It's 38 degrees. The sun set an hour ago. Your kid is standing on a field in a cotton hoodie, shivering through drills while you watch from the car wondering why you didn't pack better layers.
Winter practices and early-spring games are brutal. The weather is unpredictable, the fields are cold and damp, and kids have zero interest in dressing appropriately until they're already miserable.
But here's the thing: layering for cold-weather sports isn't complicated. It's just different from regular winter dressing. Your kid needs to stay warm while moving, not overheat, and still be able to actually play their sport.
Once you understand how layering works, you can build a kit that keeps them comfortable from November through April without buying a new wardrobe every season.
The Layering System (Quick Explanation)
Effective cold-weather layering has three jobs:
Base layer: Wicks sweat away from the skin. This is the most important layer. If sweat stays on the skin, your kid gets cold fast.
Mid layer: Traps heat. This is the insulation. It keeps body warmth close without adding bulk.
Outer layer: Blocks wind and moisture. This protects against the elements without turning your kid into a marshmallow who can't move.
Not every practice needs all three layers. A 45-degree day might just need a base layer and a light jacket. A 25-degree morning practice needs the full system. The key is having options so you can mix and match based on conditions.
Base Layers: The Foundation
The base layer is where most parents go wrong. Cotton t-shirts and regular underwear trap moisture against the skin. Once your kid starts sweating (and they will), that moisture turns cold. Now they're wet and freezing.
What to look for:
→ Moisture-wicking synthetic fabric (polyester, nylon) or merino wool
→ Fitted but not tight (needs to stay close to the skin to wick effectively)
→ Long sleeves for upper body, full-length for legs in serious cold
Compression tops work great as base layers. They're designed to fit snugly, wick moisture, and move with the body. Most athletic kids already like the feel of compression gear, so this is an easy sell.
Thermal base layer sets are another solid option, especially for the coldest days. Look for lightweight options marketed for sports or outdoor activity, not the heavy waffle-knit stuff meant for sitting around.
Merino wool base layers are pricier but worth it for kids who run cold or have sensitive skin. Merino regulates temperature better than synthetics and doesn't hold odor. It's an investment, but one shirt lasts for years.
Mid Layers: The Warmth
The mid layer's job is insulation. It traps warm air close to the body without adding so much bulk that your kid can't swing a bat or kick a ball.
What to look for:
→ Lightweight fleece or performance polyester
→ Athletic fit (not baggy)
→ Easy to remove if they overheat
Quarter-zip fleece pullovers are the classic choice. They're warm, breathable, and the zip gives kids some temperature control without having to fully remove a layer. Look for lightweight or "microfleece" options rather than heavy expedition-weight fleece.
Performance hoodies made from athletic fabric (not cotton) work well too. Kids love hoodies, and the hood adds extra warmth for ears and neck when needed. Just make sure the fabric is moisture-wicking, not the heavy cotton kind that absorbs sweat.
For extremely cold days, a lightweight puffer vest adds core warmth without restricting arm movement. Vests are underrated for sports. They keep the torso warm while leaving arms free for throwing, swinging, and catching.
Outer Layers: The Protection
The outer layer blocks wind and rain. On dry, calm days you might skip it. On windy, wet, or seriously cold days, it makes all the difference.
What to look for:
→ Wind-resistant and water-resistant (not necessarily waterproof)
→ Breathable so sweat can escape
→ Lightweight and packable
Wind-resistant athletic jackets are the workhorse here. Look for something thin and packable that blocks wind without trapping heat. Many are marketed as "warm-up jackets" or "track jackets."
Lightweight rain jackets handle wet conditions and double as wind protection. The key is breathability. A fully waterproof rain jacket that doesn't breathe will leave your kid soaked from sweat instead of rain.
For the coldest, nastiest days, a softshell jacket combines wind resistance, water resistance, and some insulation in one layer. These are bulkier than a simple wind jacket but can replace both the mid and outer layer when it's truly brutal out.
Don't Forget the Extremities
Layers only help so much if your kid's hands, ears, and neck are exposed.
Lightweight running gloves are thin enough to maintain grip and dexterity while keeping fingers from going numb. Look for touchscreen-compatible options so they can use their phone without removing them.
Fleece headbands or ear warmers cover the ears without the bulk of a full hat. Some kids hate hats because they feel too hot or mess with their vision. Headbands solve that.
Neck gaiters are incredibly versatile. They can be worn around the neck, pulled up over the chin and mouth, or used as an ear covering. One piece of fabric, multiple uses. Most kids will actually keep these on, unlike scarves.
For really cold days, a lightweight beanie makes a huge difference. Heat escapes from the head fast. Even kids who resist hats usually come around when it's genuinely cold.
The "Keep in the Bag" Essentials
Cold-weather conditions are unpredictable. A sunny 50-degree afternoon can turn into a windy 40-degree evening by the end of practice.
Build a small cold-weather kit that lives in your kid's sports bag:
→ One moisture-wicking base layer top
→ One lightweight fleece or quarter-zip
→ One packable wind jacket
→ One pair of running gloves
→ One neck gaiter
This doesn't take up much space, and it means they're prepared for whatever the weather throws at them. No more shivering in a cotton hoodie because "it was warm when we left the house."
What to Avoid
Cotton everything. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it. It's the enemy of cold-weather sports. Save the cotton hoodies for post-game.
Bulky winter coats. Your kid can't move in a parka. Layering lighter pieces gives warmth with mobility.
Overdressing. Kids generate a lot of heat when they're active. It's better to start slightly cool and warm up than to start sweating immediately. When in doubt, one less layer than you think.
Ignoring the base layer. Parents often focus on the outer layer because it's visible. But the base layer does the most work. A good base layer under a mediocre jacket beats a cotton t-shirt under an expensive coat.
The Bottom Line
Cold-weather layering is a system, not a single piece of gear. Base layer wicks moisture. Mid layer traps heat. Outer layer blocks wind and wet. Extremities get covered.
Once you've got the basics, your kid can handle November practices and March games without complaining (too much) about the cold.
Start with a good base layer. That's the foundation. Add a mid layer and outer layer based on conditions. Keep a small kit in the bag for when the weather changes.
Nobody should be shivering through practice in a cotton hoodie. Now they don't have to.
Ian Goldberg is the CEO of Signature Media and the Editor of the largest and fastest growing sports parenting newsletter. He's been recognized as an industry expert by the National Alliance for Youth Sports, the US Olympic Committee's Truesport, and the Aspen Institute's Project Play. Ian is also a suburban NJ sports dad of two teenage daughters and has over 2,000 hours of volunteer time coaching them (which he calls the most fun form of R&D for his newsletter content). Ian and his team provide players, coaches, parents and program directors with the articles and content they need to have a great sports season. Ian has spent most of his career in digital product development and marketing and got his start at the White House where he worked for the economic advisors to two US Presidents.
