What to wear
What to wear in -5 degrees (23 °F)
At -5 °C it’s properly cold: frost, icy pavements and wind that bites. Warm layers, a proper winter coat and covered hands, ears and feet make all the difference.
By Style Finder · Updated 26 October 2026
In short
- Three layers: a thermal base, a warm mid layer and an insulated coat.
- Cover your head, hands and neck: hat, gloves and scarf are essential.
- Warm, waterproof boots with grip for frost and ice.
- Wool and down are warmer than cotton.
How to layer at -5 °C
Base layer
A thermal top and, for long outdoor spells, thermal leggings.
Mid layer
A wool jumper or fleece.
Outer layer
A down or insulated coat that covers your hips, ideally with a hood.
Outfit ideas
AI illustrationGetting to work
- Thermal base layer
- Wool jumper
- Wool trousers
- Long insulated coat
- Scarf, hat and gloves
- Waterproof boots
Warm enough for the walk or the platform, smart enough once the coat comes off.
AI illustrationA winter walk
- Thermal leggings
- Fleece
- Down jacket with hood
- Thick wool socks
- Insulated boots
- Mittens
Maximum warmth for a long time outdoors.
Mittens are warmer than gloves.
AI illustrationAn evening out
- Roll-neck jumper
- Dark jeans
- Wool overcoat
- Leather gloves
- Lined boots
Smart and warm for a short walk between doors.
What to avoid
- Thin trainers and canvas shoes.
- A single thick jumper with no coat.
- Cotton next to the skin on long walks.
Questions
Warmer: 0 °C
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Rain is easier with the right coat and shoes. Everything else is about fabrics that dry fast and don’t show splashes.
