What I Wear to Stay Warm During Winter With Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome

It’s that time of year again. Time to head to your attic or the back of your closet and dig up your winter wardrobe. Until next season, Banana Republic summer shift! A few tears shed. For most people the coming holiday season is something they look forward to. Please don’t get me wrong: I love wintertime. It’s my body that fights against the colder temperatures. I look forward to the coming season as well, but know that I will be in more pain and have chills, dislocations and a dull body ache that seems to never end due to Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and other comorbid conditions.

• What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome?
• What Are Common Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Symptoms?

Here are some of my tips for how to dress from head to toe with falling temperatures and chronic illness.

Hats: I have a plain fleece plum-colored hat by Columbia that matches my jacket, but I find myself mysteriously attracted to the ones with the tassels on top.

Wintered Headbands: Faux fur headbands equals no need to brush my hair! Winning!

Ear Muffs: My ears are always freezing.

Scarves: Blanket, faux cowl neck… the choices for scarves are endless. I am starting a holiday collection of blanket scarves. No, but in all seriousness, I adore blankets that lead a double life as a scarf!

Ski Parka: Invest in a good quality jacket that will last a few winters. For example, my jacket from The North Face is six years old.

Gloves: I have learned that even with gloves, Raynaud’s phenomenon turns my hands pretty shades of blue and bright red.

Dresses: Several companies make dresses with long sleeves and three-quarter sleeves that pull on over your head.

Tunics: Try this staple in long sleeves or a waffle weave.

Thermal Underwear: This is a winter staple. Hello, Under Armour!

Leggings: They come in bright holiday patterns! Who doesn’t want to wear a pair of leggings with gingerbread on them?!?

Boots: Umm, black, of course! Non-skid sloes.

Slippers: Preferably ones with non-skid sloes.