The Gentleman’s Guide to Layering Clothes, All-Weather Mixing and Matching

It’s getting nippy, innit?

Photo by Shamim Nakhaei on Unsplash

The art of layering is a much-used, but rarely mastered styling technique that is basically an outfit made up of layers of clothes worn on top of each other to enhance the individual pieces’ looks. Layering clothes may seem easy as it’s an all-weather mixing and matching but the tricky thing to it is knowing what to use, and when to use it or you’ll end up looking like a homeless man wearing a bunch of rugs put together.

 

Rule number one: Thin to thick, light to heavy

The cardinal rule when it comes to layering clothes is to have the most lightweight and breathable fabrics in contact with your skin to allow it to breathe, and the heavier, durable fabrics are worn outside to protect you from mother nature. This also allows you to put on or take off more layers easily as the temperature increases or decreases.

 

Fabric is key

Following the main rule of light to heavy, never wear multiple layers of the same exact weave of fabric as this will look bland and will move around your body awkwardly. A good example of this is a bottom and middle layer of cotton, but the bottom layer is a moisture-wicking shirt aka “dry fit” and the middle layer is a standard cotton weave hoodie or a long-sleeved cotton v-neck. Sleek!

 

Textures, prints, and color variety

Nothing adds character nor sets every piece of your outfit apart than smart contrasts. This tells other people that you are someone who is sexy and knows it. It is extremely important to vary textures in casual, or smart casual outfits to put your own personality in the outfit that best represents yourself.

When it comes to colors, put neutral colors between colorful layers to temper the balance between layers. If you are into prints, don’t overdo it. Just have prints about the same size and pattern on each layer and you will be fine.

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Accessorize!

As a man don’t be afraid to do this, men can make accessories work too. Gather all your accessories for an all-weather mixing and matching styling, may it be your scarves, hats, gloves, or a nice watch that can be the cherry on top of your layered cake. Don’t hide your great hair and clean face as well.

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The Classics All-Weather Mixing and Matching

Here are some classic examples of layering clothes you can build on:

  1. The shirt, suit, coat combo – Mainly for the all-weather office commuter. Bottom layer is basic tee, middle layer a waistcoat, cardigan, or a denim jacket. The top layer a tailored wool overcoat or a cotton trench coat.
  2. Knitty – Is it really cold out? This is for you. A stuffy ribbed cardigan over a white crew neck tee to start off with together with a thin gauge roll neck so you don’t need a bulky scarf. Straight cut – or slim cut jeans and sneakers on your legs and feet, and top it off with a wool cap.
  3. Jacket, knit, shirt combo – The first layer is a basic tee or a button down like a chambray or plaid flannel. On top is a heavy bomber jacket, leather boots and winter chinos. This will make you look cool while not bordering on lumberjack too much.