How to layer for winter: wool, alpaca and cashmere

When the temperature drops, it is tempting to reach for the thickest jacket you own. But the warmest – and most comfortable – way to dress for winter is in layers. Several thinner garments trap warm air between them, and you can easily take one off when you step into a warm café or office.

Layering also happens to look good. A t-shirt, a knit and a coat in natural materials and calm colours create depth in an outfit without any extra effort.

Why natural fibres work best

Wool insulates well, breathes and naturally resists odours, which means it needs washing far less often. Alpaca is light for its warmth and has a soft, slightly hairy surface. Cashmere is very fine and soft against the skin and gives a lot of warmth for its weight. Choose garments in these fibres and you will need fewer of them.

Layer 1: the base

The layer closest to your body should be soft and breathable. A well-fitting t-shirt in organic cotton, like The T-shirt Bright White, is the simplest foundation. For colder days, the Navy Merino Fine Knit Tee from Universal Works is knitted without side seams and gives you the benefits of wool right next to the skin.

Layer 2: the mid layer

This is where most of the warmth comes from – and where you can play with texture.

• Zip Waistcoat Wool Fleece Grey Marl (Universal Works) – warms the body while leaving the arms free, made to be worn over a shirt and under a jacket. Also in olive.
• David Alpaca Cardigan Brown (Universal Works) – a classic cardigan without pockets, easy to wear open over a t-shirt.
• Alpaca Blend Sweater Ivory and Wool Cropped Crewneck Sweater Grey Melange (Coor) – voluminous knits that do the work of a light jacket on their own.
• Our own hoodies and sweatshirts in organic cotton – the everyday mid layer for milder days.

See everything in knitwear.

Layer 3: the outer layer

The coat ties everything together. Make sure it has room for a knit underneath.

• Chesterfield Coat with Corduroy Trim (Coor) – a slightly oversized wool-blend coat with a corduroy collar and cow-horn buttons.
• Fake Shearling Half Coat (Coor) – shorter and warmer, for the coldest days.
• Olive Recycled Italian Tweed Two Button Jacket (Universal Works) – a relaxed tweed jacket for autumn and early spring.

See everything in outerwear.

Layering for her

The same principle works just as well in womenswear. Start with the Crew Wool Cashmere from Rhea or the sculptural Pure Wool Sweater With Overlap Front from MeiMeij, and finish with MeiMeij’s Wool Unlined Coat. More in our women’s collection.

Three simple rules

• Thin to thick. Start with the thinnest layer against the skin and build outwards.
• Keep the colours calm. Navy, grey, olive, brown and ivory all work together, so every layer matches the next.
• Think about fit. The mid layer should fit under your coat. For waistcoats and cardigans, consider sizing up if you want extra room.

Take care of your wool

Wool, alpaca and cashmere rarely need washing – airing them is often enough. When you do wash, hand wash cold and dry flat. Read more in how to make your favorite garments last longer.

Want to try the layers together? Visit us at Smedjegatan 15 in Jönköping.