The Ultimate Winter Menswear Guide - Part One

So here we are, temperatures dropping daily and in that state of almost kicking the alarm clock to shut it off. The nights are definitely becoming shorter – ‘sigh’.

Winter is upon us and this call for us to put on our warmer clothes and bring out those woolly, thick cotton accessories such as scarfs, beanies and so forth. So what’s hot this winter for men?

There’s plenty really, with the fashion scene over the past decade growing more interesting for men, the choices are fairly wider with interesting styles, cuts, fabrics and designs available to choose from. This is a 4 part series that will guide you on how to ensure you are both comfortable and warm while looking on trend this season.

Layering is the easiest go - to in ever changing weather conditions.

1. Layering

This is simply wearing multiple clothes on top of each other – we’ve been doing this since the beginning of time. Examples are wearing a shirt over a tee-shirt, jacket over a shirt or sweater. The good thing about layering is that if it gets too hot, you can simply remove a layer of clothes and still be comfy, and if it gets too cold, well simply add a layer.

Some basic rules of layering:

We are going to work with a three layer outfit here to give you more insight about the look.

a. Base Layer– consists of vests, undershirts, tee-shirts, shirts

b. Middle Layer – shirts, cardigans, sweaters, light jacket

c. Top Layer – denim jacket, corduroy jacket, coats

The layer options are not static and something can function as either base, middle or top depending on the outfit you are wearing. One thing to keep in mind though with layering is that clothing items should work from light fabrics on the inside to thicker ones on the outside. You must also ensure you don’t over-layer and end up restricting your movements. Also ensure that your clothing items are coordinated by working with colors that compliment each other. Never wear an item as part of a layered look that you ordinarily wouldn’t wear by itself as it is key to ensure you always look sharp when you take off a layer.

We’ll now cover some basics on layering for both formal and casual wear

1.1 Layering for formal wear

For a sharp Monday to Thursday look, you can achieve the 3 layers by wearing a basic tee as your base. Neutral tee colors such as white, grey and black are advised here. You can add a second base layer in the form of a dress shirt. Then the middle layer can be a light sweater or cardigan – just ensure it fits snuggly. Then the top layer can be a jacket or coat.

A cardigan is a Must Have item in any man’s wardrobe this winter.

1.2 Layering for Casual wear

For casual looks you simply follow the same rules applied for the formal look. You can easily rock a vest as your base layer, tee-shirt as second base, shirt as middle and sweater as top layer. Or you could do a shirt as base, sweater and denim or corduroy jacket. The options are endless. Always remember to stick to the basic rules and you’ll be looking on trend in no time.

You can also add long johns or thermal underwear to your bottoms in the event of very cold weather.

"To achieve the nonchalance which is absolutely necessary for a man, one article at least must not match.” - Hardy Amies, Couturier

Now we have layering covered, let’s go through key fabrics for the season.

- Denim

Denim does not go out of fashion and works as a good layering item. So whether they are jeans, a denim shirt or jacket, always remember to keep it to one layer to avoid looking frumpy.

- Wool

This is the warmest fabric for the season and can work as middle or top layer. If wearing it as part of middle layer, be mindful to keep it slightly thin so it does not look bulky when you add on the top layer.

Classic combination of denim and wool - always wins.

- Leather

Works best as a top layer as the fabric does not breathe. So whether you work with a classic leather jacket or go for an overcoat, you will still look smashing in this fabric.

- Cotton

This works well as a base or middle layer as the fabric is absorbent and allows clothes to breathe. Unlike denim, one can easily layer cotton a couple of times as there a variety of clothes made out of cotton from under shirts, tees to sweaters.

Look out for Part 2 of this educational series next week