Winter is coming. But that doesn’t mean it’s time to toss out all of your summer garments for new seasonal pieces. Make sure your wardrobe can hold up in dropping temperatures by incorporating a few handy tips to get the most out of your warm weather items.

Layer What You Have

Layering is a great way to keep warm. It’s functional and can be fashionable as well. To layer functionally you’ll want to start by wearing your thinnest clothing closest to your body. Your warm-weather friendly dress shirts make perfect mid-layer pieces. They’re generally breathable, lightweight, and many are moisture wicking. A very basic guide to layering is:

Base layer – undershirts, t-shirts, underwear, socks.

Mid layer – Dress shirts, cardigans, vests, light/suit jackets.

Outer layer – Puffer jackets, overcoats, trench coats, etc. 

Layering is a nice strategy especially in areas where mornings can be cold and afternoons can be hotter. It’s easier to remove pieces to regulate temperature than it is to don one large, warm, jacket or sweater. Neutral colors are essential to get the most out of year-round styling.

Invest in cotton

Cotton is really good at wicking and evaporating moisture when it’s warm, but does it keep you warm when it’s cold out? Yes… when it’s dry. The mistake most often made with cotton is using it as a base layer in warm and cool weather. Wicking and absorption will happen as intended in cold weather, but evaporation is what makes cotton work. Cotton will absorb moisture just fine when placed as a base layer in any weather, but that moisture won’t evaporate when it’s cold out. Use cotton, instead, as an outer layer (jacket) or middle layer (dress shirt) and give it ample room to stay dry and lock down escaping body heat. Here are a few traditional cotton fabrics to get you started.

• Gabardine: Gabardine used to be made from wool but has been modernized by cotton. It’s a super tight weave – the original Burberry Trench used it – that results in a dense, waterproof, finish.
• Corduroy: Cotton corduroy is thick and heat retaining. It’s best when used in cold, dry climates as an outer layer such as pants or jackets.
• Denim: We all know the benefits of denim, right? It’s made of cotton so it’s lightweight and breathable, but it utilizes a tight-knit twill weave so its durable to boot.
• Flannel: Flannel, much like Gabardine, has its roots in wool. It’s a soft and durable fabric that regulates body heat when used as an outer layer.

This Navy Blue Plaid Flannel is 100% cotton, thick woven, and ready to get active. It’s an attractive weekend wear no matter where the weekend takes you.

Incorporate accessories like gloves, wool scarves, hats.

Accessorize your winter looks with heat retaining pieces that will go a long way. Wool scarves are a great place to start. They lock in body warmth and make the transition from mild to cooler weather an easy one. Gloves are another great accessory to have on hand. Merino wool socks are perfect for kicking cold feet to the curb.

Long underwear for business trips.

If you’re in an area that doesn’t experience the cold but find yourself planning a trip to one, then long underwear will be your best friend. Long underwear works especially well to shore up your everyday attire. Long john bottoms make thinner slacks viable packing options while their topper counterparts are usually sheer enough to be worn under anything from t-shirts to dress shirts without leaving a trace.

At Original Stitch we offer a fully customizable collection of premium quality dress shirt, suit blazer, and pant fabrics. Use them to create a wardrobe that is completely unique to YOU. Our high-quality yarns are hand-selected from – and tailored in – Japan to be extra resistant to wear and tear while maintaining a softer feel than their off-the-rack counterparts.