Vast swathes of the UK are set to be plunged into cold temperatures, with the Met Office warning of temperatures that could fall as low as minus 8C in certain parts of the country. Wearing the best clothes for cold weather during this time is essential.

But even across the next few months, it’s set to be cold in the UK and if you’re travelling to other parts of the world there’s a good chance that chilly temperatures will be nearby. So what are the best clothes to wear in cold weather? In this article, we’re going to be taking a look. 

Hat

Let’s start with a warm hat. Making sure your head is covered helps to retain heat and when pulled down can save your ears from feeling the chill. Of course, there are loads of warm hats to choose from but we’re big fans of this classic-looking warm hat from Arc’teryx.

It’s made from a blend of wool and polyester, brought together into one stretchy ‘toque’. At £50 it’s not terrible on price, either. 

Scarf or neck covering

There’s nothing worse than feeling a cold chill against your neck and that’s where a scarf or covering helps. With one, you provide a decent seal around your jacket and other layers, helping to boost warmth and stop any heat from escaping. 

Buff is one of the most prominent names in this area and we’d opt for its Thermonet neck covering. Priced at £21.95, it’s stretchy but features Primaloft yarn for extra warmth when you need it. 

Mittens or gloves

When the cold weather arrives you need to keep your hands warm. Whether it’s when you’re holding onto walking poles or even hanging onto a dog lead, making sure your extremities are kept toasty and warm is essential. 

Gloves are good, but we’d always opt for mittens. They allow better freedom of movement which, in turn, boosts blood circulation. Elmer’s deep pile mittens – priced at £89.95 – are some of the cosiest about and have that old-school look which ensures they’ll team up with any outfit. 

Base layers

Layering is one of the best ways to combat cold weather. It also means that you can be flexible depending on the temperatures; feeling a little warm? Take a layer off. Cold making itself known? Put one back on. 

Start with the base layers. Patagonia has a great range of base layers with one example being the smart-looking Capilene thermal weight zip-neck. It’s priced at £110. 

Mid-layers

You’ll want a good mid-layer as a key way of keeping the cold at bay. It’s one of the best clothes to wear in cold weather, in fact, and can be worn in a more casual setting too. There are plenty to choose from at all manner of price points as well. 

The Peak Performance Treeline fleece hood (£140) looks as cosy as mid-layers get and has loads of heat-boosting features like an integrated balaclava and even hand pockets. 

Trousers

It’s no time to keep the shorts on – no matter how brave you’re feeling – and a warm pair of trousers will be a key piece of armour in combatting the cold weather. 

You can check out our recent review of the Fjallraven Keb Agile winter trousers which are ideal for cold weather thanks to their brushed lining which makes things even comfier when it’s chilly. 

Insulation layer

If things are really cold then you’ll want an insulation layer too. This adds some extra warmth but usually without too much of an increase in weight. Plus, insulation layers can be ideal for when you need to nip outside but don’t want to wear your full outer jacket. 

The Nebulus insulated jacket from Finisterre is one such coat. You can get it both with or without a hood and there are even four colours to choose from. It’s priced at £210. 

Outer jacket

To finish things out clothing-wise there’s the all-important outer layer. This will help to deflect cold winds and, if it’s raining or snowing, will make sure that you stay dry. After all, getting wet is a surefire way to become cold quickly. 

If you want a classic-looking jacket with some very modern features, then the Skogsö padded jacket from Fjallraven is right on the money. Priced at £365, it’s got loads of handy pockets but, more importantly, has full synthetic that, according to the brand, will keep you warm even when it gets damp. 

Warm boots

You need to keep those feet warm and dry, too, which is where a pair of sturdy boots comes into play. It’s particularly the case if you’re heading out into the snow, which is where your feet can take a real beating. 

Danner’s weatherised collection is designed for just such conditions. The Crag Rat Evo is designed specifically for cold weather and, as a result, features a waterproof Gore-Tex liner and a Primaloft Aerogel toe cap to keep things even warmer. They’re priced at £370.