Staying warm on the job comes down to three things: layering right, matching your outerwear to how much you move, and covering your hands, head and feet. Here's how to put it together with Berne gear.
Start with layers
Layers let you add or shed warmth as the day changes. Think of it as three parts: a base layer next to your skin, a mid layer for warmth, and an outer layer to block wind and wet.
- Base layer: a long sleeve tee like the moisture-wicking Performance Long Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt or the Highland Heavyweight Long Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt.
- Mid layer: a lined hoodie or quarter-zip, like the Heritage Thermal-Lined Full-Zip Hooded Sweatshirt or the Heritage Grid Fleece-Lined Quarter-Zip Sweatshirt.
- Outer layer: an insulated jacket, coat, bib overall or coverall, rated for how you work.
Pick your warmth by how much you move
Every Berne insulated style has a Warmth Rating, so you can match your gear to how you work. The rule of thumb: the less you move, the warmer you'll want to go.
- Warm: Active work on cool days, or a layer for changing weather.
- Warmer: All-day outdoor work in cold weather.
- Warmest: Long stretches outdoors in freezing temperatures.
- Extreme Warmth: Low-activity work in the harshest cold, like standing or sitting still for hours.
Keep your legs warm too
Insulated bib overalls and coveralls cover your core and legs. Try the Heritage Insulated Duck Bib Overall or the Heritage Duck Insulated Coverall, both rated Warmest, or for women, the Women's Softstone Duck Insulated Bib Overall, rated Warmer. If you'd rather stick with jeans, the Heartland Fleece-Lined Denim Jean is rated Warmest.
For the harshest cold, the Icecap Collection pairs a waterproof, wind and abrasion resistant nylon shell with arctic-weight insulation. The Icecap Insulated Hooded Work Jacket, Icecap Insulated Bib Overall and Women's Icecap Insulated Parka are all rated Extreme Warmth.
Cover your hands, head and feet
- Heavy-Duty Insulated Work Glove: waterproof, breathable fabric and Thinsulate insulation.
- Heavy-Duty Quick Grip Glove: a thermal lining with a quick-grip palm.
- Knit Cuff Pom Beanie, or a snap-on insulated hood for compatible jackets.
- Wool-Blend Heavy-Duty Quarter Socks, 3-Pack: a cushioned sole and reinforced heel and toe.
Common questions
What should I wear to work outside in the cold?
Layer up: a base layer, a lined mid layer and an insulated outer layer. Then choose your outerwear's Warmth Rating by how active you'll be. The less you move, the warmer you'll want to go.
Should I get a bib overall or a coverall?
Bib overalls pair with any jacket, so you can swap your top layer as the day changes. Coveralls cover you top to bottom in one piece.
What if I'm standing or sitting still most of the day?
Go warmer. Extreme Warmth styles are made for low-activity work in the harshest cold.
Not sure what to pick?
Call customer care at 888-77-BERNE and we'll help you choose.
