If you search for “how to layer” on Outside, you’ll get back nearly 20 articles plus a handful of videos that cover everything from layering while backcountry skiing to layering in a sleeping bag. We take the art of layering seriously when it comes to playing outside.
But what about layering for the everyday? Does layering only matter if we’re trying to climb a mountain or camp in the snow? Most of us spend the vast majority of our time going to work, walking the dogs, picking kids up from school, and cleaning up around our houses—and I’ve found that smart layering helps immensely in these situations, too.
The absence of info on layers for quotidian tasks got me thinking about what the ideal everyday layering kit might be. I live in New Mexico where we have wild temperature swings through fall and winter—from 20 degrees in the morning to 60 degrees in the afternoon—making my home an excellent spot to test how layers can keep us regulated and happy as we get through our normal routine.
Here’s my suggested list.
Baselayers
By baselayers I don’t mean long underwear. Unless you live in a truly cold spot and spend a big chunk of your time working outside, long underwear will be too hot. But it is important to think about your underwear, socks, and first layer up top.
Merino wool is the obvious choice for both underwear and socks. These days sock manufacturers like Smartwool make thin or medium-thick merino socks blended with a little nylon (to make them tough as nails) and lycra (so they’re easy to get on). They’re tailored perfectly so they don’t take up too much room in your shoe and keep your feet warm but not too hot. One pair will run you $20 or $30, but I wear my merino socks at least a couple days in a row so I only need two or three pairs. Alpaca wool is also becoming more popular, and I’ve found it to be even softer, and maybe warmer, than merino.
I suggest merino underwear because if you’re active at all during your day, your underwear is going to get sweaty, and you don’t want sweaty underwear when it’s cold. When I bike commute to work, as an example, my bottom is damp by the end of the commute but the wool still provides a touch of warmth so that my nether regions are not freezing when I walk into the office. That, and the merino dries super quickly so I don’t have to sit in my sweat for several hours.
In terms of a base layer shirt, my suggestion is to wear a short-sleeved shirt, no matter the material. It’s important to wear a short-sleeved shirt instead of a long-sleeved shirt, even if it’s brutally cold outside, because as you move between heated and outdoor spaces, you have more options. There’s nothing worse than being too hot in an overheated room, and you can strip down to a simple t-shirt, which is never a burden to wear. If you’re bike commuting or moving around, then go with merino. Everyone else can stick with cotton.
Midlayers
Midlayers are often the most used and abused layers when you’re out adventuring because you need some kind of warmth but nothing too thick. The same is true for everyday midlayers because they can stay on all throughout the day—under a heavier coat in the morning while you’re walking the dogs, on their own over the aforementioned t-shirt at your home office to fight off the money-saving thermostat setting, or when you need a little warmth to dash out for lunch.
My go-to’s are a thick cotton button-down or a tailored sweatshirt. A thick cotton button-down pulls double duty because it’s the right amount of warmth but also looks plenty professional. Instead of dressing in the “investment banker bro” uniform of a thin button-down and vest, you just need this one layer to feel comfortable and look good.
The same goes for the tailored sweatshirt. Something that fits well and is medium thick will keep you perfectly regulated and get you through any Zoom or in-person meeting. I sometimes like to go with a synthetic sweatshirt, instead of cotton, if I’m going to be active any time during the day—like taking a longer walk to lunch, a stroll with my dogs, or a quick bike trip to get my kids from school.
Outer Layers
Waxed cotton, which is making a strong resurgence, is the perfect everyday outer layer. These jackets are stylish, waterproof (thanks to the wax), and insulated for warmth. If I layer an insulated waxed jacket over a thick cotton shirt and t-shirt base, I’m comfy all the way down to about freezing. Bonus: The more you wear your waxed jacket, the sharper it looks as you add a patina that’s uniquely yours.
On days below freezing, I’ll wear a down jacket. I have two versions that I rotate between, depending on the day. As the temps drop, I’ll start with a straightforward medium-thick down jacket that I can layer over my waxed cotton. On days when I’m standing around and it’s truly bitter—like 20 degrees or below—I grab a midlayer and a thick down jacket that’s poofy and as warm as it gets.
I always have a wind layer in my bag as well. A good wind layer packs up to the size of an orange so I just stuff it away until it’s needed. I won’t use a wind layer on deep winter days, but I find them perfect in the fall when the breeze kicks up and tears right through my sweatshirt. By cutting the wind I can immediately feel 10 degrees warmer but don’t have to deal with the bulk of a big jacket.
For pants, I usually prefer something that has a double knee reinforcement because the extra material adds a little warmth and because these pants look okay even when they’re dirty. I find it’s much harder to stay clean in the winter with snow and mud around constantly.
Shoes
Unless you live in a really rainy place like the Pacific Northwest, I usually suggest most people avoid shoes with a waterproof membrane during the summer. The liner doesn’t breathe well enough to vent the sweat off your feet and can make your feet clammy and potentially cause blisters.
But during the winter I love shoes with Gore-Tex liners for several reasons. Most importantly, it’s cold outside so the likelihood of your feet overheating is diminished. Second, unlike rain that comes and goes during the summer, winter snow will stick around and pile up, so you have many more opportunities to get your feet wet. That, and when the snow does melt, the ground turns to mud, which can also wet out your shoes.
I like a low-cut hiker or running shoe because it’s a one-and-done option. These shoes look fine at work, are great for when you have to stand at a desk for hours, easily slip on for early-morning dog walks, and are comfy for an after-work walk or run.
Hat and Gloves
Your hands and ears are often the most sensitive, so it’s worth investing in a quality beanie and pair of gloves. For a beanie, always choose something simple in terms of design. I love a plain color wool beanie that never clashes and can hold its shape even after hundreds of uses. For gloves, I suggest you invest in a thin pair made of merino. You want something thin so you have as much dexterity as possible and don’t have to constantly pull the gloves off to get anything done. You’d also be surprised at how well a thin pair of wool gloves can fight off the worst of the cold and keep your finger temp nicely regulated.
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Apparel, Base Layer, Gloves, Jackets, Mid Layer
