Keeping warm with a body protector

[Pippity]

This is my first winter wearing a body protector, and I'm already struggling to keep warm!

What do other people do? Thermal layers underneath? (Although I've put on weight since I got it, and it's already getting harder to do up.) Layers over the top? (I'm a size 16 - if I did find anything big enough, I'd look like the bloody Michelin man!)

Or just give up riding for winter, which is seeming increasingly tempting!

 

[sarcasm_queen]

Layers underneath.
Big coat on top

 

[Tiddlypom]

Body protector on over no more than two thin layers such as an Ariat sunstopper plus a lightweight fleece.

If necessary, pop a jacket on top. The Ri-Dry waterproof/breathable jackets are designed to be roomy enough to wear over a BP, but any oversized loose fit jacket would do .

 

[The Xmas Furry]

I adjust the side lacing from my 'summer single layer mode' so I can fit my '2 to 3 layer winter mode' under without over straining the lacing. (Depths of winter is thin polo neck, then long sleeved base layer, plus possibly a zip up thinsulate type thin jacket).
Then I pop my hi viz over - depending on weather it will be a tabard, a zip up waterproof or an insulated coat. The latter 2 are sized up so they do fit over the top and do up.
I couldn't give a fig what I look like, as long as I'm safe, warm and we show up.

 

[Jambarissa]

I always wear a base layer then a lightweight jacket or gilet then my coat. So the BP can replace the mid layer or go underneath it.

The only issue I find with aBP is that if you're replacing one of your layers with it it doesn't cover below your ribs and your stomach gets cold.

Yes, I do like like the Michelin Man.

 

[Cloball]

Accept and embrace the Michelin look. I put a long sleeve top and thin hoodie or fleece under and a down gilet over the top or a bigger windproof fleece. Most importantly gloves and a a fleece buff to block any drafts makes a real difference. Husband is getting very good a buying me layers to fit over the top

 

[Spirit7]

I’ve got a super thin puffa coat I put under. It squashes to nothing !

 

[Skib]

I have always ridden in a bp and it isnt a problem.
The bp should go over a base layer but underneath everything else. I wear a shirt or a thinnish Benneton or M&S wool sweater, then the bp, then a fleece in frosty weather topped by my Musto winter riding jacket. When it isnt so cold, this time of year, I wear my Musto snug over the bp.

 

[Kunoichi73]

I do a t-shirt or a couple of thermals under mine and a softshell or waterproof jacket over it.

 

[teapot]

Thermal base layers - the M&S ones are fab if you don't want to spend too much