dozens of colors, including my favorite, Brite Lime.”
We all have that one, super-sleek jacket that’s perfect for winter — except for the fact that it lacks a hood. If you’re not about sacrificing style for practicality, you’ll want to check out this COS hooded mock collar. It effortlessly pairs with any jacket, blending so well that no one will know it’s not actually part of your jacket. It even zips up and cinches via drawcord like a real hood, and it even boasts an extended collar area to keep every bit of your skin dry. The best part? It’s machine washable.
“I prefer to wear a sleek, wool coat in winter but I do not like getting my hair wet,” associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker said. “This plush hood is the perfect solution since it easily smushes down to fit inside my tote for those just-in-case moments. I love how it zips up high to keep my neck warm on brisk days and cinches tight so I can make sure every bit of my hair is protected from the elements (which works much better than a scarf or traditional hat would). While the mock collar does add cozy coverage under coats with wide lapels, it doesn’t add bulk like a full hoodie would either.”
Verishop
In the market for something on the lighter side? The Adrian Jacket by The Normal Brand is the perfect jacket for those warmer winter days. A fuzzy, faux-shearling lining keeps chilly air at bay, while a vegan leather body allows for breathability. The jacket also boasts a relaxed, boxy fit, a hem belt with buckles, and two front pockets. It’s designed to hit right at the hip, so you won’t have to worry about cold air creeping in (as with a cropped jacket) or becoming overheated (as with longer jackets).
“I have plenty of puffer coats and extra cozy wool options for when it’s freezing, but NYC has had such a mild winter I’ve been looking for the Goldilocks of coats,” Parker said. “I finally found it with this faux-shearling-lined vegan leather moto jacket. It’s warm but not too warm, making it perfect to wear over a lightweight sweater or layer with a thicker sweater and a T-shirt underneath.”
Janji
There’s no need to quit your daily runs, jogs, and walks just because the temperatures dip. Just add Janji’s Mercury Run Joggers to your wardrobe and hit the streets or trails. They’re as comfy as sweatpants and as mobile as leggings, but they’ll keep you nearly as warm as a pair of ski pants. They’re fitted without feeling tight and relaxed without looking baggy — plus, they come in six sizes ranging from XS to XXL. You may just want to grab a pair in all three colors: river rock, underbrush, and midnight.
“I bought these pants for cold-weather running — their intended purpose, which is made comfier with moisture-wicking fabric, great stretch, and zippered pockets — but I love them so much I’m picking up another pair just for winter errands and lazy days at home,” deputy photo editor Skye Senterfeit said. “Don’t let the lightweight fabric fool you; these pants deliver warmth without weight and are at least as cozy as my favorite sweatpants.”
Target
Insulation? Check. Grip? Check. Touchscreen compatibility? Check. These gloves seem to have it all — and you can get them at Target! We’ve been wearing them all winter because, believe it or not, they work just as well, if not better, than some of the higher end touchscreen gloves on the market. As their name suggests, these gloves are like little puffer jackets for your hands thanks to quilted mid-weight polyester-spandex and cinched wrists that seal in heat. They’re available in two sizes (S/M and L/XL) and three colors including an eye-catching shade of light purple.
“I recently realized I don’t have any decent gloves, so I threw this pair in my cart on a Target run a few months ago, and they’ve been carrying me through the winter ever since,” testing editor Jackie Cucco said. “Because of the puffy polyester material, they’re much warmer than the cotton gloves I used to wear, but they’re not too big that you can’t fit them in most coat pockets. I love the gripper strip on the palm so you can hold things without dropping them, and, most importantly, they’re touch screen compatible.”
Mountain Khakis
This lowkey wool jacket looks more like a button-down shirt than a thick parka, and that’s what we love about it. It’s ultra-warm thanks to a wool and nylon poly blend, a brushed cotton lining, quilted insulation, and hand warmer pockets. But despite its ability to seal in heat, a shirt-style collar and a storm flap with snap buttons keep things looking casual. The jacket even has a whopping seven pockets split between the inside and outside. Shoppers can grab this comfy and functional jacket in two colors (forest moss and heather grey) and five sizes ranging from small to extra-extra-large.
“For those who aren’t fans of the puffer-style jacket, a wool coat is the perfect alternative,” writer Anna Popp said. “I think it looks much nicer than a typical winter coat but it offers the same level of warmth on chilly days thanks to the thick materials and insulated lining. It’s perfect for commuting to the office or going out to dinner, which makes it ideal for staying warm and stylish in the winter.”
Amazon
It goes without saying that staying warm on the slopes is imperative for an enjoyable day. That’s why we suggest getting your hands on these bib overalls by Arctix. When paired with base layers and a ski jacket, these perfectly protect the body from frigid mountain air, snow, and moisture. A ThermaLock fabric shell stuffed with 85 grams of ThermaTech insulation traps body heat inside the overalls while reinforced sealed seams make the whole piece windproof. They even come in 28 styles, including stylish prints and ombre shades.
“Last month, a friend and I traveled to Zermatt, Switzerland, on a ski trip,” senior editor Jasmine Grant said. “Neither of us had been skiing before, which raised a few eyebrows from the locals. Luckily, we had a blast and enjoyed the trip incident-free. What made my voyage as a first-time skier even better was this cozy ski bib from Amazon. It was warm yet breathable, and cozy yet non-bulky. I was able to enjoy my day on the slopes without getting overheated, which was much appreciated. The adjustable suspenders came in handy, as I’m only 5’2” and most pants tend to be long on me. The bib comes in a wide variety of colors (I opted for orange) and I believe it’s reasonably priced considering the great quality.”
Target
Even if you have no plans to leave your apartment, winter home, or ski lodge when icy weather hits, staying cozy and warm indoors is a must. We’re all about these flannel pajamas by Alexander Del Rossa — they’re soft, super warm, and available in two cute plaid patterns. Featuring a collar and piped edges, these surprisingly affordable PJs feel totally luxurious. Other features include pants pockets at each hip, a five-button closure, and a comfy elastic waist. Just note, if you overheat easily, you’ll probably want to skip these jammies — they keep you very warm.
“On a trip to Target this past Black Friday, I came across these pajamas and threw them into my cart since they were super marked down at the time and I thought they were cute,” associate editor Hillary Maglin said. “I didn’t expect them to be anything special considering their low price, but they quickly surprised me! They’re extremely soft and well made, plus they’ve kept me seriously toasty this winter. Usually, I layer up during winter evenings at home — robes, thick socks, blankets — but with these pajamas, I don’t need anything else to stay warm.”
Abercrombie & Fitch
When it comes to puffer jackets, it simply doesn’t get more stylish than this pick from Abercrombie. The YPD Apres Puffer is ultra-sleek and outfitted with gorgeous contrasting silver hardware for an elevated touch. It’s significantly less bulky than the average puffer, yet it still provides major warmth on a cold winter day. That’s thanks to wind- and water-resistant fabric, a removable hood, considerable fill, and quilted exterior. We also love the jacket’s cinched waist, interior and exterior pockets, and closure that boasts both a zipper and snaps. Snag this coat in seven sizes.
“Since this sleek puffer is made for fitness activities, it features the brand’s storm cuffs that go over your thumbs and are a total game-changer for wintertime exploring,” editor Emily Belfiore said. “If you’re someone who hates the feeling of the cold, icy chill breezing through your sleeves (or having your layers get all twisted and uneven), this jacket is for you. Plus, it’s water-resistant, has fleece-lined pockets for extra warmth, and features an adjustable waist for a customizable fit.”
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
For this article, associate editor Hillary Maglin collaborated with several other members of the T+L team to compile a list of our favorite gear, clothing, and accessories for combatting cold weather. Hillary herself is all too familiar with cold weather gear, having spent winters living in New York, Pennsylvania, and Iowa.
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