How to Dress for the Frigid Cold at the Bus Stop

"Old Man Winter" will soon be upon the United States, and it could have an extra "bite" or two for riders of buses as they stand at their bus stops. Frigid air threatens both comfort and health, but proper clothing can keep bus riders warm and dry while waiting outside for their transportation to arrive. Whether your concern is for yourself, since the bus is your ride to work, or for your kids, who ride the bus to school, keep the cold outside and the warmth inside while waiting for the bus.

Dress in Layers

• Insulate yourself against the cold at the bus stop by dressing in loose-fitting layers, which help retain the heat and keep you warm in brutal temperatures. Another advantage of wearing layers is that you can remove articles of clothing if you get too hot after going inside. You can still sweat in the wintertime, which can cause a chill. Avoid perspiration by making your first layer a lightweight wicking-type shirt, made from polyester, nylon or silk, which you wear right against your skin. Wear a sweatshirt, fleece pullover or knit sweater as your second layer; top off with a water- and wind-resistant coat. Legs won't shiver when you dress in thermal "long john" underwear or wicking athletic wear worn under wool slacks or water-resistant athletic, wind or snow pants.

Cover Your Hands

• Mittens keep hands warmer than gloves. Your fingers will share their heat with each other and turn the mitten into a cozy cocoon for your hand. Your mittens should have a toasty warm lining underneath a wind and waterproof shell. Longer cuffs help provide additional heat and prevent any area of the wrist from being exposed to freezing air.

Protect Your Feet

• Take care to not overdress your feet; too many pairs of bulky socks can impede circulation by confining the toes and resulting in numb "little piggies." Toes are very vulnerable to frostbite. Like your fingers, they need wiggle room to generate body heat. Wool or polyester socks are good options, but moisture-drinking cotton socks can quickly turn damp and uncomfortable. Avoid so much layering that you have to force your feet into shoes or boots. Lined, waterproof boots offer the best protection for your feet and lower legs. Footwear should have rubber, slip-resistant soles, especially if you trudge through icy and snowy conditions to get to the bus stop.

Wear a Hat and Scarf

• A large portion of your body heat escapes from your head, so keep the warmth inside by donning a hat. A wool hat with ear flaps or a wool knit ski cap pulled down over your ears will provide excellent protection against frigid temperatures. Wrap a wool scarf around your neck and lift it to cover your mouth and chin if necessary. You can add even more warmth by tucking some of the scarf inside the front of your coat.

Remember Your Eyes

• Sunglasses aren’t just for summertime and the tropics. Sunshine on snow can create an intense glare, so protect your eyes from strain, watering and wind-dryness with a pair of shades.