Teaching kids the importance of dressing correctly for the temperature and weather is essential to their comfort, health, safety. It also helps build confidence to want to stay outdoors. Kids need to understand how their clothing choices impact their well-being. By making this lesson a regular part of your routine, you're helping them develop lifelong habits that will help support their love for being outside. ODSS designed the following chart as a tool for parents and teachers to help you do this! Note it pairs wonderfully with our free Dressing for Weather Teaching Tool.
Additional Tips
- Check the 'real feel', wind chill, and precipitation on your weather app for a more accurate understanding of the current conditions
- Teach tips on Layering for the elements. The goal of layering is to retain heat, wick away any moisture and keep the rain, snow, and wind out. Keep in mind your most important layer will keep you dry so ensure your outer layer is worn. Staying warm and dry is easier than trying to warm up or dry out.
- TIP! Knowing when to wear a mid layer is personal and depends on your body and the activity level but is worth paying attention to. Remember to remove your insulating (mid) layer when you start to sweat instead of your outer layer. The outer layer is what keeps weather elements out!
- Layers should be the same size and should fit your body. No need to size up or down in your layers unless it is a slim or performance cut, and your child needs a little more roominess to be comfortable. Remember, tight-fitting layers can restrict circulation and larger layers can let elements sneak in - both of these situations can cause cold to set in early.
If you want to learn more about layering, visit our layering guide.
Or click your region below to get a full breakdown on what gear we recommend for your climate.
Northern States and Canada
Northeast States
Central States
Southern States
Pacific Northwest
Hybrid States