If you’re a man who wants to venture out into the world on a day of unpredictable weather, it’s worth spending some time exploring the process of layering first. Even a little study of this art can offer tremendous benefits in how you dress any day, and that’s because layering serves a crucial role in your comfort. There are days where a t-shirt, jeans and men’s performance hoodie work just fine, but there are also days where layering can make you feel great about yourself, impress others with your look and help you stay comfortable. Enjoy being creative with different looks while bringing a sophisticated vibe to your style.
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Choosing the Right Base Layer Materials
Layering can be an all-season look, so it’s an effective choice for days with unpredictable weather. The best seasons for layering are spring and fall, and these are the times when wild temperature swings mean you should be able to add or remove garments all day long. Layering isn’t just about function, though, as aesthetics also matter. Even if your specific clothes change several times daily, your comfort and style can stay consistently high. The first thing you should know is that most layering combos include bottom, middle and top layers, and the second thing you need to be aware of is that picking the best base layer materials sets you up for success in your style.
Adding Layers Carefully
Going lighter on the inside layers isn’t just a good idea for the colors but also great for the weight of your fabrics. If you decide on a turtleneck or a t-shirt, then it should be thinner than your button-up shacket. Base layers need to be comfortable. They should be soft since they come into direct contact with your skin. Your upper layers on top of that won’t have this consideration nearly as much.
Plan Ahead for Inclement Weather
Unpredictable weather can include inclement weather. If you live where you might enjoy multiple seasons in one day during certain months, you need to be ready for anything with how you dress for the entire day. The wardrobe you choose goes a long way in keeping you dry and safe, whether warm or cold. Have you ever been skiing or hiking in the winter? You might work up some sweat going down a trail, but you want to bundle up when in camp or heading back up the lift. You also need to protect your eyes and skin the entire time. That being said, here are six tips for dressing in layers.
1. Choose Items That You Can Wear on Their Own
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If you’re ready to know the third fundamental of layering, know this: If you don’t feel comfortable wearing a clothing item by itself, it’s not likely to work in layering. On the other hand, the right men’s thermal crew necks might be enough to keep you warm on a slightly cool day but work in a layering ensemble on a cold day. Test all your layers, starting with shirts, running through sweaters and vests, and ending with jackets or coats, to see how they all fit. Note for each one how you feel and how it fits. Each might be your outermost layer on a day when the weather is a roller coaster.
2. Stick With a Few Neutral Colors
Mastering the art of layering might make you feel bold enough to make a definitive statement about how you dress. The temptation of bold colors can present itself, but it’s also a temptation you should avoid. Playing around with many different colors is crucial to the experimentation layering offers you. Yet the secret to success is only having one or two colors that pop against a backdrop of many more subtle tones. Don’t wear a neon green shirt if your pants are flaming red. Alternatively, if you want a pop of color without assaulting anyone’s eyes, use lighter colors closer to your body while going for darker colors in your outer layers.
3. Pay Attention to Hemlines
Hemlines are something else you should be mindful of. You’re free to dress however you want; sometimes, that might mean breaking the rules. However, a great rule to follow is to let the hemlines of your outer layers conceal the hems of the inner layers. Having shirt tails sticking out from the bottom of your sweater might be trendy at times, but it’s not the sophisticated layering look that gives you a suave appearance on windy days.
4. Stick to Three Visible Layers
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Regarding layers, three is the number you want when the weather is crazy. You can do layering with only two layers, but you won’t have that much flexibility in adding or removing things to keep comfortable when temperature swings. Alternatively, four or more is too much to handle and might make you look bulky instead of sophisticated. Three also lets you choose the right handful of textures by mixing different weights, finishes and fabrics for a distinct style.
5. Accessorize for Rain or Shine
Accessories matter with layering just as much as clothes do. Hats, gloves and scarves can be your ensemble’s finishing touches for comfort and confidence. Wear them when necessary, but have somewhere to store them when you don’t. A cross-body bag is already popular for working professionals, but it can also work well for all your activities around town. The compact nature of one means it stays close to your physique, and the minimal movement means you won’t have to reach far for anything you need. That includes things you might need to put on or take off when the weather switches things up on you.
6. Navigating Extreme Cold
Depending on how cold your unpredictable weather gets, you might need your top layer to be a warm winter coat. Find something strong and durable that maintains your comfort and physical safety when the thermometers in your area start plummeting. Look for something as waterproof as possible, and the filling should be lightweight but insulating. Truly cozy coats might have polyester mixes, duck down, leather or a wool blend.
Remember Functionality
While arranging your layers for aesthetic variations can be fun, always remember that layering for unpredictable weather is to stay warm and comfortable. Your base layer should be a fabric that wicks sweat from your skin, the middle layer should be insulating enough to retain your body heat, and the outer shell layer should protect you from the elements. You can always remove a layer you don’t need at the time, but you can’t put on what you didn’t start your day with.
