How to Layer Without Looking Bulky This Winter

by Tori Jones
smiling woman standing near tree with snow falling

When the temperature drops below zero degrees celsius, layering becomes a necessity. However, putting a few layers of clothes on top of each other often contradicts our efforts to look as fashionable as possible. As a result, we may look a bit bulky and lose mobility.

But what if we told you that you do not have to choose between warmth and fashion? By choosing thinner and longer garments, you can keep your body temperature in the comfortable range and avoid looking silly. Similarly, using versatile pieces and heat-retaining fabrics will keep your outfit looking neat and make you feel cozy — even on the coldest of days.

Below, we explore these and some other ideas you can use to stay warm this winter without compromising your good looks. Let’s get started!

Go for Heat-Retaining Materials

Being comfortable in winter includes staying warm even when you sweat or during activities like skiing and hiking in cold weather. To achieve this result, it is best to choose heat-retaining materials such as cotton blends, cashmere, and merino wool.

Merino wool is an excellent choice if you plan on engaging in physical activity in cold weather because it will keep you dry even when you sweat. It also retains warmth even when wet, which is why wool thermal underwear is a popular choice for skiers and hikers. It is also soft and comfortable to wear — making it a good option for everyday use as well.

Cashmere is another heat-retaining material that you can use for insulation against cold weather — particularly if you plan on engaging in physical activity in cold temperatures. Its insulation capacity is said to be three times higher than wool, which is an excellent result. For instance, if you live in an area where it’s not too cold during the winter, you may even buy Air Jordan 1 and wear them with a pair of cashmere socks – these are capable of keeping you warm!

Stick to the Basics

One of the worst mistakes we can make in winter is wearing too many layers of bulky clothes. We may feel warm in the beginning, but as soon as we start sweating, we will realize that our outfit does not make us feel comfortable at all. To avoid this problem, it is best to stick to the basics and layer thin and longer pieces of clothes that fit well on our body instead of fluffy sweaters and bulky jackets.

For example, opt for longer-length tights or leggings. They are not only a good choice for women who want to look stylish, but also for those who want to stay warm without sacrificing mobility. Plus, they are available in different colors, patterns and designs, making them versatile enough to be paired with a variety of outfits.

Alternatively, you can pair a thin long-sleeve shirt with a thin long-sleeve top, cardigan, or sweater which you can take off once it gets too warm inside. This is an easy way to stay warm without looking bulky — or worse, shivering through the day.

Make Smart Fabric Choices

Layering does not just refer to stacking up clothes on your body; it also refers to the type of fabrics you choose for each item. It is best to choose fabrics that are soft and comfortable, as well as easy to layer without looking bulky.

For example, cotton and silk can be layered over each other because they are both lightweight and easy to layer — unlike thick fabrics such as wool or fleece. They are also soft against the skin, making them comfortable enough to wear even when you sweat in cold weather.

Look for Versatile Pieces

Pairing clothes together takes effort, especially when you want to stay warm during cold days. But adding a layer or two of clothes on top of each other can make you look bulky and silly — especially if you do not carefully consider how you will pair the clothes together before you go out.

To avoid this problem, it is best to look for versatile pieces that can be used individually or layered to create multiple outfits. For example, a long-sleeve top or sweater can be worn alone when it is too cold outside, or layered over a long-sleeve shirt building so you can easily remove them when it is too warm inside an office — depending on your preference.

Similarly, thermal underwear is another versatile piece that can be used with multiple tops and sweaters during winter. It is also easy to find thermal underwear in different lengths and styles, making it convenient for those who want to stay warm while still looking fashionable.

Layer the Right Way

When you are ready to layer your clothes for winter, you should know how to do it in the right way. This will help you stay warm and look good at the same time — as opposed to looking bulky when you put on multiple layers of clothes. Here are a few tips you can use when layering your clothes this winter:

  • Layer long-sleeve tops over shirts. This way, the top layer will cover the shirt and stop it from showing underneath your jacket or coat.
  • Avoid wearing too many pieces of clothes at the same time. Too many layers can make you feel stuffy — particularly if you have sweaters and jackets on top of each other. As a general rule, only wear three layers of clothing at most.
  • Layer your clothes in a way that makes them easier to remove, if needed. For example, wearing a thermal shirt or a long-sleeved shirt under a sweater makes it easy to remove the top layer without ruining your looks. Similarly, it is best to wear a long-sleeve shirt underneath a cardigan and a jacket. This way, you can easily remove the jacket if you feel warm inside the office building.

Conclusion

Layering during winter can be tricky. After all, it is not easy to look stylish in multiple layers of clothes. What’s more, layering makes you more likely to overheat — especially if you wear bulkier pieces on your body. To avoid these issues, it is best to stick to the basics, go for heat-retaining materials, and make smart fabric choices whenever you layer your clothes.

In this article, we looked at the different ways in which you can layer your clothes for winter. We also explored the best fabrics and clothing pieces to use for layering, as well as how to layer in a way that makes you feel warm and look good at the same time. Stick to the tips we mentioned and you will be able to stay warm without sacrificing style!

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