Winter clothing getting smaller, lighter

CINCINNATI - The days of simply donning your favorite pair of sweats and puffy coat to face the winter cold are long gone. The art of surviving the cold has become not only very scientific but fun too!

Synthetic materials have trimmed away the bulkiness of cold weather gear. The result is the clothing available is much more performance friendly, light-weight and effective.

High technology microfibers help to keep moisture away from the inside of the clothes and away from our skin keeping us not only dry but warmer.

If high fashion is your thing there is plenty of that too. Head to the slopes these days and you will find a dizzying array of colors and design that will set you as far apart from the crowd as you want to be.

Fashion has not lost function though. In fact, design elements are used to help encourage young kids especially to wear warm clothes to defend against the cold.

All the research and science is great but don't forget what mom always told you, dress in layers! Surviving the cold of Old Man Winter is all about preparation and wearing the right clothes is a great start.