A windbreaker on its own is a light layer. But a shell is exactly what you want on the outside on a cold, windy day: it stops the wind from cutting through what is underneath. Layer it right and a windbreaker set works well into winter.
Why a windbreaker works for layering
Wind is what makes cold feel colder. A tightly woven shell blocks it, and the warm layers you wear underneath hold your body heat. That is the same idea as most winter outdoor gear: warm inside, windproof outside.
Top half: three layers
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Base: a long-sleeve tee or thermal.
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Middle: a heavy hoodie or a fleece. The relaxed Orbit jacket has room for a hoodie underneath, and the hood can go over the hoodie's hood.
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Outside: the windbreaker jacket, zipped up. On the coldest days, wear a short puffer over the hoodie instead and keep the windbreaker pants.
Bottom half
The Orbit pants are cut relaxed and straight, so thermal leggings or long johns fit underneath. The elastic drawstring waist means you can wear them over a base layer without a squeeze.
Head, hands and feet
Best colors for winter
Dark colors hide salt and slush: Black Stone, Redline, Midnight Camo, Mocha and Olive Green. Save Arctic White for dry days, and see how to wash a windbreaker if it gets dirty.
Shop all windbreaker sets.
Questions people ask
Can you wear a windbreaker in winter?
Yes, as the outer layer over a hoodie or fleece. On its own it is too light for real cold.
What do you wear under a windbreaker?
A long-sleeve base layer and a heavy hoodie or fleece on top; thermals under the pants.
Should you size up for layering?
If you plan to wear a thick hoodie underneath, compare the chest measurement in the size guide and size up if you are between sizes.
Keep reading
How to Layer a Windbreaker Set for Cold Weather
A windbreaker on its own is a light layer. But a shell is exactly what you want on the outside on a cold, windy day: it stops the wind from cutting through what is underneath. Layer it right and a windbreaker set works well into winter.
Why a windbreaker works for layering
Wind is what makes cold feel colder. A tightly woven shell blocks it, and the warm layers you wear underneath hold your body heat. That is the same idea as most winter outdoor gear: warm inside, windproof outside.
Top half: three layers
Bottom half
The Orbit pants are cut relaxed and straight, so thermal leggings or long johns fit underneath. The elastic drawstring waist means you can wear them over a base layer without a squeeze.
Head, hands and feet
Best colors for winter
Dark colors hide salt and slush: Black Stone, Redline, Midnight Camo, Mocha and Olive Green. Save Arctic White for dry days, and see how to wash a windbreaker if it gets dirty.
Shop all windbreaker sets.
Questions people ask
Can you wear a windbreaker in winter?
Yes, as the outer layer over a hoodie or fleece. On its own it is too light for real cold.
What do you wear under a windbreaker?
A long-sleeve base layer and a heavy hoodie or fleece on top; thermals under the pants.
Should you size up for layering?
If you plan to wear a thick hoodie underneath, compare the chest measurement in the size guide and size up if you are between sizes.
Keep reading