Shopping·12 min read

20 Winter Essentials if You’re Always Cold

Always Cold Winter Essentials
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Free People, Everlane
January 8, 2024

This post was originally published in January 2022 and has been updated.

Products you buy through our links may earn us a commission. Oh, and if something's out of stock, oops, it was there (and all prices were accurate) at time of publication.

If you’re someone who tends to feel cold more often than not, we hear you. You’re probably always trying to add layers, find a cozy place to curl up, and or prevent your toes from freezing.

To help you stay warm all day and night, whether you’re outdoors or not, we rounded up all the best winter essentials that’ll make the chilliest season more bearable. From heated slippers to a cozy sherpa sweatshirt, here’s what you need to banish that endless chill.

Everlane

A chunky wool beanie to slip on before heading out the door…

Whether you’re hanging at home or have errands to run, you can never have too many of these. From the rib-knit construction to the trendy color options, you’ll look stylish while feeling extra toasty. ($30+, Everlane)

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Warmies

A neck wrap you can throw in the microwave…

Put this in the microwave for up to 90 seconds and it’ll stay warm for up to two hours. We love the relaxing aromatherapy benefits it has thanks to the lavender. It’s perfect for days when you just can’t seem to get warm no matter what you try. ($29.99, Warmies)

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Uniqlo

A cult-favorite base layer our editors swear by…

Colder weather means stocking up on Uniqlo Heattech. This longsleeve from the line is soft, stretchy, and lined in an ultra-warm fleece fabric. They come in countless colors and style options (including turtlenecks for extra layering). Our editor wore a few on a trip to Iceland and can confirm that they helped her stay warm and retain body heat. A must-have. ($29.90, Uniqlo)

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Wayfair

A stainless steel electric teapot…

Tea obsessives, you need this. This stylish kettle comes in seven colorways and has an automatic shut-off function so you don’t need to stress about burning your house down. Plus, it has an ergonomic grip handle, a water level gauge, and a light indicator during boiling. ($79.99, Wayfair)

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Leaves of Leisure

And an herbal tea that’ll warm your body up….

You know what helps chilly hands? A hot cup of tea. Between an electric kettle and this Snow Angel tea, you’ll feel warmed up in no time. We love this one for its refreshing flavor profile that has notes of peppermint, rosehip, and spearmint. Enjoy on chilly work days at home…or do as one of our editors does and keep them in your bag. Having a cozy beverage on hand at all times = a must. ($18, Leaves of Leisure)

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sanuk beige slippers with a shearling lining
Sanuk

Slippers with a wool and tencel blend lining…

These are the definition of cozy. They’re perfect for indoor wear, but since they have supportive sugarcane foam, you can also wear them to run errands comfortably. Pro tip: If your feet get too warm while wearing, you can collapse the leather heels and wear them like backless slippers. ($85, Sanuk)

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breathable and cozy mid-calf lounge socks
Cozy Earth

Plush lounge socks to wear with winter boots…

What’s great about these is that although they’re warm, they won’t make your feet overheat. They’re made from a breathable and moisture-wicking viscose (from bamboo), so they’re a bit cooler than traditional cotton. Since they’re constructed with a certain weave, they’re safe to machine wash and won’t pill. If you don’t like them (spoiler: you will), Cozy Earth lets you return items up to 100 nights after purchase. They’ll cover shipping in the US and you’ll get a full refund. PS: Read up for our full review of Cozy Earth products. ($44/3 pack, Cozy Earth)

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large electric heating pad
Amazon

A large electric heating pad for ultimate warmth and muscle relief…

If you’ve got some soreness going on — look no further. This heating pad works to relieve your most uncomfortable aches and pains. It has four heat levels, auto shut-off after two hours, and is even machine washable (just remove the controller part). It’s big enough to use across your back or stomach, plus it’s HSA/FSA eligible. ($39.99+, Amazon)

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Amazon

Plush slippers to keep your toes toasty…

Your night in just got a lot more elevated. Throw these babes in the microwave for soothing warmth and comfort. They’re filled with millet grains and lavender, which provide extra aromatherapy. ($29.90 2-pack, Amazon)

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touch sensitive winter gloves for texting
Amazon

High-quality tech gloves so your hands aren’t numb outside…

These are touch sensitive on three fingertips and come with an anti-slip palm grip so your device won’t fall into a pile of slush. Whether you need to control your playlist for your winter run or just need to update the group chat, these are reliable gloves to have in your pocket. They also have a four-way stretch so you'll feel comfortable while on the go. ($8.95+, Amazon)

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ear-warmer headbands to wear while running outdoors
Amazon

Sporty ear-warmer headbands for chilly park jogs…

No more ‘I can’t feel my ears’ moments after a workout. These premium fleece headbands get bigger around the ear area so they’ll actually cover them and won’t accidentally slide around while you’re moving. The headband has high elasticity too, so it’ll stretch to fit your head comfortably and sit perfectly around your ponytail. No headaches or ear aches here, thank you very much. ($11.99+/2-pack, Amazon)

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black fleece-lined leggings from amazon
Amazon

Fleece-lined leggings to wear on winter hikes or as a base layer while skiing…

Yes, it’s freezing outside, but you still need your outdoor time. Being inside 24/7 is…a little confining (if you ask us). These leggings are high-waisted, have two side pockets, and have a back pocket for a key. Reviewers rave about their thickness and warmth too. ($31.99+, Amazon)

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free people
Free People

A sherpa sweatshirt to wear literally all the time…

If you’re always chilly, you know the key is to layer. This coat makes a perfect middle layer that won’t be too stifling while you’re inside. If you’re heading out, you’ll be able to still throw on a heavier parka without feeling too bulky. Since it reaches way past your butt, more of you will stay covered. ($98, Free People)

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flannel sheets from l.l.bean
L.L. Bean

Cozy sheets that’ll turn your bed into a cloud…

Scratchy sheets? No thank you. L.L.Bean works to make sure their flannel ones are velvety soft. (These have over 1,500 five-star reviews to prove it to you.) L.L. Bean’s exclusive process removes fibers from the surface of the fabric to leave it feeling ultra smooth and comfy. They come in a number of neutral color options and range from twin to California king. Sweet dreams to you. ($49.95+, L.L.Bean)

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barefoot dreams soft microfiber throw
Nordstrom

A cozy throw that’ll make any movie night feel luxurious…

It’s hard to find a comfy blanket that also looks chic on the couch. This super-soft microfiber Barefoot Dreams throw has a cult-like following for a reason. You can easily throw it in the wash without risk of pilling, shrinking, or wrinkling. Plus, it makes an ideal travel accessory. ($147, Nordstrom)

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large blanket scarf with fringe
Amazon

A blanket scarf that doubles as a shawl…

Made from a blend of viscose and modal, this scarf feels like cashmere but at a fraction of the price. The most important thing? It’s huge. The extra length gives you the ability to wrap and knot the scarf, covering up as much of your neck and chest as possible. Customers compare the feel to cashmere and say they can hardly tell the difference. Plus, it comes in nine colors. It’s a win-win. ($14.99+, Amazon)

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small personal space heater for desks or bathrooms
Amazon

A personal space heater to keep by your desk or in the bathroom…

Or wherever you tend to get a chill. If you find yourself shivering at your desk, keep this by your feet. If you hate getting out of the shower because you know you turn into a human icicle upon stepping out, let this warm the room. (Note that it’s built for small spaces, so don’t expect it to warm up your entire bedroom.) It works via ceramic coils that can heat up quickly, and has tip-over protection thanks to its extra-sturdy base. Pro tip: Be careful while using. Don’t leave it plugged in for hours or leave it turned on after you leave the room. ($17.90+, Amazon)

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winter coat with pockets and a hood from amazon
Amazon

The famous “Amazon Coat” that you’ve seen everywhere...

And for good reason. It’s ultra warm, has tons of easily accessible pockets, and has a fleece-lined hood. It’s long enough to cover your butt, so you’ll be able to wear leggings without freezing. If you’re skeptical — don’t be. It’s got over 20,000 five-star reviews. ($151.99+, Amazon)

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hand warmers
Amazon

A pack of odorless, disposable hand warmers…

These single-use warmers are great if you’re heading to an outdoor sports game, tailgate, concert, camping or fishing trip, or any sort of activity outside. You just shake to activate, slip them into your gloves, and they’ll heat up in 15 to 30 minutes. If they start to cool off, expose them to the air again and shake a bit more. Once you’re done, you can throw them directly into the trash. PS: They’re also TSA-approved, have an estimated shelf life of three to four years, and can provide heat for up to 10 hours. ($6.99/10-pack, Amazon)

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Fingerless gloves
Amazon

Warm gloves you can convert into mittens…

If you don’t like the limitations of regular gloves, fingerless is the way to go. You can fold back the top half and let your fingers roam free. And if your hands are always freezing even indoors, you’ll be able to text and type more comfortably, grasp items, and handle things with more care. When you’re ready to head outside, just fold the top back down and you’re set. And if these mitten flaps feel a bit bulky, check out these sleek cashmere gloves. ($15.99+, Amazon)

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