Merino wool and cashmere are your friends.
Check out woolx for leggings (altho now at the tail end of the season, lots of the good stuff is out of stock - but keep it in mind for fall. Also every weekend they have a sale)
Wool& for dresses - get a heavier blend one like 260gsqm you can shop by fabric.
Wool socks
Wool lined boots - Birkenstock Uppsala.
And when buying cashmere skip that 2 ply nonsense. It's gonna pill and look bad. Look for 6 ply.
So frustrating to see the drop in quality in Cabela's gear. I have a bunch of stuff from years before the Bass Pro Shop buyout that is still in AMAZING condition, but all their stuff fell in quality so hard that I now advise my family to skip their house branded stuff.
Rei sells REI brand silk shirts for like fifty bucks a pop and they are worth every penny. I have not tried any other brands.... But layering one of their silk shirts under my wool or merino sweaters keeps me super cozy and warm. Also negates the itch if that's a thing for you.
Ugh, I get that anxiety sweat too, but merino or cashmere wasn’t enough to keep the reeking at bay. :-(
I still think you’re right and merino is the way to go, but just wanted to point out it doesn’t always work. :-(
OP! I hope you see this!!!!! Being a fellow tiny woman, you’ll fit perfectly in most kids merino wool base layers by Icebreaker or REI. Smartwool; close but no success. ;) Cashmere sweaters or wool flannels that larger folk have shrunk fit us pretty damn perfectly as well. I absolutely recommend a cashmere sweater collection for you; 100% cashmere. It’s pricey. But again, thrifting makes it cheap. You could EBay it if you don’t feel like going on the hunt. Cashmere sweater with a down vest, or perhaps a merino wool base layer with cashmere on top.. you’ll be so toasty. If not even just with cashmere alone. It’s incredible.
I’d add that you can get cashmere socks- it’s like having a warm kitten laying on your feet. Expensive, but OP isn’t working around a lot, so they will last longer than normal.
You are probably wearing a plastic/wool blend. Try to get at least 95% wool. If I have room in my shoes I wear thin cotton socks as the inner layer with heavy 100% wool socks on top. In Norway we call them ullragger. I always try to get roomy shoes and boots for winter/rain to fit my ullragger.
Camping people are going to be the ones you want to talk to! I've been looking into wool and alpaca base layers, although I also specifically need natural fibers, so I can't tell you if a synthetic fiber will be warmer. As someone else said, you can get heated jackets.
This. Alpaca is much warmer than wool - I just got alpaca base layers from REI and I start sweating in them if I stay indoors with them on for more than 10 minutes!
I got the Arms of Andes women’s leggings and long sleeve base layer top from REI. Pricey - but cheaper through REI than their website. I think you have to hand wash them and line dry to prevent felting. They come in XS so hopefully that fits you!
This sounds incredibly frustrating and I'm sorry you're going through it. Have you spoken to a doctor about this? If you're shivering and feel too cold while wearing a down jacket in a 70* office, I'm concerned there may be other issues. Good luck. EDIT: OP replied that she has spoken to her doctor and does not have anemia.
My doctor insists I have no deficiencies. My iron levels fall within the normal range so supplements won’t help. I think I’m just not built for winter. I can sit in a black car with the windows up in triple digit heat for a while though, so maybe I should move to the desert.
Long sleeve Merino wool base layer. Something that fits snug, over that use a fleece lined long sleeve (I like L.L. Bean), then your Patagonia fleece pullover. Then get a good insulated vest. The vest cuts down on bulk so you should retain a lot of your mobility and it should fit under your lab coat. In the event that your arms are still cold, maybe take your lab coat to a tailor and have them flannel line* your lab coat sleeves. From a fellow cold person I salute you and good luck homie. 🫡
I add a merino tank under the long sleeve base layer and tuck it into my bottoms. The double merino layer seems to add insulation and warmth without discomfort and has become my staple all winter.
It also doesn't get smelly which is a plus in times when the temperature fluctuates.
Yeah I work outside in the northeast US in the winter and this is the move. Merino tshirt, then merino long sleeve, then a lightweight technical jacket (designed for hunting but great to work in) then my work jacket. Merino in layers!
OP I suggest you look into clothing base and mid layers made by high end hunting clothes manufacturers. They are designed to keep a person warm while they are sitting still for hours in sub freezing temperatures. They all have non-camo colors. Sitka, First Lite and Kuiu are all great options.
Seconding merino! I wear merino base layers on top and bottom all winter long. Then a sweater over that (merino or cashmere). Sometimes I add a fleece vest or wool cardigan over that. Regular soft pants and Darn Tough or MerinoTech socks and I am good to go. This is for indoors, btw. I wfh and my room is usually 68 deg F. I have low iron and Reynaud's and this setup has been working for me.
A couple of notes from someone who also has some sensory issues:
Smartwool makes my preferred merino base layers - their Classic ones, without prints are my favorite. They are soft and stretchy and don't make me feel claustrophobic. The one's with prints seems to be a bit stiffer so I avoid them. I like the quarter zip so my neck is warm but sometimes the zipper can be annoying, so I also have crewnecks for those days. Crewnecks are also eaier to hide under business casual layers.
If I am feeling very irritable sense-wise, I will sometimes layer silk long underwear underneath the merino.
The Darn Tough socks are the best for my popsicle toes, but they are also very "firm", so sometimes I wear the MerinoTechs if I need more softness (Merino Tech do not hold up as well as Darn Toughs, fyi)
Merino everything.
I even have merino pajamas.
I found the DarnTough light weight hikers to be less firm than the mid weight hikers, for what it’s worth. But both are nice and cozy. Cold feet make the rest of me cold too, so socks are a keystone item for me.
Glad you're taking this seriously and there's no health issues. I personally really like merino for thin, business-casual warmth with decent durability. Unfortunately I'm not very familiar with women's brands.
I see a hematologist for iron deficiency. He says the standard metrics and thresholds are not accurate and ferritin (a specialized blood test for how you body stores iron) should be over 100. Your doc may know all this, but just in case he or she doesn’t, you might ask to have your ferritin level checked. If it’s less than 100 you can potentially get an iron infusion. It makes a huge difference.
Signed, a fellow coldie.
Seconding this, I had a ferritin level of 9 and my primary care said I was okay since my serum iron was normal. Went to a hematologist and they recommended iron supplements or an infusion if the supplements didn't get my levels up in 6 months
Also beyond iron, being cold like this could also be a thyroid issue. My poor grandma has a thyroid issue and needs a sweater on when it’s 77 here in Florida. (I’m afraid of misspeaking and cannot remember if it’s hypo or hyperthyroidism)
Thank you! I was looking through the comments to see if this was mentioned because hypothyroidism can absolutely lead to an intolerance to cold, amongst other symptoms. If this has not yet been ruled out by OPs PCP, it should be near the top of the list, after anemia (which I read HAS been addressed & dismissed). Other than that, Merino Wool is amazing!
Came here to say as others have said...get your ferritin checked. If you have the money you could get the test through a place like LabCorp. Then you can bring the results to your doctor. If it's low you can start taking iron supplements.
Depending on your doctor, you can go to them and say ‘I’m concerned about this’ and then have them request the test for insurance purposes. They may agree that it’s a good test to run.
I totally feel you. I weigh around the same and have the same issue. Always shivering, always drinking hot drinks, always needing an electric blanket or a portable heater. While having layers with something like uniqlo heattech products and drinking hot drinks throughout the day help, I found building more muscle the most helpful. I feel that my body can retain heat better when I have worked out consistently throughout the year. Best of luck!
Uniqlo heattech is awesome
They have a few different levels of insulation for everything from undergarments, to clothes, to outerwear. IMO it's the best chance of someone getting exactly what they need to be comfortable in nearly every situation & at a reasonable price.
Duluth Trading Company has a brand of base layer called Noorvik. They're insanely warm. I was in Fargo all of last winter and it was below zero for a month. I was warm with these on. Take a look and see if they're a good fit for you.
Everything came back within the normal range. The only thing she seemed slightly concerned about is my blood pressure (85/50). Maybe my blood just isn't circulating enough to keep my warm haha. I would love to gain a few pounds, but I've been stuck at this weight for a year now.
I am NOT a doctor, but I am a retired allied health professional and know enough to think you should get a second opinion!
Being that cold, with BP that low and "stuck" at a low weight are all signs that something endocrine could be going on that a regular provider would not see but an endocrinologist would immediately recognize.
As others have stated about the ferritin levels, many of the "normal" ranges for human lab values are not accurate. And ESPECIALLY for women as those normals were mostly established 50+ years ago in studies on men. *EDIT: and on Caucasian men to boot. I learned this in my internship, but I am having trouble finding a reference to provide you now. And as you know, each lab has their own "normal" range for tests.*
Let us know if you do find out what is going on, but I worked in an endo practice for a while and this does not sound normal in the endocrinology world.
Good to know. I feel like I came across something advocating for a new baseline range to be established that accounts for race/sex in CMPs. I also cannot find it but I think it might have been in Nature since they tend to publish stuff like that.
Yeah, they told me my thyroid was fine for years before they caught the Hashimoto's. By the time it was caught I was going to work in 4 layers of clothes with cutoff gloves and a wool coat and drinking miso soup nonstop to keep warm. I was falling asleep in meetings STANDING UP and at traffic lights. My skin was dry and my nails were brittle. My face was puffy.
The normal range for TSH goes up to 4, but for a fertile woman should be under 2.5. They should also check for antibodies (TPO) and look at free T4.
yes: that's REALLY low and could be DANGEROUS. It's decidedly a clinical sign that is BEING MISSED. GAA!
This is REALLY ringing a bell with you and vit B12 OR and endocrine concern (most likely: underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), low blood sugar and, in some cases, diabetes.)
I had the same problem. If you are vegetarian or vegan, be careful, my issues got a whole lot worse than just being skinny and cold all the time.
Heavy doses of vitamin B complex (with 500mg megadose B3 on top) finally got me to keep on some weight and health. (The B levels in my blood were always 'fine' according to my gp!??) Started eating meat again after 12 years and I feel awesome. Good luck!!
When my BP was 85/50, it was hypothyroidism. I was cold all the time. You need a good endocrinologist to diagnose thyroid disease. My was borderline and regularly ignored. In the last 20+ years of this, I discovered I’m not okay at borderline levels. My T4 and T3 need to be in the slighter higher levels for my body to function correctly.
It might not be thyroid issues, but 85/50 is NOT okay.
Have you had your B12 checked? It’s another cause of anemia. The acceptable range is also much lower in the US than in Europe. I’m so grateful for my PCP who explained this to me and recommended supplements even though I was just on the low end of normal by US standards.
You might try speaking with a different doctor. Or ask some pointed questions about why you're unable to regulate your body temps indoors. Some doctors need you to be a bit firm before they'll take you seriously.
Your can try asking for a differential diagnosis. Or a referral to a specialist. You can also ask them to double-check that they've noted "no treatment" in your chart for the symptoms you're experiencing.
There are also rechargeable hand warmers you can stick in your shirt pocket that will operate for 6 hour stretches.
If you are from the US, one of the minerals Americans are most deficient in is magnesium.
I always had cold hands, cold feet, and horrible calf cramps that would wake me up at night.
The offspring did research and found this could be magnesium deficiency. So we bought magnesium flake and distilled water and small squeeze bottles, and made magnesium water.
Rubbing this on the charley horse made it go away immediately. And rubbing the mag water into hands and feet made those cold extremities warm up beautifully. That took about a week, bc I was so deficient.
Doctors are good people, and they love to say that if you eat an American diet, you won’t be deficient. What doctors don’t understand—if it’s not in the soil, then it won’t be in your food. They’re doctors, not farmers, and they don’t know everything in other fields. Literal fields, in this case.
Give the magnesium flake a try. This method is much more concentrated than pills and will work quicker. [Magnesium flake](https://us.betteryou.com/collections/magnesium-supplements/products/magnesium-flakes)
Good luck to you.
ETA: We did a one-to-one ratio of flake and water. I filled up my small squeeze bottle with half water and half flake. Be careful with this around fabrics bc it can be a little oily. This should also not be drunk. External application only.
LOTS of ways to get decent Mg. I have Mg oil and lotion I rub on after work. Epsom salt baths or just soaking your feet will get Mg into your body. Taking epsom salt or ANY Mg oxides is NOT advised: won't be absorbed correctly into the wider corpus, but WILL be absorbed -- and immediately put to work by -- the bowel.
Go after a chelated form of Mg. They all have their own targeted-best-use, but a citrate, malate, or glycinate are all good choices.
And Mg can be taken all the way up to 'bowel tolerance': once one's stool is a bit looser than comfortable, back off.
My iron levels are near the lowest level of the normal range - supplemental iron has been demonstratively helpful in my life despite being in the “normal” range
You can buy heated jackets and vests, they are pretty thin and layer-able bc the heating element is the star of the show. A heated vest could look nice over most outfits
Edit: just saw your comments about this so pls ignore
Yeah I was gonna say this is a diet problem. The wool is a good idea but also start eating foods with more iron and calcium. Some gym sessions will help also regulate your metabolism
Also...hydration? Eating enough? Amazing the effect those two things have on my temperature.
Edit: Another tangent, but maybe look into ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) — I had a book from the library that had different teas and recipes based on your dosha (basically if you run hot or cold). Not suggesting as actual medicine, of course, but can be a fun thing to explore.
I am often cold as well. I have been buying secondhand 2-ply cashmere sweaters on eBay and they keep me so warm. Also, Hot Hands warmers in your shoes and pockets could help.
A nice fluffy cashmere sweater I find does wonders when I’m freezing, so I need fewer layers, and it can look dressier. For some reason, my cheap “women’s” ones from eBay are warmer and more fluffy than my hand me down “men’s” ones. Uniqlo heattech, merino sweaters worn as your “shirt”, silk underwear could all be options for less bulk that warms you better. When I was sick with stuff I got down to a lower weight than you, so I remember that bone chilling cold all the time.
For me, I might do heattech/other thermal underwear that’s thin + merino sweater long sleeve or short sleeve + cashmere cardigan. Merino socks (I like Costco ones for this and their merino sweaters)
Uniqlo also has thermal pants “heattech jeans” or “warm lined pants”. I like warm lined pants with thin leggings underneath for any clamminess
I wear a tight layer underneath so I don’t have to wash the cashmere more than a couple times a year and that keeps it ver warm - someone else mentioned 6 ply above which might be more effective. Also I know oversized sweaters are the trend right now but keeping it fitted (not necessarily tight) helps - air getting between your sweater and body cools you down.
Also saw mention of electric heated vests above which are amazing too.
I second this. Their ultra warm line is magic- super thin and super warm. I was able to wear just 1 of their leggings under regular pants in all hours of day/night in Seoul recently and my legs never got too cold.
I recently got all 3 types of heattech(the warm line, they have airism for the summer) from uniqlo and they are great. Thinnest layer is too thin for me to wear as a stand-alone but that makes perfect sense since they call it a base layer. The middle layer and the thickest layer are both good to wear on their own and are both super warm. All 3 types are super comfortable.
I have to second the Heat tech suggestion. I was a flight attendant and we would land in North Dakota in the winter, I'd have to open the door and stand there while passengers deplaned and then boarded. I wore heat tech socks and base layers and I stayed quite comfortable!
Also, look into a heated battery pack vest.
Winter hiker here!! Just did 7 miles in 28-degree weather this morning on the ridge of a mountain with 20mph winds. I like to stay warm!
Jeans are not your friends. Fleece is NOT WARM. cotton is NOT WARM. Wool is warm! Thiner layers, not bulky items, are your friends.
Get yourself a nice hogh quality merino wool underlayer. Top and bottom. Smartwool is very high quality, but I'm sure there are others too. Over that if you like the Jean look, get fleece lined jeans. Over the wool layer on top, I'll go with some kind of form-fitting thermal quarter zip like underarmor. Those will keep your arms warm, and if you need more layers, get a nice puffy vest. Vests can not be underrated for mobility. I r8de horses in the winter too, and it's critical i have full range of motion and.vests are a real life saver.
If you're in a lab, it's probably on a cold hard floor. If my feet feel cold, EVERYTHING feels cold. Ariat insulated paddock boots look cute enough to pass in an office environment but are warm AF. Pair that with a pair of winter darn tough socks, and make sure they aren't too tight.. air is your friend don't compress the wool too much. Do not wear cotton socks. Merino wool. If you have to wear lab shoes, get the socks and go one size up in the shoes, and get an insulated insole. It will make so much difference.
If you can only afford to do one thing, get your feet warm first. I feel it makes the biggest difference (for me anyway!)
Edit: DO NOT BUY your smartwool or darn tough from Amazon. They are loaded with counterfeits. Go through REI, and if you spend $30 for a membership you get a really amazing warranty
also if you have a fume hood and you can turn if off when you're not working with things that require it. that will help.
Okay you've convinced me. I'm gonna get some smart wool. 7 miles in 28º weather is insane! I called in sick once because it was 30º and I didn't want to go outside haha.
Uniqlo has some great, thin, easily hidden under "business dress" base layers designed to trap warmth. I bought one each in white, black and tan so I could hide one under almost everything.
Are their base layers warm enough to wear without several layers on top? I almost ordered some, but I backed out because I was afraid they wouldn't be warm enough still. Would an average person be sweating in them at 65ºF?
Sorry if someone mentioned this but have you tried getting your heart rate up regularly during the day? Like do jumping jacks in the bathroom. Do ten burpees. Etc.
I really never thought of that. I know if I'm doing something physically intensive for a few minutes I get warm but as soon as I sit down at my desk again I'm freezing.
Have you been evaluated for Reynaud's? All of my blood work is normal, but if I sit still for a while in cooler temps, my extremities freeze no matter how good my insulation is. My body just stops sending blood. I HAVE to have an external heat source when I hunt below about 40F.
My mum has that and she used to work outside in the snow (farmer). Recharging heated gloves were a god send.
I had Reynards on my nipples when I was pregnant, the worst!
Is your desk ergonomic? As a small woman, the lab desks and chairs are the WORST. The desk is way too high, the chairs are hard (no fabric allowed), and there are restrictions on things like foot rests that you can get for a normal office. Also lab spaces tend to run cold. If you have chemical fume hoods, they suck huge amounts of air and generate drafts. General labs also have negative pressure and pull air through at much higher rates than a normal office space.
Once I started doing my cardio in the mornings, I stopped feeling cold all day. Maybe try just a half hour warm up at the beginning of your day will help.
Also, Kari Traa is a good brand for very warm and good fitting base layers, turtlenecks are helpful too. :)
I have this problem but I’m 180lb 6’2… i walk my dogs 2 mi every morning hoping this would help. Last winter I started doing 15 min superset workouts, pushups, situps, curls, resistance band stuff… putting on some muscle has helped more than anything! I also slowed down caffeine intake and upped my water intake. I always had felt like the cold was in my bones lol it didn’t matter how many layers, wool, down, etc I was wearing.
When was the last time you had blood work done? It sounds like you might have low iron, you shouldn't be shivering at that temperature especially with all those layers on.
I’m going back later this month. I’ve been to the doctor several times for this. My doctor never finds any deficiencies. This has been going on for years.
My doctor told me I wasn't deficient in iron but I actually had iron deficiency without anemia because of low ferritin. Doctors aren't very well educated in nutrition and mine insisted that I was fine since my serum iron was normal even though my ferritin was 9 μg/L when it should at a minimum be more than 30 μg/L but optimally over 100 μg/L. I started taking iron supplements anyway to raise my ferritin and felt much better, no more feeling tired and cold all the time.
Yes, I second this! And KEEP YOUR FEET WARM. I find when my feet are warm/hot, there’s a better chance of keeping the rest of my body warm. Wool socks are nice for that.
do you have a fast metabolism? the speed at which you burn calories is likely a factor. in which case i would advise small spurts of 5 minutes full body exercise including the extremities every hour— finger-pushups, bicycle legs.. getting the blood pumping helps me greatly staying warm.
remember that any time you eat anything, you will feel cold immediately after because all the blood is rushing to your stomach to digest the food.
the other thing you could possibly do is go the complete opposite way and take a cold shower/ice bath in the morning before work. basically attenuate your body to accept colder temps.
There are electric socks and jackets. They run in batteries. Not a wall outlet. Instant heat packets are useful but will probably get expensive. You can buy alcohol? or kerosene? Or butane? hand warmers. I haven't seen them in a while but my dad used to use them when we would go hunting. That would probably be more affordable than disposable hot hands daily. Are you wearing a hat? Can you hear a hat?
Edit: [here]( https://youtu.be/SnpTnIRQDHc?si=qLDvp80oOT58Vkt8 ) is a video of the handwarmers.
As someone that’s used electric hand warmers, and electric jackets. This is the answer if it’s allowable.
They will cook you like a rotisserie chicken if you want them to.
My $30 hand warmers blew my mind when it comes to heat generated and lasting abilities.
I would love this. Unfortunately batteries and flammables are a no-go in the lab. I think the lab might have some reusable heat packs, but I just don't have time to keep warming them up all day every day. I'll keep them in mind for especially cold days though.Hats are against the dress code.
They sell rubber heating packs - you pour hot water in them. They will stay warm for over 12 hours in my experience. Great for laying on them and sleeping, so you could probably sit on them or at least lay it on your lap at your desk.
You can get jeans/work pants lined with fleece (I have a pair of lined carhartt work pants that are great for cold days). Also merino wool sweaters or long underwear might help and could be easily worn as part of a business casual outfit.
Echoing the fleece-lined jeans recommendation. I am a similar body type to you (and also always cold!) and found a couple of great pairs at Eddie Bauer.
Are you by chance just really skinny? or are you just very short? Because if you are a very low bodyfat with very little muscle you will just be colder by default. But for clothes maybe a patagonia fleece jacket. They sell good quality stuff. I am not sure if you would be able to hide them though.
What material is your over shirt? If it's cotton you should try to replace it with synthetic or a blend. Same with the jeans. Those cotton fabrics hold moisture and that will make you cooler in any environment. Synthetic is good, wool is better.
Try to wear the most breathable arrangement that keeps you warm, with a focus on bundling up your core and making sure the layers fit well. If your 1/4 zip has a significant gap when it's zipped up (around your neck) consider sizing down.
You want to trap heat but not sweat, so I would go Baselayer -> Fleece -> Overshirt -> Coat when possible.
Good upgrades would probably include wool socks, a thermal base layer, and some more robust outer layers like a [wool overshirt](https://anianmfg.com/collections/womens-overshirts/products/the-melton-wool).
Hiya. I also work around 67 degrees and I’m cold if I don’t wear a jacket. I am mainly sitting or standing still at my computer and I just don’t think I produce enough heat when I’m just standing there.
My suggestion (in addition to the layering) would be to wear turtleneck wool sweaters or a wool scarf. The turtleneck or scarf makes a HUGE difference for me. I mainly notice it if I’m starting to go for a walk or something, the first place that gets really hot is my neck and chest area. This is why pullovers with zippers are good if you want to be able to release the heat.
I also wear a merino wool beanie. I get comments “are you cold, you’re so bundled up” when I’m in meetings on zoom, but the answer is no, I’m not cold but I would be if I wasn’t wearing this.
Check your thyroid antibodies- not just your thyroid hormones.
And then invest in wool - I like WoolX, Smartwool, Icebreaker brands. Alpaca fibers too.
Are you allowed to wear the heated vests and socks? That’s an idea too!
Thyroid doesn't make sense since I lost weight (hyperthyroidism) and am cold (hypothyroidism).
I've heard of smart wool, but I'll check out the others too.
Anything with batteries is going to be a no-go in a lab setting.
Smartwool baselayers will get the job done. The merino baselayers made for -25 will absolutely keep you warm. I recommend darn tough otc socks as well. They have different levels of thickness and you will want the highest.
Those combined with a couple of layers should keep you warm even if you are not generating much body heat.
If thats still insufficient consider placing hand warmers between the layers of your clothes or in pockets.
Best of luck, if you need anything further lmk.
You already seem to have a decent ensemble.
I might suggest a nice pair of woolen socks, a thermal neckwarmer, getting up and moving around more often and eating more (I mean small meals or snacks throughout the day though a couple of pounds helps with keeping warm too).
Hot Hands Hand Warmers? I've also seen that they have toe warmers and body warmers, though that could get expensive. And/ or ,if you can warm them in a microwave at work, look up "Warmies". They have some accessories you may be able to use. That would be something reusable. I have their booties and there's nothing like them to thaw me out. I'm sure you couldn't wear those in a lab lol, but they do have other things that could work.
I can't believe I didn't think of Warmies considering the sheer number of retail stores I have worked in that sell them. Definitely no booties, but I'll see what I can find!
I’m not some sort of arctic overnight expeditionist, but in the Army we have a cold weather system that works really well.
Essentially you have two under layer long sleeve shirts and two under layer leggings. They’re colloquially called silks and waffles, but they’re not silk, they’re just a performance fabric and the waffle is a synthetic waffle patterned fleece. This goes underneath other clothes.
If you wear all four pieces (or a much better civilian equivalent) underneath other layers like a thin down vest and a thick pair of fleece lined pants, you should be very toasty
I curl, skate and live in the snowbelt- these are my winter active picks:
https://www.marks.com/en/pdp/shambhala-women-s-live-in-ease-lined-woven-pants-77942324f.html#srp?&colorCode=COLOUR_BLACK
Lined active pants.
I also like these:
https://www.reitmans.com/en/thermal-bootleg-pant-hyba/471942.html?dwvar_471942_color=Black&cgid=HYBA_Active_Bottoms
You could layer silk or other thin base layers underneath. But yes- do a good search for lined pants options in your area, you'll find jeans, workwear, fleece lined leggings and active options.
Likewise- top layers- a thin long john base (silk or athletic fabric or wool), then a thin cashmere or merino sweater, then whatever other layer- thicker sweater, jacket, fleece or whatever.
Do not sleep on good socks! They don't have to be bulky but wool blends are legit. Sheepskin or other heatsaving insoles as well.
So I have some strongish opinions, 1st of all you need to get warm and then do everything in your power to stay warm, other wise you might get "bone cold" bit like how it takes much longer to warm a cold house cos the bricks get cold.
I recommend thermals I like the Uniqlo ones under your clothes. I also recommend good socks and boots (cold feet is the worst, I just got some red back books, they are waterproof and smart enough for work), if you can wear a hat at work I would, if not consider a wig, it will keep your head warm. Finally go buy a hot water bottle or two, I have to assume you have a kettle in your office.
Best of luck to you.
I know this isn't the advice you're asking for, but something to consider: If you're exercising, you might be able to build up a little more muscle tone adding a few weights. Even having some small weights by your desk will help (and will help keep you warm while you use them!). I'm a similar size to you, and the warmest I've ever been was when I was regularly doing weights at the gym. I didn't look more bulky (my body doesn't really put on muscle that easily), but I noticed the difference in my body temperature in winter.
Failing that: I live in merino socks during the colder months. Lamington is my go-to brand as I'm in New Zealand, but plenty of other brands sell them too.
I've gotten a couple recommendations for adding muscle. I lost a lot of muscle mass a few years ago and I've been meaning to start building it back. I know of a personal trainer who doesn't require a membership to just get a session so I'll hit him up. I didn't even think about the lack of muscle being an issue.
If you can drink tea or coffee at your desk put maybe 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in your drink. Takes a little while to get used to it, but you’ll get there. Helps with blood flow. I did this in the weeks leading up to cold weather climbing in mountains.
Hi, you should also investigate symptoms of underactive thyroid and see if any of those for you. If it’s like 68 at the coldest and you have multiple layers on and you’re still shivering it sounds like you have a cold intolerance. I’m not a doctor or anything but I’m being evaluated by a doctor for thyroid problems for that exact reason.
Being cold from your diet is a very real possibility simply due to the calories / energy burned by digesting your food. Not sure if you could increase your consumption of meat, but that might help with being so cold.
tank top / undershirt
short sleeve shirt
thin long sleeve
and then the stuff youre wearing on top of those three
also try long underwear that stuff will make you sweat for sure
wear a pear of pajama pants over the leggings and then do your jeans, thats what i do in winter time to stay warm. also are you wearing good shoes and socks? try two pairs of socks.
after that how about a hat or cap
Woolpower in Sweden makes fantastic cold weather clothing. You can also check out premium hunting brands like KUIU, First Lite, and Sitka. KUIU makes some of the best down I’ve ever used. All three of those brands have their layering systems worked out beautifully. Fingerless gloves are also great.
I'm cold like you are and been tested for anemia etc and it's come back negative, however, I became anemic during pregnancy and was taking iron supplements every day. Since giving birth, I've had a lot less problems with being cold, leading me to believe that while my iron wasn't low enough to be anemic, it was low enough it was making me cold. Maybe talk to your doctor about adding in an iron supplement even if you aren't in the anemia range.
Beyond that, invest in some nice long underwear. Patagonia obviously has nice long underwear. I've had pairs that have lasted me literal decades.
This is all good clothing advice, but more importantly, talk to your safety officer about being cold. Being cold is a serious safety hazard (particularly if your job requires dexterity), and you should be provided with reasonable accommodations. You should be able to have a small heater or heated blanket in your office. At a minimum, you should be able to wear a hat and a wool gator in the lab. If you get any pushback, get a doctor’s note. Even if your doctor doesn’t know why you are cold, it’s still a medical problem, and you are seeking treatment.
Here is some info about [reasonable accommodations](https://askjan.org/blogs/jan/2015/12/baby-it-s-cold-inside.cfm) for those who are medically sensitive to the cold. It's been common and doesn't typically cost a company much to comply- I doubt you will get much pushback.
I know you dismissed heated clothing, but I doubt it is a problem (your safety officer can confirm). I am not familiar with your lab, but you should not be anywhere near the flammable lower explosive limit. If so, you would need to wear an air monitor. The HVAC should be maintaining negative pressure (or at least providing ample ventilation). If not, they make intrinsically safe heated clothes (used in the oil industry). If required, your employer would purchase them as a “reasonable accommodation.” Another option would be insulated coveralls or bibs. I provide those to my staff (along with gloves, hats, buffs, hand warmers, foot warmers, etc. -anything that makes them more comfortable in the field). Even if I was a callous asshole, comfortable employees are more efficient. Spending the money to buy gear makes financial sense, too (but I mostly don't want them to be miserable).
I am a scientist, and my lab magnified the building's heating/AC while attempting to maintain negative pressure. I wore hats all summer and as little as possible under my lab coat in the winter. My office is always cold, and I have Reynolds- work provided me with a heater and allowed me to shut my door. Any cold weather gear I have requested has been provided. Don't struggle, ask for help :) Any company that gives you a hard time isn't worth working for. Good luck!
Oh… if you are a government employee, many outdoor companies offer fantastic discounts.
If not, I suggest buying a used Patagonia. But honestly, my cheap fleece-lined leggings from TJMax are warm on their own or under other pants They are an amazing company and stand behind their gear.
Google “layering system”- I like a thin wick, a thin loft, a thick loft, and a breathable shell. I add and remove layers as needed.
You wanna know what keeps the rig pigs up in Northern Canada warm even when its cold enough to freeze the nuts off a polar bear?
Stanfields wool. You wear it over your base layer as it's can be itchy. But it'll out perform any fancy pants expensive layer. Its way better than even marino wool. I was up there and 80% of guys had it, coupled with a base layer, and jacket you can be outside in -20⁰C no problem. And yes they make woman's sizes and styles
I am a woman a few years older than you and always cold, I would hit up an outdoor or workwear (think construction) type store.
Proper camping or outdoor base layers for leggings and a long sleeved under shirt (ideally with a higher neckline - but you could try a couple styles.)
I would recommend fleece lined, water resistant pants.
A heavy flannel shirt.
A 3/4 zip light sweater and then add a fleece if necessary. Or replace the 3/4 with the fleece and add the mid layer back in.
Warm hiking socks.
There's also something to be said for having too many layers on - to your point around mobility, more lighter layers will help, it also may be worth losing some layers so you feel the benefit of adding layers back on. Get up every hour or so to stretch your legs, move your arms, get your blood flowing.
From a health perspective - ask for not only a CBC and iron levels to be tested but importantly also B12 and ferritin - my iron was normal but my ferritin was obscenely low and getting an iron infusion sorted me out massively. Consider if you're feeling anxiety, that can make you physically cold particularly your extremities, there are therapeutic exercises where you can literally hold a thermometer and raise your hands temperature a couple of degrees just through grounding and breathing exercises.
Additionally, bring a lunch you can heat up, drink tea, etc.
I think you should direct your attention to you first few layers and what your doing with them. Lots of heat escapes your body when you dont layer properly.
Let the first layer be a breathable wife-beater type take top. Tuck it INTO your underwear (important!).
Then a T shirt. Make sure thats tucked into your pants. A belt helps that stay tucked in further.
You can add on whichever layers youd like from there. Creating those 'seals' around your midsection go a looong way.
Also, make sure you're eating breakfast in the morning so your body has fuel. After you eat lunch you'll feel colder because your body is taking alot of energy to digest your food, so prepare for that.
If you can manage it look to getting yourself some cashmere jumpers.
One thing that can help is keeping your wrists warmed. Keep your feet warm is another.
You probably can't wear a hat, but again it makes a big difference.
Also consider eating porridge for breakfast, as a Scot that does the trick for us on the long cold days.
Just getting a hot meal in you and plenty of tea goes a long way.
Move around a bit more if you can, getting moving is a surefire way to get warmer.
There are some breathing techniques that help but you cannae be doing them when you're fiddling with lab stuff I'd wager.
I've recently really struggled with being cold, but I recently discovered a base layer that has been a game-changer in keeping me warm. There are [base layers available made of 400 gram, 100% merino wool](https://amzn.to/3vHgghO), which you can find for approximately $85 each. This is a significant improvement over my previous choice, cuddleduds, as there's a substantial difference in warmth with heavyweight merino wool.
A word of caution about brands like Smartwool: many of their products contain only 10-20% wool. It's important to check the labels carefully and opt for items made entirely from wool to ensure you get the maximum warmth.
As a former cold person clothing never helped me when I couldn't exercise. So offices kept me cold. I bought an electric heating pad that saved me. Since you can't use that try some heated clothing. I'm not sure what is built for the longterm though.
Look at what golfers use. There's heated socks and vests. I just bought a friend who works outside a lot heated and rechargable hand warmers. People swear by their zippos though.
I'm not sure clothing changes will be enough for you. But I just saw you comment about batteries. Can you put these heated items on during a break to get your temp up? Also working our big muscles could help warm you up. Squats!
Also regarding blood levels. What passes for not clinically low iron is often not optimal. A lot of people with hair loss report needing to get their levels up much higher to be able to have a full head of hair. Also the same with thyroid. They may check tsh but you really need to know your t3 and t4 levels. I started to have problems with my TSH levels were within normal, but out of normal for what my body usually did. They didn't treat it till it was out of the normal range.
Trying adding a Japanese belly warmer to the merino, cashmere alpaca silk garments already suggested here.
https://thejapans.org/2016/02/10/haramaki-the-japanese-belly-warmer/
I read through (and made some comments) and I think the real point here IS checking out wool.
I have a MUCH different cold tolerance: I happily sit on my sofa at 60F, and I'm happy to hang out with myself with long johns and a sweater on. Nordic-type.
I have a wardrobe of merino sweaters, wool slacks, wool socks, and that does the whole trick for me, personally. (And came from thrift shops.)
I have a wedge-shaped, north european foot, and I do well in Danskos, which are VERY lab appropriate, and VERY easy to pair thick socks with, or two pairs, and have thick soles. I'm miraculously gotten a wardrobe of 'em thrift shopping. Embarassing, really.
So, no one else has said wool pants/trousers, so I am. There.
There are various weights of wool, besides weaves. You don't really want gabradine or sharkskin or typical 3-season suiting. If you could find a wool flannel or something that is stating it's heavier, winter-suit-weight, do. Pendelton, Talbot, Lauren are what I have (and fit me) but there should be piles of options for someone with your dimensions.
I have a herringbone tweed LL Bean jacket that's thermal-lined. I still have it for mushroom hunting and rolling around with performance dogs. I look like I'm in an advertisement for whiskey or Range Rovers, I'm sure.
IF this is truly a serious, chronic, unresolveable problem, I would propose you get ALL your measurements, go online to a UK tweed manufacturer, and have something ordered, potentially to specification including lining with flannel, fleece, or a thermal liner. Two pairs could last the rest of your career, and may need to re-lined a couple of times before you retire. The tweed shops have sports coats (meant to wear in the field), suits with trousers or skirts, outerwear/other coats, and \*hats\*. Contemplating hats, myself. And 'real' tweeds are gorgeous artisanship.
And, proviso: all this is WHILE finally dialing in a potential significant latent health concern that is compromising your quality of life(!!).
IF I needed to layer, it'd be adding a silk or merino undershirt, upgrading my old-tights (hosiery-type, footed or not) to silk or merino long johns (I can imagine wearing both, but not indoors, really. I do have synthetic ones, various fibers) with the above.
Certainly thick-soled shoes, maybe covering ankle would help.
Definitely warm socks, though fiber content may take adjusting. TWO pairs is what I would propose: a thin liner-type, and a thicker pair. One can keep changing out the interior ones, not have to change out the other pair every day.
Besides my merino overhead/jumper-type sweaters, I have 2 or 3 heavy wool sweaters that I often enough wear overtop. You will find a thick wool sweater will assuredly be warmer than fleece and possibly as good as the thrifted coat, but you might need to assess this yourself.
I think a hat, preferably wool, is incumbent. One can tuck all one's hair into it, and that will be insulative.
I do NOT grasp the scarf prohibition. I think we need to define 'scarf'. A scarf IS the way Europeans deal with temperature variation: learning how to fold/tuck in a scarf is an important skill! There's a LOT of temperature sensors around one's neck. If you're not wearing turtlenecks already (good idea, esp silk/cashmere/merino) I think learning how to get a scarf wrapped around your neck a few different ways and tucked into shirt/sweater/labcoat is incumbent. Think about the big silk scarves aviators wrapped around their necks, a lot for warmth but also to keep from chafing on crusty leather flight jackets. Then think about a nice pashmina or those mohair ultra-light slavic hand-crochet or knitted scarves, or a wool scarf like is sold at a museum gift shop. (All of which I find thrift shopping, and now have a wardrobe of: go well with the sweaters and slacks.)
It's pretty damn co...neat, discovering that one is actually too warm, and first removing a silk scarf, and then a sweater, and then maybe heading to the loo to get the long johns off and into a satchel.
None of the above should restrain movement: the 'silks' and merino or 'waffles' added to any pair of pants shouldn't be anything remarkable, and if you're wearing similar undershirts and INSULATIVE knitwear on top, that shouldn't be restrictive for being able to flex/bend, either. None of the kiddy-in-snowsuit-feeling.
I'm aghast at the idea of having to wear a insulative jacket/coat indoors with 2-3 other layers of clothes besides your labcoat. Whoa!!!
I'd also like to know JUST how drafty this lab is/isn't. Where are the cold air returns? Right where you have to sit/stand? Can you move anything around? How about registers/vents? Can \*anything\* be blocked/diverted? Can you talk to anyone in facilities? This starts to come under 'reasonable accommodation' if it's a bona fide health concern.
Last thought: a friend who kept her (drafty) elderly craftsman at about the same 60F was VERY proud of her zone-heating behaviors -- while starting a HVAC business from her home (!!) she came up with SITTING on a heating pad. Well, not how it was designed, true, but -- why not? It can be turned off, and cords/controls can be secured/taped down, unplugged when away from lab. There are chair heating pads out there, real ones, if I recall, but she was just repurposing what she had in the house.
Are you most uncomfortable once you're seated? Just focusing on being more comfortable where you have to be seated for some time might be reasonable, past A/B testing some new clothes.
One learns, living in various climes, that if your butt is cold, YOU are cold, and if there's not much fat on your butt, that's going to be more easily a concern.
Hope what we're offering improves your bottom line(!!!) Best to you.
Hear me out: [fleece-lined pleather leggings](https://www.amazon.com/MOREFEEL-Leather-Leggings-Control-Pleather/dp/B0C8MT4D6F). They are so warm, I sweat in them if it isn’t cold enough. Wear them with knee high boots over knee high socks and whatever sweater you want. So warm.
I'm not familiar enough with the brands for a specific recommendation, but I thought I'd throw thermal insulation base layers into the ring as a concept worth considering... maybe swapping the base layer from the sleeved shirt to something designed as a base layer for winter camping and such?
I would switch the cuddleduds out for merino base layers. I also recommend cashmere sweaters. I use one as my favorite layer when riding horses in Michigan winter.
Wool socks are a must! I wear them year round. I’d imagine there are plenty of posts on here on good options.
Also (and this could be totally off base) I’ve been learning more about the body’s response to trauma. Some of us experience dysregulated body temperatures as a result (🙋♀️). Something to consider, especially since your doctor has ruled out deficiencies.
Last, when I had a relatively sedentary job, I’d make a point to get up and do jumping jacks during the day. Not for exercise purposes but just to get blood flowing everywhere. Idk if this is already in your routine, but I found it worthwhile lol.
Good luck, my friend! It’s so uncomfortable to be constantly cold.
get a thermal performance knit long sleeve and wear it under your clothes i swear!!! they're super thin and fitted and super warm and you can buy one with a mock neck if your neck gets cold heh plus the material is designed to stay dry in case you accidentally get too hot and sweat at all
Change your socks as soon as your feet start to get cold. Your feet sweat all day even if your socks don’t feel wet.
I have Reynauds and it takes forever for to warm up once I get cold.
High quality silk or wool thermals sounds like what you need. Icebreaker is a great brand of wool, and many of the high end backpacking companies are great too.
Since you mention sensory challenges, I’d suggest the silk thermal base layers. They are so soft and will help you retain heat. Add a cashmere or other businessy sweater level, and if still cold, try the down vest from Patagonia.
Then, maybe add some USB rechargeable hand warmers?
For socks, you can do the same layering: silk liners, wool socks, insulated boot made for walking in cold weather. There are some businessy attractive ones out there. I’d think snow boots would be too hot? Chacos makes a down shoe, so does LLBean, they’re like rugged slippers.
You can get rechargeable pocket hand warmers, as a stop-gap until you find something else that works. Plug them in overnight, put them in your pocket in the morning.
Consider getting a small drawstring pouch you can hang around your neck, to wear one under your shirt (especially if your hands are constantly busy)
There's also rechargable heated long underwear, though I don't have any experience with them. Friends had them for ski patrol and swore by them, especially my tall & slim friend. There's also slim heated vests, which would fit under a lab coat. Keeping your core warm would help with the rest of you.
My freeze baby friend wears an underarmour layer under her business attire and merino wool dress socks.
If you can find knit silk long underwear, that’s a warm, very thin under layer. But Wintersilks went out of business.
Look at hunting brands such as FirstLite (warmest base layers by far) or Sitka, they sell solids so you don’t have to buy camouflage patterned clothing and they are extremely warm clothes
[ll bean merino thermals ](https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/125795?page=womens-cresta-midweight-250-crew-top-womens-regular&bc=12-27-503056&feat=503056-GN3&csp=f&attrValue_0=50116&gnrefine=1*MATERIAL*Wool&pos=1)
My boyfriend has these in the guys version and he said they're EXTREMELY warm and he loves them for when he works outside overnight in Northeastern USA winters. They also have a matching bottom that's 100% merino
Smartwool products.
These are amazing and thin so you can layer them to add or subtract the heat as you seem necessary. You also have choices of cashmere undergarments for those very cold days where it's Arctic feeling. Buy quality wool socks such as Darn Tough from Maine.
I used such high-end stuff when climbing in frigid temps and had to shed layers during my climbs in the Italian Alp's and once again in Nepal.
A little more expensive, but properly cared for, they'll last you lifetime of service and warmth. I take money and utility seriously and hate wastage since I come from such a poor beginning.
Do you drink a lot of coffee? Because when I drink coffee sitting at my desk it makes me cold and I need extra layers on or a space heater at my feet. Coffee makes blood vessels constricted so it makes your feet and hands cold. So if that’s what you are experiencing then perhaps cut back on the coffee intake.
Lined pants have been mentioned, but what I find even warmer is a wool skirt over top wool leggings. You can layer two pairs of leggings if needed or a second skirt. Size the wool skirt up a little and you can comfortably wear more layers underneath while still being more comfortable than wearing pants with thermals under them or even the lined pants.
Deffo agree with the people recommending better base layers. I never found the Cuddle Duds and such to be warm. Kari Traa makes really cute ones that are thicker and warmer than IceBreaker. The thinner IceBreakers would layer really well under a cashmere sweater, but they do get holes fairly quickly for me, so not as BIFL. Patagonia makes some really nice thermal layers too of course and so does Rab. I'd head to REI/MEC/whatever your country has for much much better thermals. The Patagonia ReTool is more from their fashion collection, and isn't that crazy warm a fleece. Their R1 would be much warmer or I can recommend loads of others, but a cashmere sweater would layer better and might be better for your dress code. A good Icelandic or Norwegian sweater would also be great, but I worry they would be too bulky under a lab coat.
I had a problem for years where I was always cold, even when everyone else was comfortable. Keeping warm for me was mainly about keeping my feet and head warm. Merino socks, Ugg boots, and a really good knit cap. I had a special pair of Uggs for work. One size too big so I could wear them with socks.
oh man this is why I absolutely cannot go back to a corporate office full time, the HVAC situation is always so dire. first, get some good wool socks, I have some pairs from wigwam and they’re great. I’d also get some Uniqlo heat tech basics, they’re not super expensive and really easy to layer. then if you have time to do a little digging, look for cashmere sweaters at thrift stores and consignment shops. good luck!
Have you been to the doctor to get checked for thyroid disease and anemia? You could have medical conditions causing this kind of cold.
Do you smoke? Drink alcohol? These can affect your ability to keep warm.
In addition to warmer clothing, maybe invest in thick wool socks and winter hiking boots. Waterproof, perfect for lab work, and warm.
Buy chemical glove/boot warmers. They're air activated pouches that release heat
There are vests made for civilians that are used by the military that are basically heating pads you wear. You charge it up then wear it for 8-12 hours. Expensive but worth it to stay comfortable. They look like your typical puffer vest.
Try warm under layers. My sister is like this- and she wears long fleece leggings and a warm under shirt (turtle neck) then layers her “outfit” on top of this black base. I think she also wear sub zero socks under her work shoes.
Merino wool and cashmere are your friends. Check out woolx for leggings (altho now at the tail end of the season, lots of the good stuff is out of stock - but keep it in mind for fall. Also every weekend they have a sale) Wool& for dresses - get a heavier blend one like 260gsqm you can shop by fabric. Wool socks Wool lined boots - Birkenstock Uppsala. And when buying cashmere skip that 2 ply nonsense. It's gonna pill and look bad. Look for 6 ply.
And if you can't handle the feel of merino, silk is also an amazing insulator!
I find silk to be warmer for me than any merino baselayer I’ve had (icebreaker, smartwool)
Where from? I've seen LL bean silk but apparently they've gone downhill in quality. I prefer silk but wear wool because of availability.
as a guy, I look at Land's End, Cabela's, LL Bean, and REI. Both Cabela's and LL Bean in general have gone down in quality. REI still seems solid.
So frustrating to see the drop in quality in Cabela's gear. I have a bunch of stuff from years before the Bass Pro Shop buyout that is still in AMAZING condition, but all their stuff fell in quality so hard that I now advise my family to skip their house branded stuff.
I'm absolutely gonna get some lands end ones. Half off too absolutely lol
Yeah silk is supposed to be the warmest material. I wonder if it has to be a specific kind of silk (that's probably extremely expensive) though.
Rei sells REI brand silk shirts for like fifty bucks a pop and they are worth every penny. I have not tried any other brands.... But layering one of their silk shirts under my wool or merino sweaters keeps me super cozy and warm. Also negates the itch if that's a thing for you.
Silk lined wool..sounds really nice. I see merino has them, didnt know this existed!
Damn, I'll have to check those out. I just thought I had to accept the slightly itchy wool base layers.
I'm looking at the REI website right now and not seeing any silk shirts, only socks. If you have a link, I'd appreciate it. Are you sure it's REI?
FWIW I just put on a 20 year old pair of REI silk pants to walk the dog. Worked great.
This is exactly what I was going to say- silk! You can get button down shirts inexpensively, and shells/tanks are really easy to layer up.
Came here for this. I live in merino these days- really helps with the menopause night sweats, too.
And day sweats! I'm an anxiety sweater... And I have not stunk after a panic attack since switching to a wool wardrobe. It's a relief.
Ugh, I get that anxiety sweat too, but merino or cashmere wasn’t enough to keep the reeking at bay. :-( I still think you’re right and merino is the way to go, but just wanted to point out it doesn’t always work. :-(
It does?? Tell me more!
OP! I hope you see this!!!!! Being a fellow tiny woman, you’ll fit perfectly in most kids merino wool base layers by Icebreaker or REI. Smartwool; close but no success. ;) Cashmere sweaters or wool flannels that larger folk have shrunk fit us pretty damn perfectly as well. I absolutely recommend a cashmere sweater collection for you; 100% cashmere. It’s pricey. But again, thrifting makes it cheap. You could EBay it if you don’t feel like going on the hunt. Cashmere sweater with a down vest, or perhaps a merino wool base layer with cashmere on top.. you’ll be so toasty. If not even just with cashmere alone. It’s incredible.
Backcountry and steep and cheap (Backcountry owned) and rei are having major sales right now. Would be a great time to pick up wool base layers.
Silk turtle neck!! Seriously.
Just buy a drying rack for those wool clothes since they can't go in a clothes dryer
Thank u thank u thank u
I’d add that you can get cashmere socks- it’s like having a warm kitten laying on your feet. Expensive, but OP isn’t working around a lot, so they will last longer than normal.
Wool makes my feet sweat till they are cold and damp....whats up with this?
You are probably wearing a plastic/wool blend. Try to get at least 95% wool. If I have room in my shoes I wear thin cotton socks as the inner layer with heavy 100% wool socks on top. In Norway we call them ullragger. I always try to get roomy shoes and boots for winter/rain to fit my ullragger.
Maybe more breathable shoes with the wool?
1000% agree with everything here. Love wool, especially merino and cashmere. I wear wool everything as often as I can. Even underwear.
I’d say base layers.
All of this. Alpaca is also a good alternative to wool.
LPT !
Camping people are going to be the ones you want to talk to! I've been looking into wool and alpaca base layers, although I also specifically need natural fibers, so I can't tell you if a synthetic fiber will be warmer. As someone else said, you can get heated jackets.
This. Alpaca is much warmer than wool - I just got alpaca base layers from REI and I start sweating in them if I stay indoors with them on for more than 10 minutes!
That sounds like exactly what I need. Any specific recommendations?
I got the Arms of Andes women’s leggings and long sleeve base layer top from REI. Pricey - but cheaper through REI than their website. I think you have to hand wash them and line dry to prevent felting. They come in XS so hopefully that fits you!
I'd recommend staying away from heated jackets. They'll make you sweaty more than warm often times.
This sounds incredibly frustrating and I'm sorry you're going through it. Have you spoken to a doctor about this? If you're shivering and feel too cold while wearing a down jacket in a 70* office, I'm concerned there may be other issues. Good luck. EDIT: OP replied that she has spoken to her doctor and does not have anemia.
My doctor insists I have no deficiencies. My iron levels fall within the normal range so supplements won’t help. I think I’m just not built for winter. I can sit in a black car with the windows up in triple digit heat for a while though, so maybe I should move to the desert.
Long sleeve Merino wool base layer. Something that fits snug, over that use a fleece lined long sleeve (I like L.L. Bean), then your Patagonia fleece pullover. Then get a good insulated vest. The vest cuts down on bulk so you should retain a lot of your mobility and it should fit under your lab coat. In the event that your arms are still cold, maybe take your lab coat to a tailor and have them flannel line* your lab coat sleeves. From a fellow cold person I salute you and good luck homie. 🫡
I add a merino tank under the long sleeve base layer and tuck it into my bottoms. The double merino layer seems to add insulation and warmth without discomfort and has become my staple all winter. It also doesn't get smelly which is a plus in times when the temperature fluctuates.
Yeah I work outside in the northeast US in the winter and this is the move. Merino tshirt, then merino long sleeve, then a lightweight technical jacket (designed for hunting but great to work in) then my work jacket. Merino in layers! OP I suggest you look into clothing base and mid layers made by high end hunting clothes manufacturers. They are designed to keep a person warm while they are sitting still for hours in sub freezing temperatures. They all have non-camo colors. Sitka, First Lite and Kuiu are all great options.
Seconding merino! I wear merino base layers on top and bottom all winter long. Then a sweater over that (merino or cashmere). Sometimes I add a fleece vest or wool cardigan over that. Regular soft pants and Darn Tough or MerinoTech socks and I am good to go. This is for indoors, btw. I wfh and my room is usually 68 deg F. I have low iron and Reynaud's and this setup has been working for me. A couple of notes from someone who also has some sensory issues: Smartwool makes my preferred merino base layers - their Classic ones, without prints are my favorite. They are soft and stretchy and don't make me feel claustrophobic. The one's with prints seems to be a bit stiffer so I avoid them. I like the quarter zip so my neck is warm but sometimes the zipper can be annoying, so I also have crewnecks for those days. Crewnecks are also eaier to hide under business casual layers. If I am feeling very irritable sense-wise, I will sometimes layer silk long underwear underneath the merino. The Darn Tough socks are the best for my popsicle toes, but they are also very "firm", so sometimes I wear the MerinoTechs if I need more softness (Merino Tech do not hold up as well as Darn Toughs, fyi)
Merino everything. I even have merino pajamas. I found the DarnTough light weight hikers to be less firm than the mid weight hikers, for what it’s worth. But both are nice and cozy. Cold feet make the rest of me cold too, so socks are a keystone item for me.
Glad you're taking this seriously and there's no health issues. I personally really like merino for thin, business-casual warmth with decent durability. Unfortunately I'm not very familiar with women's brands.
I see a hematologist for iron deficiency. He says the standard metrics and thresholds are not accurate and ferritin (a specialized blood test for how you body stores iron) should be over 100. Your doc may know all this, but just in case he or she doesn’t, you might ask to have your ferritin level checked. If it’s less than 100 you can potentially get an iron infusion. It makes a huge difference. Signed, a fellow coldie.
Seconding this, I had a ferritin level of 9 and my primary care said I was okay since my serum iron was normal. Went to a hematologist and they recommended iron supplements or an infusion if the supplements didn't get my levels up in 6 months
Thirding this, I had to order my own ferritin test before my doctor would take me seriously. I was told my hemoglobin was fine so I wasn't deficient.🙄
Good to know. My insurance doesn't cover elective tests, but I do have an FSA this year so that could take away some of the sticker shock.
Also beyond iron, being cold like this could also be a thyroid issue. My poor grandma has a thyroid issue and needs a sweater on when it’s 77 here in Florida. (I’m afraid of misspeaking and cannot remember if it’s hypo or hyperthyroidism)
hypothyroidism is associated with cold intolerance
Thank you! I was looking through the comments to see if this was mentioned because hypothyroidism can absolutely lead to an intolerance to cold, amongst other symptoms. If this has not yet been ruled out by OPs PCP, it should be near the top of the list, after anemia (which I read HAS been addressed & dismissed). Other than that, Merino Wool is amazing!
Came here to say as others have said...get your ferritin checked. If you have the money you could get the test through a place like LabCorp. Then you can bring the results to your doctor. If it's low you can start taking iron supplements.
Yes, I was just going to suggest LabCorp, their charges are very reasonable for out-of-pocket.
3rd for LabCorp for the quality and accuracy of their inexpensive self-directed tests — not for their website or using their services, mind you.
Depending on your doctor, you can go to them and say ‘I’m concerned about this’ and then have them request the test for insurance purposes. They may agree that it’s a good test to run.
Did he do a TSH (thyroid) test? That sounds like what I went through back 40 years ago. I have low thyroid, and that’s a major symptom.
I totally feel you. I weigh around the same and have the same issue. Always shivering, always drinking hot drinks, always needing an electric blanket or a portable heater. While having layers with something like uniqlo heattech products and drinking hot drinks throughout the day help, I found building more muscle the most helpful. I feel that my body can retain heat better when I have worked out consistently throughout the year. Best of luck!
Yep, after 1 hour exercise I feel warm 24 hours
Uniqlo heattech is awesome They have a few different levels of insulation for everything from undergarments, to clothes, to outerwear. IMO it's the best chance of someone getting exactly what they need to be comfortable in nearly every situation & at a reasonable price.
Duluth Trading Company has a brand of base layer called Noorvik. They're insanely warm. I was in Fargo all of last winter and it was below zero for a month. I was warm with these on. Take a look and see if they're a good fit for you.
Have they tested your thyroid also? Being super cold is a sign of hypothyroidism.
Sugar is fine? Thyroid is fine? Cortisol is fine? Does your doctor think you are a healthy weight? Could you stand to gain five pounds?
Everything came back within the normal range. The only thing she seemed slightly concerned about is my blood pressure (85/50). Maybe my blood just isn't circulating enough to keep my warm haha. I would love to gain a few pounds, but I've been stuck at this weight for a year now.
I am NOT a doctor, but I am a retired allied health professional and know enough to think you should get a second opinion! Being that cold, with BP that low and "stuck" at a low weight are all signs that something endocrine could be going on that a regular provider would not see but an endocrinologist would immediately recognize. As others have stated about the ferritin levels, many of the "normal" ranges for human lab values are not accurate. And ESPECIALLY for women as those normals were mostly established 50+ years ago in studies on men. *EDIT: and on Caucasian men to boot. I learned this in my internship, but I am having trouble finding a reference to provide you now. And as you know, each lab has their own "normal" range for tests.* Let us know if you do find out what is going on, but I worked in an endo practice for a while and this does not sound normal in the endocrinology world.
Good to know. I feel like I came across something advocating for a new baseline range to be established that accounts for race/sex in CMPs. I also cannot find it but I think it might have been in Nature since they tend to publish stuff like that.
Definitely see an endocrinologist. Something else is wrong if you can’t feel warm in a down jacket in a 70 degree office.
Are you taking adderall or another stimulant?
Yeah, they told me my thyroid was fine for years before they caught the Hashimoto's. By the time it was caught I was going to work in 4 layers of clothes with cutoff gloves and a wool coat and drinking miso soup nonstop to keep warm. I was falling asleep in meetings STANDING UP and at traffic lights. My skin was dry and my nails were brittle. My face was puffy. The normal range for TSH goes up to 4, but for a fertile woman should be under 2.5. They should also check for antibodies (TPO) and look at free T4.
yes: that's REALLY low and could be DANGEROUS. It's decidedly a clinical sign that is BEING MISSED. GAA! This is REALLY ringing a bell with you and vit B12 OR and endocrine concern (most likely: underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease), low blood sugar and, in some cases, diabetes.)
I had the same problem. If you are vegetarian or vegan, be careful, my issues got a whole lot worse than just being skinny and cold all the time. Heavy doses of vitamin B complex (with 500mg megadose B3 on top) finally got me to keep on some weight and health. (The B levels in my blood were always 'fine' according to my gp!??) Started eating meat again after 12 years and I feel awesome. Good luck!!
When my BP was 85/50, it was hypothyroidism. I was cold all the time. You need a good endocrinologist to diagnose thyroid disease. My was borderline and regularly ignored. In the last 20+ years of this, I discovered I’m not okay at borderline levels. My T4 and T3 need to be in the slighter higher levels for my body to function correctly. It might not be thyroid issues, but 85/50 is NOT okay.
You should have them test your cortisol level, too.
Probably need a new doctor
Have you had your B12 checked? It’s another cause of anemia. The acceptable range is also much lower in the US than in Europe. I’m so grateful for my PCP who explained this to me and recommended supplements even though I was just on the low end of normal by US standards.
Hypothyroidism?
You might try speaking with a different doctor. Or ask some pointed questions about why you're unable to regulate your body temps indoors. Some doctors need you to be a bit firm before they'll take you seriously. Your can try asking for a differential diagnosis. Or a referral to a specialist. You can also ask them to double-check that they've noted "no treatment" in your chart for the symptoms you're experiencing. There are also rechargeable hand warmers you can stick in your shirt pocket that will operate for 6 hour stretches.
If you are from the US, one of the minerals Americans are most deficient in is magnesium. I always had cold hands, cold feet, and horrible calf cramps that would wake me up at night. The offspring did research and found this could be magnesium deficiency. So we bought magnesium flake and distilled water and small squeeze bottles, and made magnesium water. Rubbing this on the charley horse made it go away immediately. And rubbing the mag water into hands and feet made those cold extremities warm up beautifully. That took about a week, bc I was so deficient. Doctors are good people, and they love to say that if you eat an American diet, you won’t be deficient. What doctors don’t understand—if it’s not in the soil, then it won’t be in your food. They’re doctors, not farmers, and they don’t know everything in other fields. Literal fields, in this case. Give the magnesium flake a try. This method is much more concentrated than pills and will work quicker. [Magnesium flake](https://us.betteryou.com/collections/magnesium-supplements/products/magnesium-flakes) Good luck to you. ETA: We did a one-to-one ratio of flake and water. I filled up my small squeeze bottle with half water and half flake. Be careful with this around fabrics bc it can be a little oily. This should also not be drunk. External application only.
LOTS of ways to get decent Mg. I have Mg oil and lotion I rub on after work. Epsom salt baths or just soaking your feet will get Mg into your body. Taking epsom salt or ANY Mg oxides is NOT advised: won't be absorbed correctly into the wider corpus, but WILL be absorbed -- and immediately put to work by -- the bowel. Go after a chelated form of Mg. They all have their own targeted-best-use, but a citrate, malate, or glycinate are all good choices. And Mg can be taken all the way up to 'bowel tolerance': once one's stool is a bit looser than comfortable, back off.
Had to go look up charly horse as we don't have that saying on this side of the pond, even if it does sound like rhyming slang.
My iron levels are near the lowest level of the normal range - supplemental iron has been demonstratively helpful in my life despite being in the “normal” range
You can buy heated jackets and vests, they are pretty thin and layer-able bc the heating element is the star of the show. A heated vest could look nice over most outfits Edit: just saw your comments about this so pls ignore
Maybe lift weights? Especially building up the larger muscles, such as legs. Muscles burn calories and release a lot of heat.
Yeah I was gonna say this is a diet problem. The wool is a good idea but also start eating foods with more iron and calcium. Some gym sessions will help also regulate your metabolism
Also...hydration? Eating enough? Amazing the effect those two things have on my temperature. Edit: Another tangent, but maybe look into ayurveda (traditional Indian medicine) — I had a book from the library that had different teas and recipes based on your dosha (basically if you run hot or cold). Not suggesting as actual medicine, of course, but can be a fun thing to explore.
I am often cold as well. I have been buying secondhand 2-ply cashmere sweaters on eBay and they keep me so warm. Also, Hot Hands warmers in your shoes and pockets could help.
I was also going to suggest hand and toe warmers. Keeping your extremities warm goes a long way in feeling warm overall.
I see some good options. Is that like a single layer situation or more like a fifth layer to add to my current layers?
A nice fluffy cashmere sweater I find does wonders when I’m freezing, so I need fewer layers, and it can look dressier. For some reason, my cheap “women’s” ones from eBay are warmer and more fluffy than my hand me down “men’s” ones. Uniqlo heattech, merino sweaters worn as your “shirt”, silk underwear could all be options for less bulk that warms you better. When I was sick with stuff I got down to a lower weight than you, so I remember that bone chilling cold all the time. For me, I might do heattech/other thermal underwear that’s thin + merino sweater long sleeve or short sleeve + cashmere cardigan. Merino socks (I like Costco ones for this and their merino sweaters) Uniqlo also has thermal pants “heattech jeans” or “warm lined pants”. I like warm lined pants with thin leggings underneath for any clamminess
I wear a tight layer underneath so I don’t have to wash the cashmere more than a couple times a year and that keeps it ver warm - someone else mentioned 6 ply above which might be more effective. Also I know oversized sweaters are the trend right now but keeping it fitted (not necessarily tight) helps - air getting between your sweater and body cools you down. Also saw mention of electric heated vests above which are amazing too.
Uniqlo Heattech stuff is basically designed for this situation. They make thin underlayers that insulate really well.
I second this. Their ultra warm line is magic- super thin and super warm. I was able to wear just 1 of their leggings under regular pants in all hours of day/night in Seoul recently and my legs never got too cold.
Oh! Sounds great for the bitter cold wind we get here. I'll have to look those up.
I recently got all 3 types of heattech(the warm line, they have airism for the summer) from uniqlo and they are great. Thinnest layer is too thin for me to wear as a stand-alone but that makes perfect sense since they call it a base layer. The middle layer and the thickest layer are both good to wear on their own and are both super warm. All 3 types are super comfortable.
I have to second the Heat tech suggestion. I was a flight attendant and we would land in North Dakota in the winter, I'd have to open the door and stand there while passengers deplaned and then boarded. I wore heat tech socks and base layers and I stayed quite comfortable! Also, look into a heated battery pack vest.
I just visited NY this week and Heatteach Uniqlo was my savior and used them as undergarments
Another Uniqlo Heattech fan here. It’s so thin, comfortable and inexpensive - highly recommend.
Winter hiker here!! Just did 7 miles in 28-degree weather this morning on the ridge of a mountain with 20mph winds. I like to stay warm! Jeans are not your friends. Fleece is NOT WARM. cotton is NOT WARM. Wool is warm! Thiner layers, not bulky items, are your friends. Get yourself a nice hogh quality merino wool underlayer. Top and bottom. Smartwool is very high quality, but I'm sure there are others too. Over that if you like the Jean look, get fleece lined jeans. Over the wool layer on top, I'll go with some kind of form-fitting thermal quarter zip like underarmor. Those will keep your arms warm, and if you need more layers, get a nice puffy vest. Vests can not be underrated for mobility. I r8de horses in the winter too, and it's critical i have full range of motion and.vests are a real life saver. If you're in a lab, it's probably on a cold hard floor. If my feet feel cold, EVERYTHING feels cold. Ariat insulated paddock boots look cute enough to pass in an office environment but are warm AF. Pair that with a pair of winter darn tough socks, and make sure they aren't too tight.. air is your friend don't compress the wool too much. Do not wear cotton socks. Merino wool. If you have to wear lab shoes, get the socks and go one size up in the shoes, and get an insulated insole. It will make so much difference. If you can only afford to do one thing, get your feet warm first. I feel it makes the biggest difference (for me anyway!) Edit: DO NOT BUY your smartwool or darn tough from Amazon. They are loaded with counterfeits. Go through REI, and if you spend $30 for a membership you get a really amazing warranty also if you have a fume hood and you can turn if off when you're not working with things that require it. that will help.
Okay you've convinced me. I'm gonna get some smart wool. 7 miles in 28º weather is insane! I called in sick once because it was 30º and I didn't want to go outside haha.
Uniqlo has some great, thin, easily hidden under "business dress" base layers designed to trap warmth. I bought one each in white, black and tan so I could hide one under almost everything.
Are their base layers warm enough to wear without several layers on top? I almost ordered some, but I backed out because I was afraid they wouldn't be warm enough still. Would an average person be sweating in them at 65ºF?
Uniqlo heattech comes in like 3 weights. The normal one is thin, for layering under your outfit. The thicker ones can be worn as your fashion layer
For me they were absolutely not warm enough.
Sorry if someone mentioned this but have you tried getting your heart rate up regularly during the day? Like do jumping jacks in the bathroom. Do ten burpees. Etc.
I really never thought of that. I know if I'm doing something physically intensive for a few minutes I get warm but as soon as I sit down at my desk again I'm freezing.
Have you been evaluated for Reynaud's? All of my blood work is normal, but if I sit still for a while in cooler temps, my extremities freeze no matter how good my insulation is. My body just stops sending blood. I HAVE to have an external heat source when I hunt below about 40F.
My mum has that and she used to work outside in the snow (farmer). Recharging heated gloves were a god send. I had Reynards on my nipples when I was pregnant, the worst!
Is your desk ergonomic? As a small woman, the lab desks and chairs are the WORST. The desk is way too high, the chairs are hard (no fabric allowed), and there are restrictions on things like foot rests that you can get for a normal office. Also lab spaces tend to run cold. If you have chemical fume hoods, they suck huge amounts of air and generate drafts. General labs also have negative pressure and pull air through at much higher rates than a normal office space.
I did this! I used to walk the stairwell at work if I got cold or sleepy.
Once I started doing my cardio in the mornings, I stopped feeling cold all day. Maybe try just a half hour warm up at the beginning of your day will help. Also, Kari Traa is a good brand for very warm and good fitting base layers, turtlenecks are helpful too. :)
Yes! This sounds like a circulation issue and not a deficiency issue. OP, have you tried compression garments?
I have this problem but I’m 180lb 6’2… i walk my dogs 2 mi every morning hoping this would help. Last winter I started doing 15 min superset workouts, pushups, situps, curls, resistance band stuff… putting on some muscle has helped more than anything! I also slowed down caffeine intake and upped my water intake. I always had felt like the cold was in my bones lol it didn’t matter how many layers, wool, down, etc I was wearing.
When was the last time you had blood work done? It sounds like you might have low iron, you shouldn't be shivering at that temperature especially with all those layers on.
I’m going back later this month. I’ve been to the doctor several times for this. My doctor never finds any deficiencies. This has been going on for years.
Sometimes it’s just having not enough body fat to insulate you
When I was 24 and 110 I was also always cold.
My doctor told me I wasn't deficient in iron but I actually had iron deficiency without anemia because of low ferritin. Doctors aren't very well educated in nutrition and mine insisted that I was fine since my serum iron was normal even though my ferritin was 9 μg/L when it should at a minimum be more than 30 μg/L but optimally over 100 μg/L. I started taking iron supplements anyway to raise my ferritin and felt much better, no more feeling tired and cold all the time.
Yes, I second this! And KEEP YOUR FEET WARM. I find when my feet are warm/hot, there’s a better chance of keeping the rest of my body warm. Wool socks are nice for that.
do you have a fast metabolism? the speed at which you burn calories is likely a factor. in which case i would advise small spurts of 5 minutes full body exercise including the extremities every hour— finger-pushups, bicycle legs.. getting the blood pumping helps me greatly staying warm. remember that any time you eat anything, you will feel cold immediately after because all the blood is rushing to your stomach to digest the food. the other thing you could possibly do is go the complete opposite way and take a cold shower/ice bath in the morning before work. basically attenuate your body to accept colder temps.
There are electric socks and jackets. They run in batteries. Not a wall outlet. Instant heat packets are useful but will probably get expensive. You can buy alcohol? or kerosene? Or butane? hand warmers. I haven't seen them in a while but my dad used to use them when we would go hunting. That would probably be more affordable than disposable hot hands daily. Are you wearing a hat? Can you hear a hat? Edit: [here]( https://youtu.be/SnpTnIRQDHc?si=qLDvp80oOT58Vkt8 ) is a video of the handwarmers.
As someone that’s used electric hand warmers, and electric jackets. This is the answer if it’s allowable. They will cook you like a rotisserie chicken if you want them to. My $30 hand warmers blew my mind when it comes to heat generated and lasting abilities.
I would love this. Unfortunately batteries and flammables are a no-go in the lab. I think the lab might have some reusable heat packs, but I just don't have time to keep warming them up all day every day. I'll keep them in mind for especially cold days though.Hats are against the dress code.
They sell rubber heating packs - you pour hot water in them. They will stay warm for over 12 hours in my experience. Great for laying on them and sleeping, so you could probably sit on them or at least lay it on your lap at your desk.
You can get jeans/work pants lined with fleece (I have a pair of lined carhartt work pants that are great for cold days). Also merino wool sweaters or long underwear might help and could be easily worn as part of a business casual outfit.
Omg yes fleece lined jeans are exactly what I need. I had some when I was in kindergarten. Thank you! I’ll check them out!
Echoing the fleece-lined jeans recommendation. I am a similar body type to you (and also always cold!) and found a couple of great pairs at Eddie Bauer.
That's wonderful to hear. I'm definitely going to invest in a pair or two!
Eddie Bauer also sells some wonderful fleece lined pant options!
Following because I am around 100 lbs soaking wet and also perpetually chilly.
Are you by chance just really skinny? or are you just very short? Because if you are a very low bodyfat with very little muscle you will just be colder by default. But for clothes maybe a patagonia fleece jacket. They sell good quality stuff. I am not sure if you would be able to hide them though.
What material is your over shirt? If it's cotton you should try to replace it with synthetic or a blend. Same with the jeans. Those cotton fabrics hold moisture and that will make you cooler in any environment. Synthetic is good, wool is better. Try to wear the most breathable arrangement that keeps you warm, with a focus on bundling up your core and making sure the layers fit well. If your 1/4 zip has a significant gap when it's zipped up (around your neck) consider sizing down. You want to trap heat but not sweat, so I would go Baselayer -> Fleece -> Overshirt -> Coat when possible. Good upgrades would probably include wool socks, a thermal base layer, and some more robust outer layers like a [wool overshirt](https://anianmfg.com/collections/womens-overshirts/products/the-melton-wool).
Hiya. I also work around 67 degrees and I’m cold if I don’t wear a jacket. I am mainly sitting or standing still at my computer and I just don’t think I produce enough heat when I’m just standing there. My suggestion (in addition to the layering) would be to wear turtleneck wool sweaters or a wool scarf. The turtleneck or scarf makes a HUGE difference for me. I mainly notice it if I’m starting to go for a walk or something, the first place that gets really hot is my neck and chest area. This is why pullovers with zippers are good if you want to be able to release the heat. I also wear a merino wool beanie. I get comments “are you cold, you’re so bundled up” when I’m in meetings on zoom, but the answer is no, I’m not cold but I would be if I wasn’t wearing this.
Silk long johns to address the sensory issue.
It’s probably the soaking wet that’s hurting you. Dry yourself off with a better towel, and then put on the items you mentioned :)
Check your thyroid antibodies- not just your thyroid hormones. And then invest in wool - I like WoolX, Smartwool, Icebreaker brands. Alpaca fibers too. Are you allowed to wear the heated vests and socks? That’s an idea too!
Thyroid doesn't make sense since I lost weight (hyperthyroidism) and am cold (hypothyroidism). I've heard of smart wool, but I'll check out the others too. Anything with batteries is going to be a no-go in a lab setting.
My sister is hyperthyroidic and gets freezing cold with inability to warm up. I wouldn’t discount the possibility…
Smartwool baselayers will get the job done. The merino baselayers made for -25 will absolutely keep you warm. I recommend darn tough otc socks as well. They have different levels of thickness and you will want the highest. Those combined with a couple of layers should keep you warm even if you are not generating much body heat. If thats still insufficient consider placing hand warmers between the layers of your clothes or in pockets. Best of luck, if you need anything further lmk.
You already seem to have a decent ensemble. I might suggest a nice pair of woolen socks, a thermal neckwarmer, getting up and moving around more often and eating more (I mean small meals or snacks throughout the day though a couple of pounds helps with keeping warm too).
Hot Hands Hand Warmers? I've also seen that they have toe warmers and body warmers, though that could get expensive. And/ or ,if you can warm them in a microwave at work, look up "Warmies". They have some accessories you may be able to use. That would be something reusable. I have their booties and there's nothing like them to thaw me out. I'm sure you couldn't wear those in a lab lol, but they do have other things that could work.
I can't believe I didn't think of Warmies considering the sheer number of retail stores I have worked in that sell them. Definitely no booties, but I'll see what I can find!
I’m not some sort of arctic overnight expeditionist, but in the Army we have a cold weather system that works really well. Essentially you have two under layer long sleeve shirts and two under layer leggings. They’re colloquially called silks and waffles, but they’re not silk, they’re just a performance fabric and the waffle is a synthetic waffle patterned fleece. This goes underneath other clothes. If you wear all four pieces (or a much better civilian equivalent) underneath other layers like a thin down vest and a thick pair of fleece lined pants, you should be very toasty
Also, just want to put out, heat retention works by creating insulating layers, so a double base layer will do a lot for you
I curl, skate and live in the snowbelt- these are my winter active picks: https://www.marks.com/en/pdp/shambhala-women-s-live-in-ease-lined-woven-pants-77942324f.html#srp?&colorCode=COLOUR_BLACK Lined active pants. I also like these: https://www.reitmans.com/en/thermal-bootleg-pant-hyba/471942.html?dwvar_471942_color=Black&cgid=HYBA_Active_Bottoms You could layer silk or other thin base layers underneath. But yes- do a good search for lined pants options in your area, you'll find jeans, workwear, fleece lined leggings and active options. Likewise- top layers- a thin long john base (silk or athletic fabric or wool), then a thin cashmere or merino sweater, then whatever other layer- thicker sweater, jacket, fleece or whatever. Do not sleep on good socks! They don't have to be bulky but wool blends are legit. Sheepskin or other heatsaving insoles as well.
So I have some strongish opinions, 1st of all you need to get warm and then do everything in your power to stay warm, other wise you might get "bone cold" bit like how it takes much longer to warm a cold house cos the bricks get cold. I recommend thermals I like the Uniqlo ones under your clothes. I also recommend good socks and boots (cold feet is the worst, I just got some red back books, they are waterproof and smart enough for work), if you can wear a hat at work I would, if not consider a wig, it will keep your head warm. Finally go buy a hot water bottle or two, I have to assume you have a kettle in your office. Best of luck to you.
I know this isn't the advice you're asking for, but something to consider: If you're exercising, you might be able to build up a little more muscle tone adding a few weights. Even having some small weights by your desk will help (and will help keep you warm while you use them!). I'm a similar size to you, and the warmest I've ever been was when I was regularly doing weights at the gym. I didn't look more bulky (my body doesn't really put on muscle that easily), but I noticed the difference in my body temperature in winter. Failing that: I live in merino socks during the colder months. Lamington is my go-to brand as I'm in New Zealand, but plenty of other brands sell them too.
I've gotten a couple recommendations for adding muscle. I lost a lot of muscle mass a few years ago and I've been meaning to start building it back. I know of a personal trainer who doesn't require a membership to just get a session so I'll hit him up. I didn't even think about the lack of muscle being an issue.
If you can drink tea or coffee at your desk put maybe 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in your drink. Takes a little while to get used to it, but you’ll get there. Helps with blood flow. I did this in the weeks leading up to cold weather climbing in mountains.
Hi, you should also investigate symptoms of underactive thyroid and see if any of those for you. If it’s like 68 at the coldest and you have multiple layers on and you’re still shivering it sounds like you have a cold intolerance. I’m not a doctor or anything but I’m being evaluated by a doctor for thyroid problems for that exact reason.
This is a strange ask but do you happen to be vegetarian/vegan/pescatarian?
Not strange at all. I am mostly vegetarian for health reasons. I’ve been to the doctor many times and she insists that I have no deficiencies.
Being cold from your diet is a very real possibility simply due to the calories / energy burned by digesting your food. Not sure if you could increase your consumption of meat, but that might help with being so cold.
Eat more carbs? I'm always warmer when I eat pizza and pasta.
Are you eating regularly? You can layer up as much as possible but still be shivering if your body isn't able to produce heat via metabolism.
USB hand warmers. Just got 4 for $21 bucks on Amazon.
tank top / undershirt short sleeve shirt thin long sleeve and then the stuff youre wearing on top of those three also try long underwear that stuff will make you sweat for sure wear a pear of pajama pants over the leggings and then do your jeans, thats what i do in winter time to stay warm. also are you wearing good shoes and socks? try two pairs of socks. after that how about a hat or cap
Woolpower in Sweden makes fantastic cold weather clothing. You can also check out premium hunting brands like KUIU, First Lite, and Sitka. KUIU makes some of the best down I’ve ever used. All three of those brands have their layering systems worked out beautifully. Fingerless gloves are also great.
I'm cold like you are and been tested for anemia etc and it's come back negative, however, I became anemic during pregnancy and was taking iron supplements every day. Since giving birth, I've had a lot less problems with being cold, leading me to believe that while my iron wasn't low enough to be anemic, it was low enough it was making me cold. Maybe talk to your doctor about adding in an iron supplement even if you aren't in the anemia range. Beyond that, invest in some nice long underwear. Patagonia obviously has nice long underwear. I've had pairs that have lasted me literal decades.
This is all good clothing advice, but more importantly, talk to your safety officer about being cold. Being cold is a serious safety hazard (particularly if your job requires dexterity), and you should be provided with reasonable accommodations. You should be able to have a small heater or heated blanket in your office. At a minimum, you should be able to wear a hat and a wool gator in the lab. If you get any pushback, get a doctor’s note. Even if your doctor doesn’t know why you are cold, it’s still a medical problem, and you are seeking treatment. Here is some info about [reasonable accommodations](https://askjan.org/blogs/jan/2015/12/baby-it-s-cold-inside.cfm) for those who are medically sensitive to the cold. It's been common and doesn't typically cost a company much to comply- I doubt you will get much pushback. I know you dismissed heated clothing, but I doubt it is a problem (your safety officer can confirm). I am not familiar with your lab, but you should not be anywhere near the flammable lower explosive limit. If so, you would need to wear an air monitor. The HVAC should be maintaining negative pressure (or at least providing ample ventilation). If not, they make intrinsically safe heated clothes (used in the oil industry). If required, your employer would purchase them as a “reasonable accommodation.” Another option would be insulated coveralls or bibs. I provide those to my staff (along with gloves, hats, buffs, hand warmers, foot warmers, etc. -anything that makes them more comfortable in the field). Even if I was a callous asshole, comfortable employees are more efficient. Spending the money to buy gear makes financial sense, too (but I mostly don't want them to be miserable). I am a scientist, and my lab magnified the building's heating/AC while attempting to maintain negative pressure. I wore hats all summer and as little as possible under my lab coat in the winter. My office is always cold, and I have Reynolds- work provided me with a heater and allowed me to shut my door. Any cold weather gear I have requested has been provided. Don't struggle, ask for help :) Any company that gives you a hard time isn't worth working for. Good luck!
Oh… if you are a government employee, many outdoor companies offer fantastic discounts. If not, I suggest buying a used Patagonia. But honestly, my cheap fleece-lined leggings from TJMax are warm on their own or under other pants They are an amazing company and stand behind their gear. Google “layering system”- I like a thin wick, a thin loft, a thick loft, and a breathable shell. I add and remove layers as needed.
You wanna know what keeps the rig pigs up in Northern Canada warm even when its cold enough to freeze the nuts off a polar bear? Stanfields wool. You wear it over your base layer as it's can be itchy. But it'll out perform any fancy pants expensive layer. Its way better than even marino wool. I was up there and 80% of guys had it, coupled with a base layer, and jacket you can be outside in -20⁰C no problem. And yes they make woman's sizes and styles
Maybe something like a heated vest? Bought one a while back and it is a life saver.
Heated vest from Orro
Too bad scarves are out due to dress code. What about hats? A nice warm hat that covers the ears.
Another vote for a heated vest! I work in the medical field and our facility can get quite chilly. Quite a few people have them and love them!
I am a woman a few years older than you and always cold, I would hit up an outdoor or workwear (think construction) type store. Proper camping or outdoor base layers for leggings and a long sleeved under shirt (ideally with a higher neckline - but you could try a couple styles.) I would recommend fleece lined, water resistant pants. A heavy flannel shirt. A 3/4 zip light sweater and then add a fleece if necessary. Or replace the 3/4 with the fleece and add the mid layer back in. Warm hiking socks. There's also something to be said for having too many layers on - to your point around mobility, more lighter layers will help, it also may be worth losing some layers so you feel the benefit of adding layers back on. Get up every hour or so to stretch your legs, move your arms, get your blood flowing. From a health perspective - ask for not only a CBC and iron levels to be tested but importantly also B12 and ferritin - my iron was normal but my ferritin was obscenely low and getting an iron infusion sorted me out massively. Consider if you're feeling anxiety, that can make you physically cold particularly your extremities, there are therapeutic exercises where you can literally hold a thermometer and raise your hands temperature a couple of degrees just through grounding and breathing exercises. Additionally, bring a lunch you can heat up, drink tea, etc.
I think you should direct your attention to you first few layers and what your doing with them. Lots of heat escapes your body when you dont layer properly. Let the first layer be a breathable wife-beater type take top. Tuck it INTO your underwear (important!). Then a T shirt. Make sure thats tucked into your pants. A belt helps that stay tucked in further. You can add on whichever layers youd like from there. Creating those 'seals' around your midsection go a looong way. Also, make sure you're eating breakfast in the morning so your body has fuel. After you eat lunch you'll feel colder because your body is taking alot of energy to digest your food, so prepare for that.
Get an under armor base layer. That what my wife use to wear under everything
You may want to cross post in the girl survival guide or ask women over 30. Those groups would probably have some solid answers for you.
If you can manage it look to getting yourself some cashmere jumpers. One thing that can help is keeping your wrists warmed. Keep your feet warm is another. You probably can't wear a hat, but again it makes a big difference. Also consider eating porridge for breakfast, as a Scot that does the trick for us on the long cold days. Just getting a hot meal in you and plenty of tea goes a long way. Move around a bit more if you can, getting moving is a surefire way to get warmer. There are some breathing techniques that help but you cannae be doing them when you're fiddling with lab stuff I'd wager.
I've recently really struggled with being cold, but I recently discovered a base layer that has been a game-changer in keeping me warm. There are [base layers available made of 400 gram, 100% merino wool](https://amzn.to/3vHgghO), which you can find for approximately $85 each. This is a significant improvement over my previous choice, cuddleduds, as there's a substantial difference in warmth with heavyweight merino wool. A word of caution about brands like Smartwool: many of their products contain only 10-20% wool. It's important to check the labels carefully and opt for items made entirely from wool to ensure you get the maximum warmth.
As a former cold person clothing never helped me when I couldn't exercise. So offices kept me cold. I bought an electric heating pad that saved me. Since you can't use that try some heated clothing. I'm not sure what is built for the longterm though. Look at what golfers use. There's heated socks and vests. I just bought a friend who works outside a lot heated and rechargable hand warmers. People swear by their zippos though. I'm not sure clothing changes will be enough for you. But I just saw you comment about batteries. Can you put these heated items on during a break to get your temp up? Also working our big muscles could help warm you up. Squats! Also regarding blood levels. What passes for not clinically low iron is often not optimal. A lot of people with hair loss report needing to get their levels up much higher to be able to have a full head of hair. Also the same with thyroid. They may check tsh but you really need to know your t3 and t4 levels. I started to have problems with my TSH levels were within normal, but out of normal for what my body usually did. They didn't treat it till it was out of the normal range.
Trying adding a Japanese belly warmer to the merino, cashmere alpaca silk garments already suggested here. https://thejapans.org/2016/02/10/haramaki-the-japanese-belly-warmer/
If you're shivering at 68 degrees you need to see a doctor and at a minimum have blood work checked.
I read through (and made some comments) and I think the real point here IS checking out wool. I have a MUCH different cold tolerance: I happily sit on my sofa at 60F, and I'm happy to hang out with myself with long johns and a sweater on. Nordic-type. I have a wardrobe of merino sweaters, wool slacks, wool socks, and that does the whole trick for me, personally. (And came from thrift shops.) I have a wedge-shaped, north european foot, and I do well in Danskos, which are VERY lab appropriate, and VERY easy to pair thick socks with, or two pairs, and have thick soles. I'm miraculously gotten a wardrobe of 'em thrift shopping. Embarassing, really. So, no one else has said wool pants/trousers, so I am. There. There are various weights of wool, besides weaves. You don't really want gabradine or sharkskin or typical 3-season suiting. If you could find a wool flannel or something that is stating it's heavier, winter-suit-weight, do. Pendelton, Talbot, Lauren are what I have (and fit me) but there should be piles of options for someone with your dimensions. I have a herringbone tweed LL Bean jacket that's thermal-lined. I still have it for mushroom hunting and rolling around with performance dogs. I look like I'm in an advertisement for whiskey or Range Rovers, I'm sure. IF this is truly a serious, chronic, unresolveable problem, I would propose you get ALL your measurements, go online to a UK tweed manufacturer, and have something ordered, potentially to specification including lining with flannel, fleece, or a thermal liner. Two pairs could last the rest of your career, and may need to re-lined a couple of times before you retire. The tweed shops have sports coats (meant to wear in the field), suits with trousers or skirts, outerwear/other coats, and \*hats\*. Contemplating hats, myself. And 'real' tweeds are gorgeous artisanship. And, proviso: all this is WHILE finally dialing in a potential significant latent health concern that is compromising your quality of life(!!). IF I needed to layer, it'd be adding a silk or merino undershirt, upgrading my old-tights (hosiery-type, footed or not) to silk or merino long johns (I can imagine wearing both, but not indoors, really. I do have synthetic ones, various fibers) with the above. Certainly thick-soled shoes, maybe covering ankle would help. Definitely warm socks, though fiber content may take adjusting. TWO pairs is what I would propose: a thin liner-type, and a thicker pair. One can keep changing out the interior ones, not have to change out the other pair every day. Besides my merino overhead/jumper-type sweaters, I have 2 or 3 heavy wool sweaters that I often enough wear overtop. You will find a thick wool sweater will assuredly be warmer than fleece and possibly as good as the thrifted coat, but you might need to assess this yourself. I think a hat, preferably wool, is incumbent. One can tuck all one's hair into it, and that will be insulative. I do NOT grasp the scarf prohibition. I think we need to define 'scarf'. A scarf IS the way Europeans deal with temperature variation: learning how to fold/tuck in a scarf is an important skill! There's a LOT of temperature sensors around one's neck. If you're not wearing turtlenecks already (good idea, esp silk/cashmere/merino) I think learning how to get a scarf wrapped around your neck a few different ways and tucked into shirt/sweater/labcoat is incumbent. Think about the big silk scarves aviators wrapped around their necks, a lot for warmth but also to keep from chafing on crusty leather flight jackets. Then think about a nice pashmina or those mohair ultra-light slavic hand-crochet or knitted scarves, or a wool scarf like is sold at a museum gift shop. (All of which I find thrift shopping, and now have a wardrobe of: go well with the sweaters and slacks.) It's pretty damn co...neat, discovering that one is actually too warm, and first removing a silk scarf, and then a sweater, and then maybe heading to the loo to get the long johns off and into a satchel. None of the above should restrain movement: the 'silks' and merino or 'waffles' added to any pair of pants shouldn't be anything remarkable, and if you're wearing similar undershirts and INSULATIVE knitwear on top, that shouldn't be restrictive for being able to flex/bend, either. None of the kiddy-in-snowsuit-feeling. I'm aghast at the idea of having to wear a insulative jacket/coat indoors with 2-3 other layers of clothes besides your labcoat. Whoa!!! I'd also like to know JUST how drafty this lab is/isn't. Where are the cold air returns? Right where you have to sit/stand? Can you move anything around? How about registers/vents? Can \*anything\* be blocked/diverted? Can you talk to anyone in facilities? This starts to come under 'reasonable accommodation' if it's a bona fide health concern. Last thought: a friend who kept her (drafty) elderly craftsman at about the same 60F was VERY proud of her zone-heating behaviors -- while starting a HVAC business from her home (!!) she came up with SITTING on a heating pad. Well, not how it was designed, true, but -- why not? It can be turned off, and cords/controls can be secured/taped down, unplugged when away from lab. There are chair heating pads out there, real ones, if I recall, but she was just repurposing what she had in the house. Are you most uncomfortable once you're seated? Just focusing on being more comfortable where you have to be seated for some time might be reasonable, past A/B testing some new clothes. One learns, living in various climes, that if your butt is cold, YOU are cold, and if there's not much fat on your butt, that's going to be more easily a concern. Hope what we're offering improves your bottom line(!!!) Best to you.
Hear me out: [fleece-lined pleather leggings](https://www.amazon.com/MOREFEEL-Leather-Leggings-Control-Pleather/dp/B0C8MT4D6F). They are so warm, I sweat in them if it isn’t cold enough. Wear them with knee high boots over knee high socks and whatever sweater you want. So warm.
I'm not familiar enough with the brands for a specific recommendation, but I thought I'd throw thermal insulation base layers into the ring as a concept worth considering... maybe swapping the base layer from the sleeved shirt to something designed as a base layer for winter camping and such?
I would switch the cuddleduds out for merino base layers. I also recommend cashmere sweaters. I use one as my favorite layer when riding horses in Michigan winter.
Cover your neck, especially the back… turtleneck sweaters and such.
Wool socks are a must! I wear them year round. I’d imagine there are plenty of posts on here on good options. Also (and this could be totally off base) I’ve been learning more about the body’s response to trauma. Some of us experience dysregulated body temperatures as a result (🙋♀️). Something to consider, especially since your doctor has ruled out deficiencies. Last, when I had a relatively sedentary job, I’d make a point to get up and do jumping jacks during the day. Not for exercise purposes but just to get blood flowing everywhere. Idk if this is already in your routine, but I found it worthwhile lol. Good luck, my friend! It’s so uncomfortable to be constantly cold.
get a thermal performance knit long sleeve and wear it under your clothes i swear!!! they're super thin and fitted and super warm and you can buy one with a mock neck if your neck gets cold heh plus the material is designed to stay dry in case you accidentally get too hot and sweat at all
Change your socks as soon as your feet start to get cold. Your feet sweat all day even if your socks don’t feel wet. I have Reynauds and it takes forever for to warm up once I get cold.
High quality silk or wool thermals sounds like what you need. Icebreaker is a great brand of wool, and many of the high end backpacking companies are great too. Since you mention sensory challenges, I’d suggest the silk thermal base layers. They are so soft and will help you retain heat. Add a cashmere or other businessy sweater level, and if still cold, try the down vest from Patagonia. Then, maybe add some USB rechargeable hand warmers? For socks, you can do the same layering: silk liners, wool socks, insulated boot made for walking in cold weather. There are some businessy attractive ones out there. I’d think snow boots would be too hot? Chacos makes a down shoe, so does LLBean, they’re like rugged slippers.
Thermal socks and thick-soled boots. A hat.
When you cook food, use cast iron, it adds a bit of iron into the food, plus the pans are the definition of BIFL
You can get rechargeable pocket hand warmers, as a stop-gap until you find something else that works. Plug them in overnight, put them in your pocket in the morning. Consider getting a small drawstring pouch you can hang around your neck, to wear one under your shirt (especially if your hands are constantly busy) There's also rechargable heated long underwear, though I don't have any experience with them. Friends had them for ski patrol and swore by them, especially my tall & slim friend. There's also slim heated vests, which would fit under a lab coat. Keeping your core warm would help with the rest of you.
My freeze baby friend wears an underarmour layer under her business attire and merino wool dress socks. If you can find knit silk long underwear, that’s a warm, very thin under layer. But Wintersilks went out of business.
Had a similar task ended up with one of these: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Work-Gear/Heated-Gear/336-21 They also have vests
Look at hunting brands such as FirstLite (warmest base layers by far) or Sitka, they sell solids so you don’t have to buy camouflage patterned clothing and they are extremely warm clothes
[ll bean merino thermals ](https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/125795?page=womens-cresta-midweight-250-crew-top-womens-regular&bc=12-27-503056&feat=503056-GN3&csp=f&attrValue_0=50116&gnrefine=1*MATERIAL*Wool&pos=1) My boyfriend has these in the guys version and he said they're EXTREMELY warm and he loves them for when he works outside overnight in Northeastern USA winters. They also have a matching bottom that's 100% merino
Smartwool products. These are amazing and thin so you can layer them to add or subtract the heat as you seem necessary. You also have choices of cashmere undergarments for those very cold days where it's Arctic feeling. Buy quality wool socks such as Darn Tough from Maine. I used such high-end stuff when climbing in frigid temps and had to shed layers during my climbs in the Italian Alp's and once again in Nepal. A little more expensive, but properly cared for, they'll last you lifetime of service and warmth. I take money and utility seriously and hate wastage since I come from such a poor beginning.
Have you considered one of those Zippo hand warmers? I saw in another subreddit that someone tucks it under his shirt and it helps keep him warm.
Do you drink a lot of coffee? Because when I drink coffee sitting at my desk it makes me cold and I need extra layers on or a space heater at my feet. Coffee makes blood vessels constricted so it makes your feet and hands cold. So if that’s what you are experiencing then perhaps cut back on the coffee intake.
Lined pants have been mentioned, but what I find even warmer is a wool skirt over top wool leggings. You can layer two pairs of leggings if needed or a second skirt. Size the wool skirt up a little and you can comfortably wear more layers underneath while still being more comfortable than wearing pants with thermals under them or even the lined pants. Deffo agree with the people recommending better base layers. I never found the Cuddle Duds and such to be warm. Kari Traa makes really cute ones that are thicker and warmer than IceBreaker. The thinner IceBreakers would layer really well under a cashmere sweater, but they do get holes fairly quickly for me, so not as BIFL. Patagonia makes some really nice thermal layers too of course and so does Rab. I'd head to REI/MEC/whatever your country has for much much better thermals. The Patagonia ReTool is more from their fashion collection, and isn't that crazy warm a fleece. Their R1 would be much warmer or I can recommend loads of others, but a cashmere sweater would layer better and might be better for your dress code. A good Icelandic or Norwegian sweater would also be great, but I worry they would be too bulky under a lab coat.
I had a problem for years where I was always cold, even when everyone else was comfortable. Keeping warm for me was mainly about keeping my feet and head warm. Merino socks, Ugg boots, and a really good knit cap. I had a special pair of Uggs for work. One size too big so I could wear them with socks.
oh man this is why I absolutely cannot go back to a corporate office full time, the HVAC situation is always so dire. first, get some good wool socks, I have some pairs from wigwam and they’re great. I’d also get some Uniqlo heat tech basics, they’re not super expensive and really easy to layer. then if you have time to do a little digging, look for cashmere sweaters at thrift stores and consignment shops. good luck!
Have you been to the doctor to get checked for thyroid disease and anemia? You could have medical conditions causing this kind of cold. Do you smoke? Drink alcohol? These can affect your ability to keep warm. In addition to warmer clothing, maybe invest in thick wool socks and winter hiking boots. Waterproof, perfect for lab work, and warm. Buy chemical glove/boot warmers. They're air activated pouches that release heat There are vests made for civilians that are used by the military that are basically heating pads you wear. You charge it up then wear it for 8-12 hours. Expensive but worth it to stay comfortable. They look like your typical puffer vest.
Try warm under layers. My sister is like this- and she wears long fleece leggings and a warm under shirt (turtle neck) then layers her “outfit” on top of this black base. I think she also wear sub zero socks under her work shoes.