Beat the Cold: 5 Essentials to Keep You Warm This Winter
As the saying goes, there's no such thing as bad weather - only bad clothing! The key to staying warm through snow days, sub-zero temperatures and fierce winds is a wisely curated wardrobe. This means snug, versatile staples that can be mixed, matched and layered up with ease. So, to help you get your cold-weather gear in order – with the end goal of keeping the elements out and the heat in – here's our list of 5 winter essentials for men.1. A decent coat for countering cold, wet weather – but which is the warmest type of outerwear you ask...
A top-quality men's winter coat deserves to be front and centre of your cold-weather wardrobe. And let's face it, you'll struggle to get through the season without one! Whether you go for a robust parka or envelope yourself in a puffer jacket – taking that duvet-day feeling outside – the best winter coats tick all boxes: they're windproof and ultra-insulating, water-repellent or even waterproof to lock out any damp, drizzle or snow and, of course, are super-stylish and easy-to-pair. If you plan on putting all your eggs in one basket – commiting yourself to just one statement coat – then favour neutral tones for increased wardrobe versatility. A black, navy, grey or beige coat will never fall out of fashion and promises to complement the majority of your winter clothes! But, if you've got the means, opt for a handful of designs in a range of colours, so you're guaranteed to have outerwear that works as the cherry on top of any outfit. Alternatively, why not settle on one neutral, suits-all-occasions jacket, and one colourful men's coat, to playfully brighten the bleak mid-winter?
When picking your outerwear, be sure to pay close attention to design details. Adjustable cuffs and an adjustable hem ensure enhanced protection from cold, wet and windy weather, as does a funnel neck and a double front fastening. A hood is inevitably a truly practical feature that you'll be grateful for in hazardous conditions, but is one that you can compromise on if desired – a foldaway or detachable hood is an ideal trade-off between functionality and a flawless finish. Pockets and linings serve a practical purpose but may also enhance the overall aesthetic of your outerwear. Regarding embellishments and stylish add-ons, logo-emblazoned sleeves, faux-fur or sherpa trims and contrasting zips or piping have a subtle but significant impact. When it comes to big wardrobe pieces like coats, it's all in the detail...
2. Base layers and thermals – the foundation of a warm outfit!
Layers are key to dressing warmly. So, when temperatures plummet, the best clothes to keep you warm are actually the basics you've likely already got hiding in your drawers or hanging in your wardrobe. Get your base layer right and you're on track for staying toasty. Close-fitting cotton or blended polyester t-shirts, vests, long sleeve tops or even ultra-thin turtlenecks in easy-to-match monotone neutrals are the way forward. Your base layer doesn't necessarily even need to be visible, but plain designs pair better if you do decide to make them an attractive, depth-building feature of your overall outfit. Long-sleeved under layers promise increased warmth, while short sleeve styles and lower cut necklines are a more discreet source of extra insulation. Although everyday clothes make for very efficient base layers, if you want to take things to the next level, technical men's thermals made from merino wool and the like, that are purpose-built to keep the heat in, are ideal for particularly chilly climes. Regardless of whether you opt for standard base layers that you can incorporate into your fits across all seasons, or invest in specially-designed thermal underwear, foundational layers are the answer to how to keep warm in winter!
3. Super-soft knit jumpers – the perfect way to keep your body warm
It should come as no surprise that knitted garments are some of the best clothes for combatting the cold. So add a few statement sweaters to your winter wardrobe – be it a roll neck jumper, a V-neck sleeveless vest, or a button-up or zip-necked design. It's the decorative weaves and cabled patterns of jumpers that trap air, fulfilling a function that goes beyond the mere creation of a cosy aesthetic to help keep your body warm. Whether fashioned from wool or a luxuriously soft synthetic blend, these cold-weather clothes will leave you feeling snug as a bug! Favour chunky knits for increased insulation or opt for a thin jumper and layer it with yet more knitwear, cocooning yourself in a series of soft-to-the-touch textures. While the intent here is to stay warm, feel free to get your fashion fix too by playing around with colours and patterns, from festive fair isle designs to easy-on-the eye mottled models.
4. Winter boots – for increased warmth outdoors
Believe it or not, keeping your tootsies toasty has a big part to play in staying warm in winter. Your extremities have an important role when it comes to thermal regulation, so selecting socks, slippers and outdoor footwear that are all well adapted to the season is key! When stepping outside, boots are your best bet for increased warmth, paired with ultra-thick socks. This is because high rise designs provide greater coverage and protection, blocking out the cold, sleet and snow from your feet, ankles and (to some extent) your shins. The warmest winter boots have sherpa or fleece linings as well as a trim around the ankle, and are fabricated from water-repellent or waterproof materials to keep your feet dry. When selecting your winter boots – be it lace-up, workmen-style boots, a pair of chelsea or chukka boots, a hiking model or even snow boots for more extreme conditions – just make sure to prioritise ridged, non-slip soles so you can keep your feet on the ground, whatever the weather!
5. Fluffy fleeces in every colour for easy layering
If you're unsure how to dress warm, then wrap yourself up in fluffy fleece fabric! Anything made in this material has what we call a pile surface – the fleece fibres are cut (both on the inner and outer side of your garment), resulting in threads that are great at trapping air. And it's these air pockets that provide increased insulation! Layering up with fleece jumpers, full zip fleece jackets or even sleeveless fleece gilets is therefore a great way to conserve your body heat and keep out the cold. Aside from just helping you quickly warm up indoors or stay snug outdoors, fleeces look good and feel good. Soft on the skin, lightweight when worn (even if you adorn a heavy-duty design), and flexible (meaning you can seamlessly slot them under your coat or over a jumper) this winterwear will never not be in. Our top tip? Pick up fleeces in a variety of colours and styles, so you've got outfit options on hand whenever needed. Suitable for day-to-day wear, great chucked on over your PJs, ideal for hitting the slopes, and percect for camping trips and weekends away, men's fleeces make for magic winter clothing, anywhere and everywhere!
What is the best men's clothing to keep warm? Now you know!
Equipped with our list of 5 cold-weather clothing essentials, you now know the ins and outs of how to dress for warmth in winter! Layering up with key pieces will keep you cosy and make the chill far more bearable, both indoors and out. With a quality coat, go-to jumpers and fleeces, solid footwear and insulating base layers, staying warm in winter has never been so easy! And, while we've chosen to address bigger wardrobe pieces, don't forget that winter accessories are also winter essentials. Finish off your winter looks with a hat, scarf and gloves, and you'll be ready to beat the cold in style!