Cold-Weather Clothing for Comfort or Heat Conservation

In brief Analyses of core and peripheral temperatures in young men and women dressed in cold-weather clothing at various levels of cold indicate that the distribution of thermal insulation over the body can complement or confuse physiological heat conservation mechanisms. For short exposures, heavily insulating the hands and feet prevents cold discomfort. However, overinsulating the hands and feet for longer exposures may result in a decreased core temperature and shivering. More thermal insulation over the torso than the hands and feet complements physiological heat conservation mechanisms and maintains core temperature.