Style guide
How to layer clothes
Layering keeps you warm on cold days and comfortable when the temperature changes. Done well, it also looks good.
By Style Finder · Updated 26 October 2026
AI illustrationIn short
- Go from thin to thick: base layer, mid layer, outer layer.
- Each layer should be a little longer or looser than the one under it.
- Mix textures: smooth, knitted, woven.
- Choose layers you can take off and carry.
The three layers
Base
A T-shirt, shirt or thin top close to the body; merino or cotton.
Mid
A jumper, cardigan, overshirt or fleece for warmth.
Outer
A jacket or coat that keeps out wind and rain.
Rules that make layers look good
- Thin under thick: a fine knit fits under a jacket, a chunky one doesn’t.
- Show a little of each layer: a shirt collar above a jumper, a hem below a jacket.
- Keep one layer in a neutral to hold it together.
- Lengths: let a shirt peek out under a jumper, or keep them aligned, but avoid layers that are just slightly different.
Layering for the weather
For how many layers to wear at each temperature, see what to wear for the weather.
Questions
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