06-02-2025
Go-To Warming Products Recommended By People Who Work In Frigid Temps
If you've ever wandered down a busy street in a neighborhood like Williamsburg, Brooklyn, or Manhattan's SoHo and been greeted by the sight of a towering painted-on image adorning a building several stories high, you may have encountered the work of Colossal Media.
'Sometimes painting outside is as active as a session at the gym, and other times it's as stationary as typing at a desk,' said Colossal painter Daniel Levin. 'Except you're five stories up on the side of a building with wind howling down Houston street at a steady 15-miles-an-hour from the same direction the entire day.'
In those conditions, you can imagine how important the right clothes and accessories are to Colossal's team of artists, or 'walldogs.'
Levin said that, in order to stay warm, he depends on wearing layers of varying materials (like cashmere and wool) and thicknesses, along with high-quality bases.
Levin, along with his fellow New York City-based artists, gave me a list of cold-weather essentials that have come in clutch this winter season and in years past. Whether you're commuting in inclement weather or prepping for an arctic blast, you'll definitely find cozy comfort in this selection of painter-approved socks, jackets, shoes, and more.
1. A set of men's microfiber base layers
Amazon
When it comes to base layers, Michel said he uses microfiber underpants beneath a pair of snowboard pants. We found this pair of thermal microfiber underwear that's not only fleece-lined for superior warmth but offers an ultra-flexible four-way stretch and moisture-wicking comfort. Available in 18 color options, this set is available in sizes XS–3X.
Get them from Amazon for $27.98.
2. A pair of fleece-lined cargo pants
Wrangler
"Fleece-lined cargo pants can be found cheap and keep pockets accessible when wearing a harness and thick gloves," Levin said of this affordable pair from Wrangler. "I don't spend a lot on these because I'm going to trash them with paint in one or two seasons."
These relaxed fit pants have a polyester fleece lining and come in five colors and men's sizes 30–42.
Get them from Amazon for $30.23+.
3. Carhartt fleece-lined work cargos
Carhartt
Another fleece-lined cargo option suggested by both Taylor and Caruso are these durable work pants by Carhartt, which come in a ripstop exterior. They promise the brand's Rugged Flex stretch technology, which moves with the wearer, in addition to providing warmth.
Get them from Carhartt for $69.99 (available in men's waist sizes W30–W44 and four lengths).
4. A pair of Bludstone Chelsea boots
For painter Samara Nelson, these Chelsea work boots by Blundstone, a versatile footwear company with a longstanding reputation for reliability, are a frequent staple in her winter wear rotation.
According to her, boots are tricky for most women in this industry because few work boot brands fit smaller feet. "But I swear by the leather Blundstones as waterproof, all-weather everyday boots," Nelson said, adding that in the winter, she uses the brand's sheep's wool footbed inserts for added warmth.
These leather boots, which use a brand-exclusive system that disperses shock and reduces skeletal stress, are both heat- and slip-resistant and have a steel-toe design for protection in relevant work environments. They are available in both men's and women's sizing.
Get them from Blundstone for $204.95 (available in men's sizes 4–14 and women's sizes 6–16).
5. A pair of down utility pants
Amazon
Painter Armando Balmaceda said down-filled garments are lightweight yet supreme options for warmth. He likes these down utility snow pants, which have five pockets plus an adjustable elastic waist and can be compressed down for super-easy travel. Made with a water- and wind-proof exterior, they are available in four colors and gender-neutral sizes XXS–XXL.
Get them from Amazon for $57.99+.
6. A fleece-lined jacket
Carhartt
"[An] outer shell is the most important in our industry and gets beat up the most, so those have to be heavy-duty," Nelson said. According to her, they can help cut wind chill and can be worn over a down jacket.
"[The] fleece-lined Carhartt duck-washed canvas jacket is waterproof and adds some extra insulation," Nelson said of this tough and durable coat, which features an attached sherpa-lined hood with a hidden drawcord. Grab this in five colors and sizing for both men and women.
Get it from Carhartt in women's for $129.99 (available in sizes XS–3X) or in men's for $129.99+ (available in sizes S–4XL and Tall L–3XL)
7. A heated full-zip fleece
Ororo
Painter Harrison Cencer suggested this heated zip-up by Ororo that's made from a breathable fleece material and comes in options for both men's and women's sizing. "This is a battery-powered heated jacket that I wear underneath my outer layers on any extremely cold day," Cencer said. "It doesn't keep the cold out, but it heats itself to keep the warm in. I layer thicker down jackets and a windbreaker on top of it to really seal in the heat. It's already served me so well this winter.'
