How to master the art of layering
Beat winter at its own game.
Living in the UK often means we find ourselves experiencing four seasons in one day. This means that mastering the art of layering – and thus successfully regulating your body temperature – is a worthwhile skill. However, it’s not without its pitfalls: layering incorrectly can result in a lumpy, unbalanced look that will make you feel stiff and uncomfortable too. Here’s how to do it the right way.
The base layer
You should always start with the thinnest layer first (the one that sits next to your skin) and work outwards, so your choice of fabric is vital. A merino zip neck polo is the perfect starting point, but you might also want to consider something a little more substantial such as a long-sleeved merino polo.
You can also choose one with a decent amount of wool, such as our merino mock neck, as it’s naturally brilliant at regulating your temperature and will also wick away moisture (if you’ve ever experienced trapped cold sweat against your skin, you’ll understand why this is so good).
The mid layer
Next, you need a mid-layer to help trap body-warmed air. An Oxford shirt in cord or brushed cotton will sit snugly on top of your base layer without adding too much bulk.
Alternatively, a zip neck jumper sits nicely on the body and won’t feel too bulky – ours is made from merino that has a super-soft hand feel, so you won’t have to worry about feeling chilly on weekend walks.
If you prefer something you can take off and on with ease, a lightweight overshirt do wonders as a middle layer. Layered over a t-shirt or or mock neck jumper, it’s a great smart-casual addition to an outfit. Merino is naturally brilliant at regulating your temperature and will also wick away moisture (if you’ve ever experienced trapped cold sweat against your skin, you’ll understand why this is so good).
The mid-top layer
In the heart of winter a thick coat is naturally the go-to, but there are plenty of other options for those in-between days where it’s not quite cold enough for heavy outerwear.
Overshirts and shackets are layering essentials, and staples in any transitional wardrobe. Choose a lightweight one for less bulk, like our light camel overshirt. Crafted from a wool cotton blend, it wears well over t-shirts, button downs or thin knits depending on the temperature, and sharpens your silhouette so you always look put together. If you like your fabrics a bit weightier, a jacket made from tweed or moleskin will lock in a bit more warmth and add a smart touch to your look .
The gilet – which is actually the French word for ‘vest’ – is a great piece of winter kit. Whether you wear it under your coat or throw it over a smart shirt, this no-brainer will kick your layering credentials up a notch. Pick one in a tech-packed fabric to help lock warmth in.
The top level
And now, the star of the show – the warm top layer.
Though a trench coat or raincoat may not be your first choice when it comes to cooler weather, the shower resistant, cotton-rich fabric is ideal for when the clouds come rolling and our unpredictable British sets in. It’s a versatile piece of outerwear that works just as well with suiting as it does with casualwear – see more ways to style your trench coat here.
As for slightly thicker options, a pea coat and an overcoat are both solid winter investments. Blended with cashmere, the wool overcoat is a smart-casual staple. Thinner notch lapels mirror standard suiting which is great if you want to use it as an extension of your workwear. As for the peacoat, the thicker lapels and double-breasted closure makes it feel like a thicker version of a suit jacket, adding a touch of smartness to any outfit.
How to style your layers the right way
Layering your clothes isn’t just about piling them on. You can still stay looking stylish when you layer your outfits, and here’s how.
Dress for the occasion
Keep things smart for weekday commutes by wearing layers in a similar tone to your suit. An overcoat like an epsom, however, goes with everything – and will enhance any outfit, whether you’re heading to work or going out for evening drinks.
Go tonal
Tonal dressing is a great way to create a coherent look using variating tones of the same colour. For example, a grey epsom becomes an extension of your suit, especially when worn over a black or deep grey cotton shirt.
Add a navy trucker jacket over a sky blue roll neck jumper and matching worker chino, and you have a casual look that is put together and feels intentional.
A silver-blue textured tie provides a focal point on a head-to-toe grey outfit, while black leather gloves subtly pick out a check suit’s pattern all while keep fingers functioning in the cold.
Do things by halves
No, not half-heartedly, but by using tailored separates to create a whole new look.
Turn your oatmeal epsom into one part of a winter suit by skipping the jacket and pairing it with tailored trousers in the same shade. On really cold days, layer in a chunky cable roll neck knit for a modern (and warm) take on business casual.
