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NOTE: I originally posted this in the winter of 2021 and updated and edited this in the winter of 2024-25. I still wear a lot of these same things but please check the updated Extended size outdoor clothing and gear list for current links. I live in the Northeast. I specifically live within an hour and a half of Buffalo, NY. If you know anything about Buffalo, it’s probably that it gets a lot of snow. That’s because our location is directly to the east of Lake Erie and that means we get lake effect snow. (So far, as of this edit in December of 2024, we have had two big lake effect snow storms. This is due to Lake Erie, still being warmer than the surrounding land). Living here means that if I want to go outside in the late fall and winter months, there is a chance there will be snow, and I’ve got to dress for the weather. I know so many people that have said that they hated the cold until they started dressing for the weather. Whether you are snowshoeing, skiing, hiking, building a snowman or walking your dog, you may benefit from some of these tips. Below I’ll share clothing and gear I have used to stay comfortable as a plus size/fat person, when it’s cold and I want to get outside. First of all, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get out there. Yes, there is technical clothing made for cold weather which can cost big bucks. These things are well made and will last a long time. However, if you’re just starting to explore winter outside, or if you don’t have a lot to spend, there are ways to dress so that you’re comfortable outside. The two main things to remember are:
One way to get outside in the winter and not spend a lot is to purchase athletic clothing that is made out of synthetic material. Synthetic is always going to be less expensive than down or wool (two common materials used for warmth). Layering a couple of pairs of athletic leggings or long sleeve shirts may be enough to keep you warm. Remember though, they won’t be waterproof but they should help wick away moisture from your skin. When I first started getting into snowshoeing, I found some long sleeve wicking tops in the “athletic section” at Wal-Mart for around $10. I bought a few different colors and that’s what I wore as my base and mid layers. Another lower price option is Old Navy. I have a pair of their fleece lined leggings (linked below). If you type in “base layers” in the search bar on the Old Navy website, you will find some tops and bottoms that are a reasonable price for all genders. (Although I recognize that Old Navy and many of other stores that carry low price clothing can be problematic, I also recognize that not everyone has the ability to spend a lot of money on clothing and gear and EVERYONE that wants to, should be able to enjoy the outdoors). So why is it important to layer? If you wear several light weight or thinner layers instead of a couple of thicker layers, you have better control of your temperature. If you are downhill skiing, or it’s in the single digits and you’re walking your dog or something, it makes more sense to wear thicker and not as many layers since you might not work up as much warmth when skiing downhill or walking your dog on the sidewalks. Winter activities like snowshoeing, cross country skiing and hiking can really work up some heat. When you’re moving the added drag of going through snow can get the blood pumping. When you start getting warm, it’s a good idea to take off layers to help prevent sweating as much as possible. If you stop moving for any reason ( including for an emergency) you will get colder much faster and stay much colder if you have been sweating. When you stop moving, you can put on the layers that you took off to help stay at a comfortable temperature. Why is it important to stay away from cotton? Cotton holds moisture close to the skin and will stay wet if you sweat at all. When you stop moving, you will get colder faster and that can lead to hypothermia. Synthetic and wool fabrics help to wick the moisture away from your skin Wearing moisture wicking materials is the best choice for most outdoor activities anytime, but it’s especially important in the winter.  An important note: Outdoor clothing and gear are very personal choices. There is also a lot of trial and error to find out what works best for you. I’ve changed things over the years as my activities have changed and my body has changed. I’m going to be sharing what my current go tos are for outdoor winter fun as a suggestion of things that might work for you too. Feel free to always reach out. Here is a list of brands that that carry extended size outdoor clothing and gear. I always add to it when I find new stuff. Please share with me any brands that I don’t have on this list, that you love. What I wear: * Below is what I would wear to snowshoe, hike or cross country ski for several hours, as of the winter of 2021-22 in 20-30 degree Fahrenheit (-7 to -1 C) temps. I would add or subtract layers depending on temps and precipitation. Remember, snow will get your stuff wet so if it’s likely to snow when you go out, make sure you have waterproof layers over your warm stuff (especially if it’s down). Also, I am a warm person generally, so if you run cold, you may want to add a layer if you’re following my suggestions. I usually wear a 3XL on top and a 2XL/3XL on the bottom in “women’s” clothes. I’ll link the actual clothing I have unless it’s no longer made and then I’ll link something similar. I have gathered this stuff over time too so unless you’ve got money to burn, take your time building up. First, on top:
On the bottom:
Additional:
 older weather additions:
A few additional cold weather tips. Bring a thermos of your favorite hot beverage with you to drink. Especially if you find it hard to drink cold liquids in the winter. I usually bring regular water on my hike/snowshoe etc. and leave a thermos of hot tea in my car for the drive home. It is so nice to have that waiting back at my car. Don’t forget to hydrate in the winter, the same as you do in the warmer months especially if you’re out for a long time or working up some heat. If you’re going out when it’s well below freezing, and you use a water bladder and hose (like a Camelbak), the hose can easily freeze. Sometimes blowing into the tube after you drink can reduce the likelihood of that happening but I choose to use either an insulated bottle or a Nalgene bottle. If you carry the Nalgene upside down, if the water starts to freeze, it will do so from the bottom (now the top) so that the part you drink from freezes last and you can still drink from it. This is just what I wear and what I do. I’m not coming here as an “expert” but as someone who has done this for many years. There are as many ways to dress as there are people out there so find what works for you. These are just suggestions and a possible place to start if you are wondering “what in the world should I wear to be outside in the winter?” I hope that this inspires you to get out and enjoy the winter in some way. If you can’t beat it, join it?
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