Best Layers for Kids this Winter (by a Mom Who Knows!)

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A mom and her young daughter sit along a fence in a wintery scene wearing the best layers for the season.

Winter in Minnesota is upon us again! As temperatures plummet and the snow flies, you may be wondering how to dress kids for winter. As the Minnesota mom of an energetic adventure kiddo, layering is integral to getting outside and keeping our adventures going all season long.

In many ways, we all lead two lives in Minnesota: the life before we learn to layer, and the life afterward! Undoubtedly, learning to layer is key to actually enjoying winter in the Midwest. It is too chilly without them, and we can get really uncomfortable outside (or worse, put ourselves in danger of frostbite). You will have many options when looking for the best winter clothes for kids. To help you narrow it down, everything featured in this article is based on our experiences as a Minnesota family and what has worked for us.

Keep reading to learn about the best layers for kids this winter in Minnesota and beyond. Below, I have included a description for each layer and the brands we have used and love. Then, I’ve also shared a few tips for helping get kids dressed and into their winter gear quickly, so you can spend more time outside and having fun!

Why Layers Matter

A young girl, dressed in the best winter layers, kneels in the snow looking at swans swimming in a river in Minnesota.

In the frigid temperatures of a Minnesota winter, layers are your best adventure buddies. The key is to strike the right balance between warmth and flexibility. It’s always easier to shed a layer if you’re too warm, but adding one when you’re already out in the cold can be challenging.

Then, each layer has a function to protect your body and help you regulate your body temperature while outside. Knowing the functions will help you better mix and match the brands and styles that best fit your needs and adventures.

It’s important to note that these are my recommendations for the best layers for kids and families this winter for activities like hiking, snowshoeing, playing in the snow, sledding, etc. If you are planning something more intense (skiing, camping, etc.), or if your climate/weather differs from Minnesota, you will want to learn what is needed for your adventure and/or location. Likewise, most of my advice covers you to at least 10 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are exploring in temperatures colder than that, you will want to ensure you have added layers to keep your core and extremities warm. I’ll share more on that later.

Fabrics to Avoid

Before covering the best winter clothes for kids, I want to point out some that you must avoid. Steer clear of fabrics like cotton, jeans, and tight, non-breathable layers. These materials can trap moisture and compromise your warmth. Or, they can cause discomfort or make movement challenging. Instead, you want to focus on the layers that follow!

The Foundation: Moisture-Wicking Base Layer

A young girl climbs a tree, wearing Iksplor base layers, some of the best layers this winter for kids.

The base layer is your foundation. When you’re learning how to dress kids for winter, consider this foundation a second layer of skin. As such, the best kids’ base layers are form-fitting. While it is tempting to size up to maximize use, you will want this layer true to size.

Base layer clothing is designed to wick moisture away from your skin in all weather, but especially in colder weather. Opt for fabrics like synthetics (polyester or nylon), merino wool, or silk. If your base layer holds moisture (looking at you, cotton!), then you will start to feel really cold when you slow down or rest.

Keep in mind that if your kids have texture/sensory preferences for their clothes, your best base layer for cold weather may differ from mine. For example, silk may be better than wool. Find what works for them and keeps them comfortable. Additionally, those exploring with tweens and teens may prefer layers that are better at odor control (like merino wool).

Merino Wool, Silk, or Synthetic?

Are the best kids’ base layers merino wool, silk, or synthetic? Well, that depends on several factors, including their comfort and your budget. Some kids may naturally prefer one fabric over another. With that said, here’s a little run down of how they differ:

Synthetic: Synthetic fabrics (like polyester, nylon, and recycled polyester) absorb very little water and dry quickly. Additionally, they tend to be less expensive and more budget-friendly than the alternatives. But, they tend to retain odor, especially after multiple uses without washing in between. If that is a worry, search for options with antimicrobial treatments.
Silk: Silk is very soft and feels good. It can be a great option for low-key lounging and light hiking, especially if there are sensory concerns with the other materials. It is not as durable as the alternatives, nor is it a great option for high activity or odor-resistant needs. Of the three, it requires the most frequent laundering.
Merino Wool: Merino wool is widely considered the best base layer for hiking. While it’s often the most expensive option, many families find them well worth the cost. Merino wool is very breathable, great for temperature regulation, and is a long-lasting option. Finally, wool is naturally odour-resistant.

So what do we use? We have used a mix of synthetic and Merino wool base layers for kids and adults. While we use them somewhat interchangeably, we do tend to prefer our Merino wool base layers from Iksplor. We also really love Unbound Merino for Merino wool clothing during the cooler months.

When searching for the best winter clothes for kids, you may have also noticed that base layers (and wool socks) come in different weights. Here is a very basic review of your options to get you started:

Lightweight: moderate to cool temps (think fall/early winter)
Midweight: Cold temps (think early winter/late winter)
Heavyweight: Below-freezing temps (think much of January/February)

Add Middle Layers for Extra Warmth

A young girl hikes along a cliff in Minnesota in her fleece layer, while enjoying a beautiful November scene.

Next, comes the middle layer. This is where snow gear for kids starts to come in. Mid layers are essential for moving the extra moisture and allowing it to evaporate through the outer layer. Think of it as the conductor between the base and outer layers – it helps them communicate and get along. Fleece is an excellent choice for both tops and bottoms. Alternatively, wool and down can also be used. But for kids, I’d opt for fleece as it’s generally the most comfortable for them, and the most economical.

When you’re shopping for winter clothes for kids, the middle layer is the best layer to do on a budget as needed. Given its “job” on the layering team, even inexpensive options perform very well. This layer should not be super tight, so sizing up here would be okay. It should fit loosely, but comfortably (not baggy).

In very cold conditions (for us, that is less than 10 degrees Fahrenheit), consider adding a down vest for extra insulation. This becomes the second middle layer (over the fleece layer, but under the outer layer).

The Outer Shield: Insulated, Breathable, and Waterproof

A young girl and her mom stand together while hiking in a Minnesota winter, wearing proper layers for outdoor adventures.

Last but not least, comes the outer layer. The outer layer should be insulated, breathable, and ideally, wind and waterproof. This goes for both coats and snow pants. Think of the outer layer as your shell. I recommend investing in a down coat with warm Gore-Tex. Make sure it’s temperature-rated for the temperatures in your area. Then, coats with hoods featuring fur ruffs add an extra layer of protection for your face.

This layer should fit well, but sizing up usually isn’t too big of an issue. You just want to make sure wind cannot easily get up the coat, and that they aren’t so loose that all your warmth escapes. Additionally, the best outer layer snow gear for kids should fit easily over the base and middle layers (outer layers shouldn’t be too tight around or make movement stiff/uncomfortable).

If you’re looking for the best winter coat and snow pants for Minnesota, I have some more specific recommendations below!

Don’t Forget the Details: Socks, Boots, Gloves, and More

A young girl holds a piece of ice in her Elbow Gear gloves during the winter.

Once you have your three (or four) main layers, the next step to the best layers for kids this winter is the accessories. Complete your winter layering with the following:

Wool socks are the first step (literally and figuratively). We will also double-layer a lightweight and heavyweight sock in the coldest temperatures. Merino wool or alpaca offers the best fabric options for wool socks.
Water-resistant/waterproof boots are next (like these from Kamik for women and kids). They should fit comfortably over your socks, but not slip off when walking. If hiking, ensure they have the proper traction for your terrain. Add ice cleats if you need more traction in the snow and ice.
Insulated mittens or gloves are a must. Ensure the outer layer has some water-resistant material to keep hands dry. You can also start with a wool finger glove or mitten for an added layer on cold dates.

A young girl wears a fleece-lined hat while hiking in the winter.

Top it off with a hat that covers your ears. Adding a hat with a fur ruff over the forehead and ear flaps can further protect your face.
Add a balaclava or scarf for extremely cold days to add layering and warmth around your neck and face.

Winter Gear Recommendations from a Minnesota Outdoor Family

A mom and her young daughter walk along the snow toward Lake Superior in their winter gear.

Consider the following snow gear recommendations for kids and adults for a family-friendly winter adventure in Minnesota and other snowy locations. From the best winter coat for Minnesota to the best Merino wool base layer for kids, these are the brands that we have tried, continue to use and love, and recommend to other families. Keep reading to learn a bit more about how to dress kids for winter.

Snow Gear + Layers for Kids

Wool socks: Smartwool is always our go-to!
Long underwear/base layers: For Merino base layers, we like Iksplor. Alternatively, we like Lands End for inexpensive synthetic base layers.
Fleece layers: We prefer Lands End, LL Bean, and Patagonia.
Coats + snow pants: Lands End is our go-to for coats and snow pants. They also have a great in-store trade-in program for kid’s coats.
Gloves: Hands down, L-Bow Gear for gloves or mittens. Developed by a Minnesota-based adventure family, the gloves feature a unique design that keeps them in place and snow out. My kiddo has been using them (almost) exclusively for 4 years on all of our winter adventures. I wish I had discovered them earlier!
Hats: My daughter has a slight hat obsession, so we have a wide variety of hats. Most of them come from Lands End or LL Bean.
Boots: While a little pricier than some alternatives, we prefer Sorel or Kamik for SP’s winter boots. I’ve never once heard her complain about cold feet.

Snow Gear + Layers for Adults

Wool socks: Smartwool!
Long underwear/base layers: For Merino base layers, we still like Iksplor for adults. They even have options for nursing mothers. Alternatively, we like Lands End or LL Bean, which both have great Merino wool and synthetic base layers.
Fleece layers: We still prefer Lands End, LL Bean, and Patagonia for adults, too.
Coats + snow pants: Northface has been our go-to for adult outer layers, including coats and snow pants (I prefer bib style), for decades.
Boots: I love my Kamik, Sorel, and LL Bean winter boots. Each one has a purpose, depending on the temperature and activity. Start with a warm pair of boots that can be worn for multiple occasions, from bus stop walks to hiking.

Additional Winter Gear to Consider

A man and his young daughter snowshoe through a wintery trail in Minnesota.

Snowshoes or Cross-Country Skis if you want to add a fun sport element to your winter exploration
Kids will also love getting a snow tube for sledding!
Ice cleats are helpful on snow-covered or icy trails to maintain traction; we always use these when we hike on the North Shore!
Down vests are great for shoulder seasons or to add an extra layer. These ones from Lands End are my favorite.
Balaclavas, neck gaiters, or scarves are great for really cold days, or for various activities like dog sledding, where you may encounter more wind.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly accessories and outdoor clothes, we’ve had really great luck with Sierra. I know other families have also had success with Facebook marketplace, buy-nothing groups, etc.

How to Get Kids into Their Layers Without Too Much Fuss

A young girl in winter gear looks out onto Lake Superior.

Okay, so now that you know how to dress kids for winter (and the best layers for kids this winter), let’s talk about how to get them into their layers and get them outside. Often, the struggle to get kids into their winter gear is 80% of the battle to get outside.

When I was a little girl, my mom would set a kitchen timer in the window facing the yard after getting us all dressed (there were four of us). She would set the timer, and we had to stay outside as long as it took her to dress us. And, while that is one technique, here are a few others that have worked for us and might work for you:

Find all of the layers and equipment you will need first. Set it all out to make sure you have it, and to ensure it’s within reach when you start getting kids dressed.
Getting kids in all their layers can be stressful, wiggly, and overwhelming. Do your best to stay calm. It’s okay to step back and take a breath.
If they are having difficulty focusing and are too silly or wiggly, try different techniques to get them to focus on getting each layer on. Make it a game. Talk in a whisper. Sing. Make it somewhat silly by putting mittens on their toes and asking, “Is this right?” – this was a big hit at my house. Anything that keeps them involved and focused on getting ready.
Challenge older kids to race or a beat-the-clock situation to get their layers on. Ensure they are all done correctly, but nothing motivates some kids like a bit of competition.
For kids who do well with checklists or visuals, make one for winter gear, too.

Keep Exploring!

A girl and her dad walk around a snowy path near the lighthouse in Grand Marais, wearing the best winter layers for families.

I hope this article on the best layers for kids this winter helps you and your family have fun adventures all season long! From the best base layers to snow gear for kids and adults, this guide covers everything you need to know to get outside and stay warm. Once you learn how to dress kids for winter, the happier your family will be. There are so many benefits to getting kids outside in all seasons, don’t let the trouble of layering be the thing that stops your winter adventures. Winters in Minnesota are too long to stay inside the whole time!

Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article were taken by and belong to the blog’s author, Antonia Grant. A reminder that this post may contain affiliate links. Please read my Disclaimer & Disclosure Policy for more information.