If you’re new to curling—or playing in a different club for the first time—you’ll learn this fast: curling clubs are cold. Even newer facilities hover just above freezing on the ice, and older clubs can feel straight-up glacial (Looking at you Frogtown Curling Club.).
Knowing what to wear curling is the difference between loving the game and spending two hours wondering why your toes are numb. Here’s exactly what to wear curling in cold clubs, based on what actually works on the ice.
Dress in Layers (But the Right Kind)
Curling is a weird mix of movement and standing around. You’ll be sweating while sweeping and freezing while waiting to throw. Layers let you adapt without wrecking your game.
Base Layer: Stay Dry First
Your base layer’s job is moisture control.
- Lightweight thermal or athletic base layers
- Merino wool or synthetic blends
- No cotton — once it’s wet, it stays cold
If you’re damp, you’re cold. Full stop.
Mid Layer: Warm Without Bulk (and No Fuzz)
This is where most people mess up.
Good options:
- Smooth fleece pullovers or quarter-zips
- Technical hoodies
- Lightweight insulated layers
What to avoid:
- Fuzzy fleece
- Anything that pills
- Loose fibers or novelty fabrics
Why? Because shedding fibers end up on the ice. That:
- Changes how rocks curl
- Wrecks the ice for everyone
- Makes the ice crew (and probably the other team) hate you
And yes, the ice guy will absolutely murder you with their eyes (and maybe a knife) if you’re leaving fuzz behind. You can genuinely mess up an entire game.
If it sheds at home, it sheds on the sheet. Stick to smooth, tightly woven fabrics.
Outer Layer: Cut the Cold Air
Most clubs don’t need a heavy winter coat, but if you’re curling outside or in some older clubs you might want one.
- Light insulated jackets
- Soft-shell or wind-resistant layers
- Full zips so you can vent while sweeping
Keep it stretchy though. Bulky coats restrict movement and overheat fast. You want warmth, not marshmallow-core insulation.
Pants Matter More Than You Expect
Cold legs will ruin your focus.
- Actual “Curling Pants” exist, often fleece lined and stretchy for optimal movement and warmth.
- Stretchy athletic pants
- Soft-shell pants
- Lined joggers for colder clubs
- Thermal leggings underneath if needed
Avoid jeans. They’re stiff, cold, and miserable on the ice.
Footwear: Warm, Clean, and Stable
Your feet are always on ice. Treat them accordingly.
- Curling shoes are ideal.
- Clean, dedicated indoor athletic shoes for beginners with grippers on BOTH shoes.
- Thin to medium wool socks
Skip thick socks—they can mess with balance and shoe fit.
Gloves, Hats, and Small Comfort Wins
These little things add up. If you’re skipping these can really help keep you warm throughout the game.
Gloves
- Thin gloves or grippers
- Finger-less gloves if you want better feel
- Sometimes people curl in Football Wide Receiver gloves for EXTRA grip on the broom. Probably overkill if you’re just starting out curling, though.
Headwear
- A good helmet if you’re prone to slipping or are young (junior curlers are generally required to wear helmets)
- Beanies, headbands, or ear warmers
- Especially helpful if you lose heat fast
What Not to Wear Curling
Let’s make this crystal clear:
- Bulky winter coats
- Jeans
- Cotton-only hoodies
- Anything fuzzy or shedding
- Dirty shoes (seriously, don’t do this)
Final Tips On What To Wear Curling From People Who’ve Frozen Before
- Dress warmer than you think you need
- Layers beat heavy gear every time
- Smooth fabrics protect the ice and your reputation
- Comfort improves performance more than you expect
If you’re warm and unrestricted, you’ll sweep harder, throw better, and actually enjoy being out there.
I personally curl in just an athletic t-shirt. I run hot and sweat like crazy while sweeping hard. It’s better to overdress for your first time curling till you find out how your body handles the cold.
If you’re looking for curling-inspired apparel that respects the ice (and the ice crew), that’s exactly why Stone & Broom exists. 🥌