Knowing how to dress your kids for outdoor play in any weather can make a huge difference to the amount of time they’re happy to spend outside. Clothing should remove the distractions that less-than-ideal weather imposes, leaving kids free to focus on play, not the physical discomfort of being “too hot” or “too wet” or “too cold”.
“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” This Scandinavian saying implies that the friction we feel with so-called bad weather has much to do with a lack of preparation. With the right mindset and forethought, outdoor adventures in all weather can be normal and enjoyable!
How you dress your kids for outdoor play can have a big effect on their tolerance — and enjoyment of — all weather.
Clothing and Accessories
As you may already know, layering is key to outdoor dress. Layers give you the flexibility to adapt to the weather and your level of activity. They should allow you to stay warm, dry and comfortable in all weather conditions.
Layering also helps you mitigate perspiration, which can be dangerous in changing weather and activity level. Avoid overheating by starting with fewer layers, adding them when needed.
Did you know that each layer has it own purpose, its own job?
BASE LAYER: wicks perspiration.
This layer is designed to help regulate body temperature by wicking away moisture (perspiration) and keeping it off your skin.
Merino wool, silk and synthetics (polyester, polypropylene, nylon) are great options.
MID LAYER: retains body heat.
This is the insulation layer, designed to retain your body’s heat. The weight of this layer will depend on the temperature outside and your activity level.
Fleece, down and wool are great options here!
OUTER LAYER: protects from wind and rain.
This is the layer designed to protect you from the elements, wind and rain, all while remaining breathable.
For a waterproof layer, look for taped seams and weatherproof closures.
What to wear? IT’S TOO HOT
BODY: synthetic underwear; loose top (synthetic or wool); quick-dry shorts or pants; (you can consider cotton for clothing if your weather will remain hot and dry); long sleeve sun shirt for layering; lightweight rain jacket if needed
FEET: cotton or wool socks (depending on changeability of weather); breathable shoes
ACCESSORIES: hat, sunglasses, sunblock
What to wear? IT’S TOO WET
BODY: synthetic underwear; base-to-mid layers; waterproof and breathable outer layers (for younger children, consider rain suits such as those made by Oaki and Tuffo/Muddy Buddy)
FEET: synthetic or wool socks; waterproof shoes/boots
ACCESSORIES: umbrella (unless it will inhibit movement); waterproof gloves
What to wear? IT’S TOO COLD
BODY: synthetic underwear; base layers; warm mid layers (double up if needed); insulated and waterproof outer layers; sleeves that are snug at wrists
HANDS:
FEET: insulated boots, wool socks (not cotton): even if your boots are waterproof, your socks may still get wet from sweat. (Wool is a good choice here, as it will still keep you feet warm, dries faster, and also has natural anti-bacterial properties.)
ACCESSORIES: wool hat/toque; goggles; balaclava, neck gaiter or scarf, earmuffs; insulated (and waterproof, if snow) gloves that cinch at the wrist or are long enough to snugly fit (and stay) under or over the jacket
COTTON vs. WOOL vs. SYNTHETIC
Although style and comfort often factor into clothing choice, when it comes to choosing clothing for outdoor adventures, your choice of material is absolutely vital.
When it comes to clothing — socks and base layers especially — you may ask yourself which is best: cotton, wool or synthetics?
Well… it depends. They each have their pros and cons, and your choice will depend on the temperature, the weather forecast, and your level of activity.
COTTON
PROS
- lightweight, cool
- breathable
- can be machine washed/dried
- inexpensive
CONS
- does not retain heat when wet
- takes longer to dry
- does not keep you warm in cold, wet, windy conditions
GOOD FOR
- hot, dry environments, where it can stay wet and where you won’t depend on it to keep you warm
WOOL
PROS
- great insulator and – unlike cotton – maintains its insulating properties when wet
- wicks moisture away from your body
- dries quickly
- preserves body temperature
- has natural anti-bacterial properties (odor resistant)
- breathable
- can retain a third of its weight in moisture before feeling wet to touch
- can even be worn in warm weather
- natural material
CONS
- can be expensive
- can be scratchy (unless merino wool)
- takes longer to dry when saturated
- should be hand-washed, dried flat
GOOD FOR
- warm, cold, wet, windy conditions
SYNTHETIC
PROS
- wicks moisture away from your body
- dries quickly (faster than wool)
- preserves body temperature
- durable
- can be machine washed/dried
- less expensive
CONS
- more expensive than cotton
- gets smelly faster
- less breathable than wool
- insulation reduced when wet (as compared to wool)
- less comfortable in hot weather
- not natural material
GOOD FOR
- base layers; cold, wet, windy conditions
Once you’ve decided how to dress your kids for outdoor play (in any weather), check out these tips on actually getting them outside when “bad weather” is used as an excuse:
Read: How to Help Kids Get Outside in “Bad” Weather: 12 Strategies
