A Chicago mom’s simple winter coat tip is dividing the internet after her TikTok video racked up millions of views.
> At a Glance
> – Jessica Alzamora’s fur-tucking hack shows tucking fur hood lining inside to protect ears from cold
> – She learned the tip from her children’s pediatrician five years ago and swears by it for Chicago winters
> – The December 14 TikTok sparked heated debate about the “proper” way to wear fur-lined hoods
> – Why it matters: This could change how millions stay warm in extreme cold weather
One viral video has transformed how people think about their winter coats. Jessica Alzamora, a 37-year-old Chicago mother, posted a TikTok demonstrating what she calls a “survival-level cold” hack that has the internet buzzing.
The Controversial Hack
Alzamora’s method is surprisingly simple. Instead of letting the fur lining frame your face, she tucks it inside the hood to create a warm barrier around your ears.
“It was one of those random tips that sounded a little funny at first, but once I tried it, I was like… okay, this actually works,” she tells News Of Los Angeles.
The video, posted when Chicago hit 8 degrees, shows her demonstrating the technique with the caption: “You’re wearing your winter coat wrong.”
The Great Debate
The response was immediate and divided. Supporters called it “genius” and wondered why they’d never learned this before. Critics argued the fur was designed to face outward, pointing to historical examples of Indigenous peoples wearing it that way to break wind and trap snow.
Alzamora remains diplomatic about the controversy:
> “If you’re warm, you’re winning. I think there are a lot of ways to do things, and people should stick with what works for them.”
When to Use the Hack
Alzamora reserves this method for extreme conditions:
- Below 30 degrees: She uses the fur-tucking method
- 30 degrees or warmer: She wears it normally
- Survival-level cold: This hack becomes essential in Chicago winters
She’s spotted strangers using her technique on the street, which she finds both surprising and satisfying. “Yup, that person is nice and warm,” she thinks when she sees it.
Key Takeaways
- Tucking fur inside hoods provides ear insulation in extreme cold
- The method works best in sub-30 degree temperatures
- Historical design kept fur outward to break wind and trap snow
- Personal comfort matters more than “correct” wearing methods
As winter deepens across the country, Alzamora’s practical advice offers a new option for those facing brutal cold snaps.
