As winter sportspeople say, there's no bad weather, just the wrong clothing!
If you commute to work we suggest putting over trousers and a Rain jacket over your clothing. That will protect you from the elements without making you sweat. Don't wear too much, as you'll overheat after the first few miles of your trip.

Definitions:

• Roubaix - is a brushed lycra that resembles fleece, this helps insulate and transfer moisture.
• Wind Stopper or Windtex - is widely used in outdoor gear and as the name suggest, stops wind! It is also highly breathable.
• Neoprene - as used in wetsuits, this will absorb water and hold the body temperature. This tends to be used in very cold situations.
• Water proof - this term is used in regard to a jacket or over trousers that are made from waterproof material. Waterproof garments designed for cycling are usually lightweight, very breathable and usually very packable.
• Bib - is a term used for items with a stitched in brace. The idea is to keep the Bib Shorts or Bib Tights in one place thus reducing chaffing.
• Base Layer - this is the first and one of the most important items both in winter and summer. This fantastic item helps wick the moisture from the body and pass it onto the next layer, where it can evaporate. This helps keep your body warm in winter and cool in summer.
  Base layers are available in different weights; form very cold to hot conditions.
  This should always be the first layer, worn tight next to the skin. Never wear a cotton shirt as this will hold moisture and feel wet next to your skin. This will only get cold as you descend or stop for a break, and become very uncomfortable.
• Winter Jacket - depending on how you generally feel the cold, winter jackets come in different levels. Most if not all-good winter jackets will use a Wind Tex or Wind Stopper material on the chest and arms. Heavier warmer jackets will have this continued through out the whole jacket. The inner material will be Roubaix this helps transfer the moisture from the base layer out to help keep you feeling dry.
• Winter Tights - are made from a Roubaix material, and in some cases may have an added layer of Wind Stopper material along the front section over the knee and upper thigh. This helps to keep the body warmer, and is more suited to the Irish climate. Bib Tights hold heat in the muscles and disperse excess water.
• Arm & Leg Warmers - not a throw back to the 1980's arm and leg warmers do exactly what the name implies. Made from Roubaix Lycra they are tube shaped with a gripper on the upper. They can be removed if the weather becomes warm. Ideal for early/late summer, or for early starts when you know it will get warmer.
• Over Shoes - cycling shoes are generally vented to keep your feet cool, so during cold weather its important to cover your little piggy's to stop the onset of frost bite. Available in different material depending on how cold, example:
  Neoprene is great in wet cold climates. The neoprene will soak up water and keep your body heat helping you stay toasty.
  Wind Tex - full wind proof material. Sometimes with a waterproof coating, these are great in cold dry conditions, less bulk and sleeker fit.
• Winter Gloves - gloves are gloves I hear you cry! Cycling gloves are different, as they have to be very warm, breathable and yet bulk free. Remember you will have to change gear and apply brakes, also its important to have some padding to help absorb road shock.
  Gloves are better bought in layers, a base glove to help wick and an outer for warmth. If you get too warm, remove one pair.
• Skull Cap - Wearing a helmet is very important, but if it's cold you cannot wear a hat and the helmet. A skullcap in a Roubaix fleece hat that fits under the helmet. It is thin, warm and high wicking. Also keeps the wind out of your ears

Layers – What to wear in cold weather

• Upper Body - Long Sleeve Base Layer + Light Fleece or Long Sleeve Jersey + Windproof Jacket + spare layer if really cold
• Lower Body - Bib Shorts with Chamois + Tights
• Feet – Overshoes + Cycling Shoes + Winter socks
• Hands - Base Glove + Outer Glove
• Head – Skullcap + Helmet