LAYERING ESSENTIALS FOR COLD WEATHER IN 2025

In harsh winter weather, layering is key to stay warm and comfortable. Here's why it's important

Prevents Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it produces it. Layering creates super insulation that traps warm air. Because air is a poor conductor of heat, it acts as an insulator, preventing body heat from escaping, especially in colder climes, and consequently reducing the risk of medical emergencies such as hypothermia and Frostbite.

Temperature Regulation

Layering makes it flexible to adjust clothing based on activity levels and weather changes. It prevents overheating, sweating, or getting too cold. Without layering, it's harder to adapt to these changes and prevent wind chill, which could be dangerous.

Moisture Regulation

Physical activity, emotional stress, and some medications can cause you to sweat in cold weather. When you sweat, you get colder faster as moisture absorbs heat from your body, increasing the likelihood of hypothermia. Proper layering with moisture-wicking materials prevents sweat from clinging to your skin and building up.

Winter layering, also called the three-layer system, is an outdoor dressing style that involves wearing multiple layers of clothing to protect you from the cold weather while maintaining comfort and warmth.

The three layers are: a base layer to wick moisture (pulls sweat from the skin), a middle layer for insulation, and an outer layer to protect from wind and water. The goal is to allow for flexibility in body temperature regulation.

1. Base Layer (Wicking Layer)

The base layer is worn directly against the skin and is the foundation of the layering system.

- Primary Purpose: The base layer regulates moisture by wicking sweat away from the skin to the outer layers. It helps keep you dry and prevents sweat from staying on your skin for an extended period, which can make you cold.

- Fit: It should be snug, like a second skin, to effectively transfer moisture away from your body.

2. Mid Layer (Insulating Layer)

The mid layer is worn over the base layer, and its job is to retain body heat to protect you from the cold.

- Primary Purpose: It's where heat retention occurs. While it provides insulation, it also ensures breathability, which is the ability of the fabrics to allow water vapor to pass through.

- Versatility: The mid-layer can be worn as an outer layer when the weather is more favorable.

3. Outer Layer (Shell Layer)

The outer layer, also called the shell layer, is your primary defense against the weather.

- Primary Purpose: The outer layer protects you from inclement weather, such as wind, rain, and snow

- Key Feature: Should be breathable to allow moisture from inner layers to escape while blocking external elements

Merino Wool (Natural Fiber)

Merino wool is one of the best base-layer materials and works well for mid-layers too, blending insulation, breathability, and comfort.

Its fibers are naturally crimped, creating air pockets that trap heat for an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Even when damp, merino maintains warmth. It's naturally odor-resistant and stays relatively dry against the skin, making it ideal for prolonged outdoor use or multi-day trips. Merino offers natural temperature regulation: warm when it's cold, breathable when it's warm or during activity.

Best for: Base and mid layers where comfort, long-term wear, and variable activity levels matter (hiking, trekking, travel, cold-climate everyday wear).

Yak Wool (Natural Fiber)

Warmer than merino, yak wool provides exceptional insulation without bulk. The fibers are naturally hollow, trapping more air for superior warmth-to-weight performance. Naturally hypoallergenic and incredibly durable.

Yaks roam freely in high-altitude regions. Their down is collected during natural molting - no harm to animals. Renewable, biodegradable, and requires minimal processing.

Best for: Mid-layers in extreme cold, lightweight warmth for high-output activities, people with wool sensitivities.

Mohair (Natural Fiber)

Mohair has a natural loft that traps heat while remaining breathable. Lightweight with a silky texture and natural sheen. Exceptionally durable - mohair garments can last a decade with proper care.

Sustainability: Renewable fiber from Angora goats; durability reduces the need for replacement. Naturally temperature-regulating.

Best for: Mid-layers that require warmth without weight, and for building a long-term, sustainable wardrobe.

Organic Cotton (Natural Fiber)

Breathable, soft, and versatile for layering. Works as a base layer in milder conditions or as an outer layer under heavier coats. Easy care with no special washing requirements.

GOTS-certified organic cotton means no toxic pesticides, reduced water usage, and soil health protection. Completely biodegradable and renewable.

Best for: Base layers in moderate cold, transitional seasons, people with wool allergies, and everyday versatility.

While polyester, nylon, and fleece offer quick-drying performance and lower upfront costs, they come with significant environmental drawbacks: petroleum-based production, microplastic shedding with every wash, and non-biodegradability. For those committed to sustainability, natural fibers provide comparable performance without the environmental cost.

2. Use a Thin Insulating Mid-Layer

Provides insulation without bulk.

- Fabric Choices: Yak wool or mohair offer exceptional warmth-to-weight ratios. Renewable and biodegradable.

- Fit: Slim-fitting to trap warmth efficiently. Avoid oversized styles.

3. Choose a Weather-Resistant Outer Layer

Protects from wind, snow, and rain.

- Fabric Choices: Waxed or treated cotton canvas (wind and water-resistant through treatment), wool with specialized spinning like OPTIM™ merino (naturally wind/water-resistant), or recycled synthetic materials (recycled polyester or nylon).

- Fit: Slim, tailored fit or softshell jacket. Lighter and more flexible than traditional heavy coats.

4. Embrace Versatility and Layers That Zip

Adjust layers as temperatures fluctuate.

Example: A sleeveless alpaca or yak-wool vest over base and mid-layers adds warmth without sleeve bulk. Easy to remove when warmer.

5. Layer Smart Accessories

Lightweight accessories make a difference.

- Fabric Choices: Merino wool, yak wool, or mohair for scarves and hats. Biodegradable and renewable. Wool buff or neck gaiter serves multiple functions.

- Gloves: Merino wool-lined gloves provide warmth without sacrificing dexterity.

6. Quality over quantity

Focus on high-performance natural fabrics instead of adding more layers. Fewer layers of quality sustainable materials keep you warm without excess weight. Natural fibers like merino, yak, and mohair biodegrade at the end of life.

Sweaters That Regulate Your Temperature

Our merino wool sweaters make perfect middle layers and they naturally retain body heat to protect you from the cold. They provide great insulation while maintaining breathability. Wool sweaters are also very versatile and can be worn as an outer layer when the weather is more favorable.

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PATTI Unisex Cable Sweater in Yak Wool

This delivers exceptional warmth - yak wool is significantly warmer than merino wool while maintaining a lightweight feel. This signature piece delivers exceptional softness that lasts for years, not just one season. Perfect for the coldest days when you need serious warmth without sacrificing style or mobility.

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Turtleneck Sweaters

Our turtlenecks provide built-in neck protection against biting winds so that you can skip the scarf on moderate days. When temperatures plummet, they create the perfect foundation for additional layers, sealing in warmth at your neckline where heat often escapes.

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Cardigans for All-Day Flexibility

Never feel stuck in your outfit again. Our cardigans give you instant temperature control—throw one on when the chill hits, remove it when you warm up. The open-front design means no awkward pulling over your head and messing up your hair or makeup.

Layer them over tees and base layers for mild weather, or wear them under your coat for extra insulation on bitterly cold days. They transition seamlessly from the office to outdoor activities, so you don't have to carry multiple outfit changes.

With our Mohair Collection (ANNA V-Neck Cardigan), you get to experience luxury that works as hard as you do. Mohair's natural properties give you maximum warmth with minimum weight and bulk—you'll barely feel it on, but you'll definitely feel the difference it makes. The silky texture and natural sheen elevate any outfit from casual to sophisticated.

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Sleeveless Vests for Core Warmth

The sleeveless vest keeps your core warm while maintaining full arm mobility. Our sleeveless vests are the secret to comfortable layering; they provide insulation where you need it most without restricting your movements or adding bulk to your arms. Perfect for active days when you need warmth without overheating.

Layer them over long-sleeve base layers or under jackets for extra insulation. The versatile design works equally well for outdoor activities or as a stylish indoor layer.

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Jackets for Complete Protection

Our knitwear jackets serve as both mid-layer insulation and standalone outer layers, depending on conditions. They bridge the gap between sweaters and technical shells, offering warmth, style, and weather resistance in one piece.

Wear them as your outer layer in dry, cold weather, or layer them under a waterproof shell when conditions get harsh. The structured design maintains a polished look while providing the insulation you need.

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Dresses & Skirts for Layered Outfits

Don't sacrifice style for warmth. Our dresses and skirts are designed to work beautifully in layered winter outfits. Pair them with thick tights, base layer leggings, and our sweaters or cardigans for a complete, cohesive look that keeps you warm without compromising your personal style.

The natural, breathable fabrics prevent that overheated, uncomfortable feeling you get with synthetic materials.

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Pants for Lower Body Layering

Complete your layering system from head to toe. Our pants provide warmth and comfort for your lower half and work seamlessly with base-layer leggings for extra insulation. Natural fibers breathe better than synthetic alternatives, helping prevent that clammy feeling during temperature changes throughout the day.

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Winter 2025 brings La Niña conditions, making proper layering more critical than ever. The right system starts with merino wool base layers for moisture management, insulating mid-layers like our sweaters and cardigans for warmth, and protective outer layers to shield against the elements.

But effective layering isn't complete without sustainability. At L'Envers, we believe you shouldn't have to choose between staying warm and protecting the planet. Every piece we create is made-to-order in our Spanish workshops using ethically sourced, natural materials that perform beautifully while respecting the environment.

Selecting the right layering pieces can feel overwhelming with so many options available. That's why we're here to help. Schedule a call with our team, and we'll guide you through building a winter wardrobe that keeps you comfortable, stylish, and aligned with your values.

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