Our Favorite Cold-Weather Gear for $100 or Less
It's the Midwest motto: You haven't experienced cold until you've lived in [insert Midwestern state here]. I hail from the heartland, where our winter activities involve transforming boiling water into snow, forlornly gazing out the window, and showing off our negative-degree forecasts to colleagues via Slack like we managed to catch the world's ugliest, least interesting fish. Ironically, I hate the cold almost as much as I love being frugal—and thus, this guide to cheap cold-weather gear was born.
If you live somewhere with less-hostile winters, you may still find the roundup useful. We included picks for all sorts of climates, and now that it's nearly the off-season, many of our recommendations will be cheaper than usual.
I tested this budget-friendly gear in the borderline uninhabitable winter world of northern Illinois. I donned it all to brave the polar vortex, along with record-breaking snow storms and during dangerously biting bouts of wind chill. My colleague Julian Chokkattu also contributed to testing from the comparatively balmy beach oasis of Brooklyn, New York.
Be sure to check out our other Buying Guides, including the Best Emergency Gear and the Best Gear to Winterize Your Home.
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Photograph: UniqloA Heat-Retaining Layer
Uniqlo HeatTech Crew Neck Long-Sleeve T-ShirtThese affordable shirts come in a wide array of neutral colors. Uniqlo's Heattech fabric converts your body's moisture into warmth, which is then retained. This could be worn as a stand-alone, but I prefer using it as an undershirt. The material is soft, thin, and comfortable, and it helps keep you warm during the day. If you wear it for a while and take it off, you'll notice a huge (chilly) difference.
38 percent rayon, 31 percent acrylic, 24 percent polyester, 7 percent spandex
Photograph: Kari TraaComfy Under Leggings
Kari Traa Hjerte Wool PantNamed for its founder, former Olympic freestyle skiier Kari Traa, this brand's bright base layer became part of my daily uniform during the polar vortex of early 2021. The Hjerte pants are cute, but more important, they're warm. They're composed of 60 percent wool and 40 percent modal, resulting in a blend that's soft and insulating.
I haven't had any issues with itching or feeling overheated while wearing them. I also appreciate that the pants aren't bulky. I wore them under other tight-fitting pants or beneath laced-up boots, and they wicked away moisture efficiently during a snow shoveling session. The coordinating Hjerte Top isn't bad, but it fit me a bit awkwardly.
Check out our guide to the best base layers for more picks, many of which cost less than $100.
60 percent wool, 40 percent modal
Photograph: CotopaxiA Warm Fleece
Cotopaxi Teca FleeceThis fleece isn't going to cut it in subzero temperatures, but if you live in a place where “it's cold outside” actually means "it's 40 degrees Fahrenheit," this will do the trick and help you avoid buying a puffer coat that you'll only wear once or twice.
It's thin and breathable, shielding you from both wind and damp. There's room underneath for additional layers, and the flexible material won't make you feel constricted while moving your arms. The contrasting colorblocking and zipper add a nice touch.
Amazon also carries both the men's and women's versions. You can coordinate your new fleece with a Teca Face Mask, which WIRED reviewers like. Check out our favorite face masks for other recommendations.
100 percent repurposed fleece
Photograph: Lands' EndA Hoodless Coat
Lands' End Women's Down Winter Puffer JacketThis machine-washable puffer jacket is squishy and packable. There's room underneath for additional layers, but it doesn't feel flimsy or thin. Zipped all the way up, the mid-height collar provides a bit of warmth and coverage, though you'll probably want a scarf and/or hat, since there's no attached hood. The shell is water-resistant, keeping you dry in the snow or sleet, and the side slit pockets snap closed to prevent items from falling out.
The features are relatively basic, but this jacket is a solid pick—especially if you don't like feeling constricted. (I can't stand driving a car in a winter coat, but this one is flexible enough that it didn't bother me behind the wheel.)
100 percent polyester
Photograph: OrolayA Hooded Coat
Orolay Thickened Short Down JacketOrolay's coats consistently go viral, and when I found a style for less than $100, I didn't expect it to live up to the hype. I was pleasantly surprised. A discerning eye might be able to pick up on the signs of a random Amazon find, like a rogue loose stitch or flattened faux fur, but this coat is both warmer and nicer-looking than many expensive garments, like the $750 down jacket I also tested around the same time. (This one is better.)
The hood is oversize and removable. The down is thick and warm, and the inset ribbed cuffs and fleece lining help to block any chill from the wind. I don't love the flap-style snap-closure pockets, because they don't feel very secure, but there are two zippered breast pockets to store anything you can't afford to lose.
100 percent polyester, filled with 90 percent white duck down, 10 percent feathers
Photograph: CaterpillarA Great Work Coat
Caterpillar Men's Terrain JacketJulian has shunned ugly Michelin Man-like puffer jackets from his closet. He hates them. When I sent him a Caterpillar jacket, he was less than thrilled, but the Terrain Jacket has actually become his go-to this winter.
It’s not the absolutely most stylish thing, but it’s nowhere near as hideous as a puffer jacket. There are *lots* of pockets, it protects your neck, the ribbed cuffs don’t let chilly air seep in, and the quilted, insulated body keeps you warm, even in below-freezing temperatures. It’s a great outer-layer jacket, and the polyester fabric is water-resistant.
100 percent polyester
Photograph: Darn ToughThe Best Warm Socks
Darn Tough Nomad Boot Midweight Hiking SocksA lot of us love Darn Tough socks here on the WIRED Gear team. They keep your feet warm and dry, stay comfortable throughout the day, and are available in a wide variety of thicknesses so you can have the perfect pair for any kind of activity. Spending $28 on socks might not seem very budget-friendly, but these are higher-quality than the cheap, thin pairs you replace every year. Darn Tough socks are backed by a lifetime guarantee. If you wear a hole in them, the company will replace them for free.
The Nomad style is cushioned and soft but not too thick, and the socks don't slip off your foot or lose their shape throughout the day. I suffer from Raynaud's disease, and these have been a lifesaver for me and my icicle toes this winter. Trying to go back to other kinds of socks has been difficult. I tend to reach for these every day.
Amazon also carries the men's and women's versions.
68 percent merino wool, 30 percent nylon, 2 percent Lycra spandex
Photograph: GlerupsOur Favorite Slippers
The Best Slippers (So Far)Trying to find the perfect slippers has been tricky. We haven't found our Goldilocks pair yet—with the perfect intersection of function, form, and finances—but the options below can help you out in the meantime.
- Glerups Slip-On Leather-Sole Shoes for $95: Pictured above. The price made WIRED reviewer Matt Jancer balk, but during a particularly cold New York winter in a ground-floor apartment with wood floors, he bit the bullet. The insole alone insulates against cold floors better than socks. They’re soft and not at all itchy, and wool breathes—unlike those synthetic-fleece department-store slippers that give you sweaty oven foot.
- Muk Luks Amira Slipper Booties for $40: I love these soft-soled slippers so much that I buy a new pair each year. The problem is, they're flimsy enough that I basically don't have a choice in how often I replace them. Granted, I wear them day in, day out, shuffling around with my feet enrobed in cozy warmth—but unless you're handy with a needle and thread, or you're particularly light of foot, be aware that these aren't the most durable. (But they are so nice while they last.)
- L.L.Bean Wicked Good Squam Lake Slippers for $79: These slippers hold their structure more than any other pair we've seen. Julian bought them for his partner, and she says the thermoplastic rubber outsole is thick and grippy, the velvet suede upper is stylish (available in many colors!), and the Australian lambswool is wonderfully soft and warm. They're pricey but will last a long time.
Photograph: MoshiPhone-Friendly Gloves
Moshi Digits Touchscreen GlovesThe knitted fabric on these Moshi gloves is thick and keeps the cold at bay. They fit well, and you can accurately use your phone with any of the 10 fingertips. Better yet, they're reasonably priced! Pro tip: Most phones have a setting to increase touch sensitivity when you're using gloves. It will make things a whole lot easier, trust me.
Photograph: AmazonA Quick Way to Warm Your Hands
HotHands Hand WarmersHaving Raynaud's disease means that if my fingers get too cold, they stay that way. It's painful at best and results in dexterity loss at worst, so I prioritize not letting them get chilly in the first place.
I tested a Zippo hand warmer for this guide, but despite it being an OK way to keep my hands warm, nothing compares to the original Hot Hands warmers. Favored by hunters, athletes, and Midwestern moms, these little packets heat up when exposed to air. They stay warm for hours on end, and they're pretty affordable (though likely find them cheaper at your local drugstore than online).
These warmers are small and thin, don't require a battery, and have a four-year shelf life. I keep them in my pockets or gloves and always have a stash in the car in case I need to change a flat tire in the cold. They are environmentally safe but also a disposable product, so I hope to find a more sustainable option in the future. As of now, they're the best way I've found to keep my paws pliant.
Photograph: OnHats to Keep Your Head Warm
Great Winter HatsWIRED staffers have a lot of opinions about hats. Here are our favorites.
- The North Face Canvas Trapper for $55: Not only is this sherpa-lined hat durable, it's also heavy duty. It blocks the wind efficiently. It's so insulated, in fact, that it's sometimes hard to hear while wearing it. You can tie up the flaps using the attached cords. It's availability fluctuates, but the brand has told us it isn't being discontinued. If it's out of stock, enter your email address to find out when it returns.
- Carhartt Acrylic Watch Beanie for $17: Several WIRED staff members recommend this hat. It's soft, stays put without squeezing, and is available in a wide array of colors.
- Smartwool Merino 150 Beanie for $25: This thin, lightweight hat is made mostly of merino wool, which wicks away moisture and feels soft. The beanie is good on its own, but those in the coldest climates may like it better as a layer under other hats or hoods. We've also recommended a base layer made from this fabric.
- Sunday Afternoons Alpine Quilted Trapper for $58: Senior writer Adrienne So recommends this insulated hat. The ear flaps can be worn up or down, and the brim isn't too rigid. It's backed by a lifetime guarantee.
- On Merino Beanie for $50: Adrienne So also really likes this merino wool beanie—it's soft and warm, and it hasn't stretched out. Living in Portland, Oregon, So admitted to owning too many beanies, and this is one of her favorites.
Photograph: UniqloHonorable Mentions
More Cold Weather Gear We LikeHere are some other affordable picks for winter weather.
- Uniqlo Men Fluffy Yarn Fleece Full-Zip Jacket for $30: You don’t need to spend a ton to stay warm. Just wearing this affordable fleece jacket with a T-shirt underneath in mid-thirties New York City weather had Julian feeling balmy. He paired it with the Cat Terrain Jacket above for when temperatures dipped below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The sleeves are a tad short for him, and strong winds might push through the fabric, but the pockets keep his hands warm and neckline protected. Uniqlo says 30 percent of the polyester in the jacket is recycled. Best of all, it comes in a range of colors.
- Uniqlo Men Pile-Lined Long-Sleeve Full-Zip Hoodie for $40: WIRED reviewer and New York resident Matt Jancer has gushed about this hoodie too frequently for it not to be included in our roundup. He's called it “the best” a few times and his “raison d’etre” at least once. He says it's like wearing a cloud (or a blanket). Lucky for you, this fleece-lined find comes in several colors, as well as a women's version.
- The North Face Men’s Ultra-Warm Poly Tights for $70: Also available via Amazon. The legs are too often overlooked, at least if you’re 6'4" like Julian. These moisture-wicking tights are an excellent base layer to keep them toasty. It’s made of 96 percent recycled polyester, and they actually go all the way down past his ankles.
- Wantdo Women's Winter Parka for $77: If you prefer a longline coat, this one is worth checking out. It's heavier than the Orolay coat listed above, and the hood has drawstrings to cinch it tighter if needed. You can't remove the hood, but the fur trim is removable. There are adjustable seams on either side for more flexibility. The internal waist drawstring can be used to visually break up what might otherwise be a rectangular silhouette. I don't love the flap-style pockets or the buttons' elastic loops, but this coat kept me plenty warm during frigid winter nights.
Photograph: Getty ImagesCold-Weather-Gear Advice
Tips for Dressing WarmlyWhether you're shopping our recommendations or browsing cold-weather gear on your own, we spoke to a few experts to get some advice.
Buy Your Gear Off-Season
Nick Drew, founder and CEO of WeThrift, says the best time to shop for winter apparel is January through March, when retailers put cold-weather gear on clearance. You can usually save on infrequently discounted items like coats and boots, too.
If you're seeking the absolute lowest rock-bottom prices, shopping secondhand or hitting up a store like Burlington are good options, but with the ongoing pandemic and social distancing recommendations, it's safest to avoid shopping in person for now.
Natural vs. Synthetic Materials
As we mention in our guide to the best base layers, some folks swear by wool and other natural fibers, while others are devoted to synthetics. Both textile types have their pros and cons. Liz Wilson, VP of product creation at Outdoor Research, says “the best materials depend on the climate, temperature, and personal body temperature.”
Mike Joyce, president and CEO of PrimaLoft, agrees: “When dressing for cold-weather climates, you need to consider the temperature, amount of moisture you’re likely to encounter, as well as what activity you will be doing.”
If you're active, you may need to prevent overheating. If you're in a wetter climate, Joyce says, “it’s important that you choose apparel that can withstand those elements." Synthetics tend to dry quickly, but wool and other natural materials are usually warmer.
Both types can be layered, or you can opt for a blend. Be careful of blends, though. Drew says that composition percentages are key, according to apparel retail industries. In general, acrylics and artificial fabrics “won't keep you nearly as warm as wool.” But an item advertised as “made from wool” may have low percentages of it.
Here are a few of the fabrics in the apparel we've listed:
- Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from natural cellulose fibers. Rayon by itself is usually slippery (similar to silk or nylon). It's absorbent but not very warm. It's often used in a blend of other fibers.
- Acrylic is a synthetic fiber made from a polymer. Acrylic clothing usually contains a blend of acrylic and other fibers. Acrylic dries pretty quickly, and it's good at trapping heat.
- Modal is a type of rayon made from specific types of high-quality cellulose. It's soft, stretchy, absorbent, and more durable than standard rayon.
Layer Efficiently
Keep sizing in mind. Shopping for outerwear that's one to two sizes too big ensures that you have plenty of room to add layers beneath. “Layering is the real secret to staying warm in cold temperatures, since those layers trap and preserve heat, creating natural insulation,” Drew says.
If you wanted to bundle up, your outfit might look something like a moisture-wicking base layer, a mid-layer with some sort of insulation, and an outer shell to resist wind and/or water. That doesn't mean you have to be fully kitted out, either; an undershirt, sweater, and coat could be your three main pieces. The important part is to make sure you have multiple layers working to keep you warm and dry. Remember that you can wear layers on your legs and feet, too—tights, liners, and gaiters can bolster your lower half. A good hat, gloves, and socks might make you feel warmer than piling on multiple torso layers.
“A versatile layering system is an excellent investment for staying safe, warm, and dry during your winter activities,” explains Wilson. “Your head, hands, and feet are some of the first places to feel the cold.”
If you're starting from scratch, “a great place to start is with a versatile jacket that can keep you comfortable in a variety of conditions,” Joyce says. Look for something that can be used in multiple seasons and climates.
Apply these tips to your unique situation. If you live somewhere cold and damp, you might want to prioritize a good rain jacket or some synthetic base layers. Those of you in frigid, dry climes might want to opt for pieces made with wool or down.
