Learn to love (or at least like) winter with these winter wardrobe tips
Winter in Canada can be pretty great. There’s nothing quite like getting outside and strolling through freshly-fallen snow or enjoying an afternoon of ice skating and hot cocoa with friends. It’s all part of the magic, and beauty, of living here.
But we also know that not every Canadian necessarily loves winter weather. Maybe you’re not especially looking forward to sub-zero temperatures and snow… Or maybe you just haven’t found the right winter wardrobe—because with the right gear, there’s no such thing as “wrong weather.” A warm parka and comfy winter boots can help make winter necessities like shoveling far more comfortable and enjoyable. You’ll find it’s much easier to get into the spirit of snowy season when you’re dressed appropriately for it.
In partnership with Mark’s, here’s a closer look at how to dress better for winter weather, so you can enjoy all this quintessentially-Canadian season has to offer.
1. The right winter coat makes all the difference
If you spend the better part of winter with your shoulders pulled up to your ears, it’s not winter’s fault you’re constantly freezing, it’s your coat’s. Finding the right winter jacket – one that will keep you warm and toasty no matter what the temperature reads outside – will help make the season far more bearable. In fact, it can be the difference between enduring winter and enjoying it.
For him, the Helly Hansen Arctic Patrol Helly Tech Puffer Parka is a great example of a winter jacket that combines functionality and style, thanks to key features like rib-knit storm cuffs with reflective elements for increased visibility and water-repellent PrimaLoft BLACK Eco insulation designed to keep wind, moisture and cold air from penetrating.
For her, Denver Hayes makes a water-repellent yet breathable insulated puffer that won’t let you down during cold winter weather. An oversized hood, high-performance T-MAX® insulation and full-front storm flap combine to help you keep body heat in and the elements out.
2. Don’t get cold feet about going out in winter weather
Few things are less enjoyable than coming back in from the cold with frigid, damp feet—but with the right footwear, you’ll be walking through snow squalls with a smile on your face in no time.
The first step? The right winter boots. When shopping for winter boots, consider the following factors: warmth, water-resistance, traction, durability and comfort. When it comes to warmth, nothing beats a boot with T-MAX® insulation. This advanced temperature-regulating tech provides superior warmth without the added bulk, helping ensure your toes stay frost-free while allowing moisture and excess heat to escape.
For her, Denver Hayes’ Ella IceFX Waterproof Hyper Dri 3 Leather Winter Boots hit all the practicality marks with a stylish design that’s purpose-built for Canadian winters. The Hyper-Dri® HD3 tech makes these boots fully waterproof, and you’ll be thankful for the anti-slip IceFX® outsoles which provide increased traction and slip resistance thanks to their innovative tread design.
A great all-around boot for men is the Timberland Mt. Lincoln Waterproof Winter Boot. Made with 200 grams of PrimaLoft insulation for guaranteed warmth, these boots also boast a brand-exclusive waterproof membrane for added protection against rain and snow.
3. Keep cozy and carry on
One of the best things about winter is we can fully lean into comfort. It’s a season when we practically live in comfy fleece zip-ups and fluffy sherpa sweaters. As an added bonus, these cozy pieces are also great for layering, which is a must during winter when you’re constantly going from indoors to out and back again.
Ensure you stay cozy and comfortable all day long by layering your favourite winter sweaters, hoodies and pullovers. Adding a fleece or sherpa piece under your winter coat will give you an added layer of warmth on frigid days.
For her, this Columbia Sweater Weather Tunic is an excellent winter layering piece that also offers a bit of stretch for added comfort. For him, the WindRiver Outdoor Fleece Quarter Snap Mockneck is a versatile piece that’s equally perfect for lounging at home or hitting the slopes.
4. It’s what’s underneath that counts
You know what they say about a house with a poor foundation… On chilly winter days, think of base layers as your foundation. This is especially essential if you work or spend long hours outside during the winter months. Base layers add an extra layer of insulation, are designed to help you retain body heat, and feature moisture management technology—meaning not only will they keep you warm, they’ll also keep you dry.
Look for base layers made with T-MAX® technology, which will help keep you toasty without causing you to overheat. Made from high performance fibres, this lightweight hypo-allergenic tech allows moisture to move away from your body to help regulate your body temperature on extra-cold days.
Long underwear is a must-have when you live in Canada, and we especially like WindRiver’s T-MAX HEAT Thermal Base Layer Long Underwear for men. Not only will these practical fleece pants keep you warm, they’re super comfy as well, thanks to a blend of T-MAX® thermal and micro yarns. For her, the versatile WindRiver Women's Crew Neck Long Sleeve Microfibre Thermal Top will keep you warm and cozy whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying a day of ice skating.
5. Load up on winter accessories
As a kid, you may have put up a fight when your mom told you to put on a hat before going out in the cold. Now that you’re an adult, you’ve hopefully realized that mom was right. We lose heat fastest from our head, which is why it’s important to cover up during the winter months with Canada’s favourite headgear: the toque, a low-maintenance winter style that keeps your head and ears covered yet is compact enough to tuck into your coat pocket if you get too warm.
So what should you look for in a toque? Good insulation and a comfortable fit, first and foremost. Hats made of wool, down and fleece are all excellent choices to keep you warm. This Unisex Carhartt Acrylic Toque has become a time-honoured classic for good reason, making it a must-have winter accessory for every member of the family. Or try this WindRiver Women’s Chunky Knit Toque, with a turned cuff to give you another layer of warmth where you need it most: over your ears.
You’ll also want to invest in a pair of insulated gloves or mittens and a warm winter scarf. These WindRiver Women's T-Max Deer Suede Mitts combine soft yet durable deer suede with T-MAX® Element insulation, plus you get an added layer of comfort thanks to the cozy fleece lining. For a no-fuss neck warmer, we love this classic plaid WindRiver woven scarf for men and effortlessly cozy WindRiver Heritage Plaid scarf for women.
