The surprising secret behind Hallmark’s winter wardrobes

Winter in a Hallmark movie is always so much more magical than the real deal (just ask anyone who has shoveled a driveway).

But behind those snowy scenes of actors and actresses bundled up in coats, hats, and scarves is a surprising secret.

Because so many of the movies are filmed in the middle of summer, Hallmark costume designers have to do some strange things to keep everyone looking cool instead of sweaty.

“There are plenty of tricks my team and I use to keep them cool while they’re layered in wool coats and scarves,” Hallmark costumer Jaralin Detienne recently told Vogue.

She continued, “We’ll often remove sleeves from sweaters worn under coats, or create the illusion of layers, by pairing a coat with a tank top and a strategically styled scarf. Ice packs tucked discreetly within the layers are common, along with personal fans, cooling tents, and lots of de-layering between takes.”

RELATED: WHY JONATHAN BENNETT AND BRANDON ROUTH HAD TO PLAY BROTHERS IN THEIR NEW HALLMARK MOVIE

But Detienne, who has worked on dozens of Hallmark movies, including the recently released “She’s Making a List,” starring Lacey Chabert, is committed to making it all look festive and cozy on screen.

“Fashion in a great Christmas movie should feel magical, warm, nostalgic, and emotionally comforting — almost like a visual hug,” she told the outlet.

The looks aren’t chosen willy nilly either. “People are often surprised by how much storytelling goes into every wardrobe choice,” Detienne said. “Nothing is random — each look is carefully considered in relation to character development, lighting, set design, and the emotional beats of a scene.”

And yes, there is no coincidence you see certain colors pop up more than others.

“Christmas is red, green, and white,” fellow Hallmark costume designer Kathy Strachan told Vogue. “Add to this sparkle and twinkle, some gold and silver, and you have the classic Hallmark Christmas palette.”

She also noted, “The costumes for a Christmas movie have a duty to be fun! It is a time for celebration and counting one's blessings.”

When it comes to materials for the looks, cozy is the name of the game.

“Texture is just as important as color,” Detienne said. “Sequins, tweeds, velvets, flannels, and chunky knits all help sell that sense of seasonal warmth on screen.”

So the next time you’re watching a magical Hallmark Christmas movie, give a shout out to the actors sweating through their layers and the costume designers who are making it all work.

“I hope fashion plays an integral role in the magic of the holiday season, making people feel comforted and nostalgic — like curling up with a warm drink,” Detienne said.

And maybe you’ll be inspired to try a new Hallmark-style look yourself.

“If viewers feel inspired to try something new with their own wardrobes, or to embrace that sense of coziness, romance, and connection in their own lives, then the fashion has truly done its job, and so have I,” she added.