Debunking the myth: Wearing tights under pants may not keep you warmer this winter
We tend to dress in layers during winter. No one enjoys feeling chilly while waiting for a bus or walking around a Christmas market. This compels us to pile on multiple layers of clothing to guard against the cold.
7:49 PM EST, December 17, 2023
Undershirts are worn under sweaters, and tights under pants. However, does this second practice, widely popular among women, offer any real benefits? At face value, an additional clothing layer should keep us warmer. But the issue is slightly more complicated than that.
The importance of fabric
The type of material is crucial when it comes to winter clothing. It's best to opt for natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or cashmere that effectively warm the body, as others provide only a synthetic shield against the cold.
Should you wear tights under your pants?
Consider now the case of tights, predominantly made from synthetic materials like nylon, Lycra, and spandex. It's crucial to know that these tights nearly block all airflow and, therefore, pair well with skirts or dresses, shielding the legs from frost and gusts of wind. However, wearing them under pants does not necessarily make you warmer.
Synthetic tights prevent warm air from circulating between them and the pants. Therefore, wearing them is largely unnecessary, unless you choose a cotton model, which guarantees warmth in any conditions.
