COLD WEATHER GAME DAY GUIDE

HOW TO STAY WARM AT A COLD FOOTBALL GAME

The secret isn't simply wearing the biggest coat you own. Staying comfortable in the bleachers means managing insulation, wind, moisture and the parts of your body a normal jacket leaves exposed.

Quick answer: Start with a moisture-managing base layer, add insulation, protect yourself from wind and precipitation, and don't forget your legs, feet, hands and head. Sitting still for hours requires more protection than walking around outside.
SEE THE GAME DAY LAYERING SYSTEM
THE BLEACHER EFFECT
SITTING STILL
LESS body heat generated
MORE time exposed to wind
LONGER exposure to the weather
WHY THE BLEACHERS HIT DIFFERENT

40°F WHILE WALKING IS NOT THE SAME AS 40°F WHILE SITTING.

When you're moving, your body generates additional heat. Spectators may spend two or three hours barely moving while wind reaches areas that would normally be protected by activity or shelter.

MOVING

YOUR BODY IS WORKING

Walking, hiking and working outside continually generate heat. Your clothing system can often be lighter.

VS
BLEACHERS

YOU'RE MOSTLY STILL

Less movement means less heat production while wind and cold continue working against you.

BUILD YOUR COLD WEATHER SYSTEM

FOUR LAYERS OF GAME DAY COMFORT.

Think of your clothing as a system. Each layer has a different job.

01
BASE

MANAGE MOISTURE

Start with a synthetic or wool base layer that helps move moisture away from your skin.

Avoid relying on heavy cotton as your only base layer in cold, damp conditions.
02
WARM

ADD INSULATION

Fleece, wool or other insulating layers help trap warm air around your body.

Multiple moderate layers are often easier to regulate than one enormous layer.
03
SHELL

BLOCK WIND & RAIN

Your outer layer protects the insulation underneath from wind, rain and changing weather.

Wind protection can make a major difference when you're sitting in exposed stadium seating.
04
FULL

DON'T FORGET YOUR LOWER BODY

Warm pants and base layers help, but your thighs, knees and lower legs are still exposed if your outer layer stops at your waist.

Full-body outer coverage is especially useful when you're seated for long periods.
PROTECT MORE THAN YOUR TORSO

THE FIVE AREAS PEOPLE FORGET ABOUT.

A warm coat only solves part of the problem. Your extremities and lower body can determine how long you're comfortable in the stands.

01
HEAD & EARS Use a warm hat or insulated head covering.
02
HANDS Insulated gloves or mittens help when you're sitting still.
03
THIGHS & KNEES Often exposed below the bottom of a conventional jacket.
04
FEET Warm socks and weather-appropriate footwear matter enormously.
05
NECK & FACE A gaiter, scarf or high collar can reduce exposed skin.
IWOM WeatherShield full-body weather protection for football spectators
YOUR OUTER LAYER

WHERE THE WEATHERSHIELD FITS.

The IWOM WeatherShield is not an insulated winter parka. It's designed to serve as the weather-protective outer layer over the clothing you've already chosen for warmth.

Waterproof protection Helps protect the layers underneath from precipitation.
Wind protection Provides an outer barrier in exposed seating.
Convertible full-body coverage Extend coverage below the waist when you sit down.
Jacket mode Fold it back into jacket mode when you're walking or standing.
EXPLORE THE IWOM WEATHERSHIELD
PLAN FOR THE FORECAST

WHAT CHANGES WHEN THE WEATHER GETS WORSE?

COLD

COLD & DRY

Prioritize insulation, extremities and coverage while you're seated.

Focus: warmth + coverage
WIND

COLD & WINDY

Add a wind-resistant outer shell so moving air doesn't continually strip away warmth.

Focus: insulation + wind barrier
BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE

COLD FOOTBALL GAME CHECKLIST.

Base layer
Insulating mid-layer
Weatherproof outer layer
Warm pants / leg layers
Warm socks
Appropriate footwear
Gloves or mittens
Hat / ear coverage
Neck gaiter or scarf
Seat cushion if needed
Hand warmers
Check wind & rain forecast
AVOID THESE GAME DAY MISTAKES

WHY PEOPLE STILL GET COLD AFTER BUNDLING UP.

×

ONLY INSULATING THE TORSO

A heavy coat doesn't do much for exposed thighs, knees and lower legs.

×

IGNORING THE WIND

Thick insulation can still feel cold if wind continually moves through or around it.

×

WEARING TIGHT FOOTWEAR

Packing thick socks into tight shoes can reduce comfort and circulation.

×

FORGETTING THE FORECAST

A dry 40°F evening and a windy, rainy 40°F evening require very different outer protection.

QUICK ANSWERS

COLD FOOTBALL GAME FAQ

What should I wear to a 40-degree football game?

A good starting point is a moisture-managing base layer, an insulating mid-layer and a wind-resistant outer layer. Add warm pants or leg layers, insulated footwear, gloves and a hat. Adjust the amount of insulation based on wind, rain, game length and your personal cold tolerance.

How do I stay warm sitting in football bleachers?

Dress more warmly than you would for an active outdoor activity. Sitting generates very little additional body heat, so pay particular attention to insulation, wind protection, your lower body and extremities.

How can I keep my legs warm at a football game?

Thermal base layers and insulated pants can help retain heat. Adding an outer layer that extends over your thighs, knees and lower legs can also reduce direct exposure to wind and precipitation.

Is the IWOM WeatherShield warm by itself?

The WeatherShield is not an insulated parka. It is designed as a weather-protective outer layer. In cold temperatures, use insulating clothing underneath it.

What should I wear to a cold and rainy football game?

Combine insulating layers with a waterproof outer layer. Keeping insulation dry is important, and extended waterproof coverage can help protect areas below the waist while you're seated.

Are blankets enough for a cold football game?

Blankets can add useful warmth while seated, but they generally need to be carried separately and may provide limited protection from wind or rain. Many spectators use them as one part of a larger cold-weather system.

IWOM WEATHERSHIELD

LAYER FOR WARMTH. COVER FOR THE WEATHER.

Add waterproof, convertible full-body protection to your cold-weather game day system.