Men, welcome to class. We’ll learn how to perfect the layering technique today. Layering is essential for being warm, feeling good, and looking even better no matter the season, whether it be winter, summer, or everything in between.
You can get more styles from your current wardrobe, giving you more options for looks without having to spend more money.
What Exactly Are Layers?
A style strategy is layering. It’s an ensemble made up of layers upon layers of clothing, each of which serves as a stage or step in the final appearance. The most important thing to keep in mind is to layer light to heavy and thin to thick in order to avoid looking like a Michelin man or a walking cream puff.
As a result, you are protected from the elements while wearing the lightest, most breathable clothing possible that is also the most durable. After coming inside from the cold, you can remove the layers as your body adjusts to the heat inside. Smart, yes?
Adding Layers
We wouldn’t be a men’s style publication if we didn’t highlight the aesthetics of layering in addition to the utilitarian advantages mentioned above. So, if you have all the equipment but no idea how to style it, here are the four most crucial layered styling suggestions to think about.
Remember, the trick is to use what you already have (assuming you already have the fundamentals) to create brand-new outfits for nothing, rather than going out and buying as many pieces as you can.
Your worn-out flannel shirt from 2005? Take it off, cover it with a denim jacket, and wear a white v-neck or henley top underneath. Leave all the buttons undone. Since you were previously wearing common separates, your appearance has completely changed.
Best Layering Fabrics
It’s crucial to examine each component and trace it back to its original fabric before putting an outfit together. Everything is related to the practical principle of dressing in layers, from light to heavy. However, this also has a visual impact. Recognize that the most common fabric type used to make clothing is cotton, wool, or a combination of the two.
Next, take note of how the weave has changed, impacting the garment’s thickness and weight. Even if two items are made of the same material, such as pure cotton, the warp and weft of the yarn will affect how each looks and feels.
Incorporate the newest technical materials, such as moisture-wicking shirts and waterproof jackets, to further diversify the fabric mix. Active accents, which are very popular right now, will give your outer, inner, and middle layers a point of difference in terms of fabric.
Adding Textures to Layers
Adding and contrasting different fabric finishes to an outfit to change the texture simply adds a sense of depth or light and shade, especially when wearing the same fabric all over. Cotton, as was previously indicated, is important. Wear cotton with different finishes, like waxed, brushed, and garment-dyed, to give each piece a different feel.
It’s crucial to alter the texture when it comes to casual or smart casual attire, unless your ensemble is a set, such as a two-piece suit. Particularly with all-black, neutral, and monochromatic outfits. In order to prevent your layered outfit from looking like a walking black hole, it needs texture from head to toe in earth tones or neutral colours.
Best colours for layering
Color enthusiasts can incorporate multiple distinct tones and colours (and even striking designs) into one cohesive ensemble by layering. For those who are color-averse, layering allows them to cover up the loud colours and patterns with undergarments, muzzling their noise under a top coat or shirt jacket in a neutral or block colour.
Always use neutrals in between elements of colour, adhering to the principles of colour harmony. Don’t simply stick with dark tones, either. Even in the winter, lighter neutrals are perfectly acceptable and give the cooler months a fresh feel. Going print-on-print requires patterns to be proportionate, of a reasonable size, and not overly busy. Change if you appear to be a walking Muriel.
Adding Accessory Layers
Is it not clear? The tiny details in your wardrobe are crucial for mastering the layering technique. Accessories, such as thick, bulky scarves, leather gloves, and wool hats with felt-like textures, give layered clothing a utilitarian flair. Additionally, if you’re wearing a two-piece outfit, these accessories give you more layering for your money.
Don’t, however, overdo it. You put a lot of effort into looking good, so avoid wearing too many head or facial “masks,” especially if you already have a lot on.
Layering Concepts
Layers obviously relate to your top half; you won’t be wearing many pairs of pants or a pair of tailored shorts underneath or on top of your trousers. And the most reliable layering combinations have three layers: a bottom, middle, and top layer, plus an outer layer for very cold weather.
Here are three simple outfits you can wear:
Using Shirts, Knits, and Jackets to Layer
A key layering piece is the cable-knit or graphic-printed sweater. Layer a heavyweight bomber, winter chinos, chunky socks, and smart leather boots over a basic t-shirt or button-down shirt (something textural like chambray or plaid flannel is ideal). This creates a vintage and rustic look that almost looks lumberjack-like but is more street-style cool thanks to the bomber.
If it’s a bit warmer, get a technical parka made of parachute silk. Instead of chinos, the energetic accents will look great with sneakers and cuffed jogger trousers.
Adding Layers with Knitwear
Knits can be layered for guaranteed warmth without adding extra bulk to your frame. Layer a white crewneck tee over a thick ribbed cardigan before finishing with a thin gauge roll neck (no need for a bulky scarf).Put on a pair of slim-fit jeans, some shoes, a wool cap, and a leather backpack to give some texture to your step.
Above all, your silhouette is still strong and masculine, and your off-duty appearance is anything but frumpy.
Layering a coat, suit, and shirt
Are you worried about the commute to work? beginning with the suit Given that the two-piece will make up the majority of your outfit, you want it to be warm and naturally textured, which may be accomplished by using pure wool or flannel with a light check or stripe.
A single-breasted navy or grey suit is versatile and business-appropriate when worn with a cotton twill button-up (a thicker shirt fabric weave for warmth). Add a knitted silk tie in a matching or contrast colour, a waistcoat, or a cardigan (or even a denim jacket for something edgy). The middle layer must provide texture without adding excessive weight. Then put on a wool, fitted overcoat. Check the weather forecast before leaving, or wear a coated cotton trench for a water-resistant jacket.
Conclusion
Layering is an important trick to learn to elevate your fashion game. With enough practice you can twist and turn the same clothes into many different styles through layering.