As the UK braces for a severe cold snap with temperatures forecast to drop as low as minus nine degrees Celsius and widespread snow and ice warnings, a woman from Russia has stepped in with crucial advice on how to dress for the bitter winter. Anastasia Ova took to TikTok to share her expertise, claiming that many Brits lack the know-how for proper cold-weather dressing.
The 'No Air' Principle for Ultimate Warmth
Anastasia's first and most important tip focuses on eliminating gaps where cold air can penetrate. She advises wearing tight-fitting clothing rather than loose, baggy items, even if they seem cosy. "There should be no air," she emphasised in her video posted on 5 January 2026.
She recommends tucking trousers into boots and avoiding ankle socks to prevent chilly winds from reaching the skin. The goal is to create a sealed environment, similar to a scuba diving suit, where sleeves are tight against gloves and no drafts can enter.
Mastering the Art of Layering
The second pillar of her advice is comprehensive layering. Anastasia stresses that warmth isn't just about the top half of your body. She suggests wearing fleece tights under trousers for an extra insulating layer on the legs.
"Bottom is very important," she stated, also advising a long coat that covers the bottom. She humorously noted that winter is "not a season to be sexy," prioritising practicality over fashion to effectively fend off the cold.
Finishing Touches and International Debate
Finally, Anastasia insists on completing the outfit with a warm hat and gloves. If wearing knitwear, she says it must cover the neck, or a scarf should be added.
Her tips sparked a lively debate in the comments, with viewers from other cold climates offering contrasting perspectives. One Swede argued that "The air is a part of the insulation. Wear layers and keep air in between. It's NOT supposed to be tight." A Canadian contributor recommended mittens over gloves for better warmth.
Some UK-based viewers questioned the advice's applicability to British winters, where indoor heating is often very high. One comment read: "I have to dress for the damn buildings I'm going into here, not the weather outside." In response, a Norwegian viewer suggested the classic Nordic solution: layering office-appropriate clothes under practical outdoor wear and keeping spare shoes at work.
Others pointed out the climatic differences, with one person stating: "You realise we don't have the same winters as you right? Like worst case scenario for us is zero Celsius." Despite the debate, Anastasia Ova's recommendations provide a focused strategy for Brits looking to tackle the unusually harsh winter forecast head-on.
