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
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. A shirt cut from 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 cardigan can do wonders as a middle layer. Layered over a t-shirt or an Oxford shirt, it’s a great smart-casual addition to an outfit, and won't feel too heavy underneath a coat either.
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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 – 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 the weather's taken a turn and you need something a bit more sturdier, a field jacket will hit the spot. Cut from showerproof fabric, it's lightweight enough for rainy autumn weather, and can be layered on top of should the occasion call for it.
The gilet – which is actually the French word for ‘vest’ – is also 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. Thicker notch lapels add a vintage touch, and mirror standard suiting which is great if you want to use it as an extension of your workwear. It's also finished with AMF stitching as a nod to traditional tailoring techniques.
How to style your layers the right way
Layering your clothes isn’t just about piling them on. You can still look great when you style your pieces together, 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 varying tones of the same colour. For example, a grey Epsom coat 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 match with navy worker chinos, and you have a casual look that's put together and feels intentional.
As for accessories, 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 keeping fingers functioning in the cold.
Do things by halves
Use 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.
