How To Layer In Winter

All images courtesy of LL Bean - usually I must hunt for photos, but LL Bean did the work for me for this blog.

Due to global warming, Manhattanites haven't had long, frigid winters in about a decade. Oddly enough, sometimes we have a 22 degree F day followed by a 52 degree F day in the same week. In the 1980s Upper East Side women wore mink coats from December through April. (I used to shiver as I walked by in my wool coat and scarf! Stylish as it was, I was cold!) The mink has been replaced with goose down coats ... yet more often than not, with wool or goose down jackets! But in places still experiencing polar winds and arctic temperatures, people need to master the art of layering to stay warm and comfortable ... and it's good information for all of us who live in a winter climate.

In researching the topic I learned an interesting fact: Your biggest problem isn't getting cold, it's staying dry ... i.e., not getting too hot and sweaty, which in extreme cold can be a symptom of hypothermia, a life-threatening condition that can strike in 5 minutes as your body temperature falls too low. If you start sweating in extreme cold, you need to quickly shed layers to survive. I didn't know this!😳

So let's learn from the experts the correct way to layer to keep hypothermia at bay. According to LL Bean (and confirmed by other sources), when temperatures hit subzero wear a: 

1) Base layer - made of silk, wool or polyester - The 1st layer is designed to keep your skin dry, which helps keep you warm. The base layer wicks (or moves) moisture (sweat) away from your skin as you engage in activity (i.e., move, walk, climb).

2) Middle layer - This is your insulating layer to hold in the heat generated by your body. Select wool, midweight fleece or synthetic fabrics like polyester.

3) Outer Layer - Keeps wind and water out and body heat in. A nylon shell or jacket to fit over your base and middle layers will do the job. Nowadays people tend to wear a puffer coat of goose down feathers with a nylon or polyester shell -- as it works.

LL Bean is headquartered in Maine, and I'm featuring them for this topic because winter wear is their business. Likewise for competitors, Landsend and newer budget-friendly Uniqlo. I think you should always buy products from merchants who specialize the product area, not designers who branched into the market, unless they take the time to truly learn it.

Fortunately, I live in relatively mild winters, or I would have died by now since I have never before researched the right way to layer for winter. Now I realize years ago I didn't wear a nylon 3rd layer ... and that's why I froze! Knowing what each layer does makes keeping warm and comfortable a certainty!⛄

You may also enjoy:

Trendy Faux Fur Coats

Uniqlo Cold Weather Steals

The Best Leggings, A Roundup

Best Oils For Skin, Hair And Nails

Lilysilk Clothing, Bedding And Accessories

Natural fabrics rule as they are stylish, comfortable, durable and often affordable. Lilysilk offers silk dry goods, including clothing (like tops, dresses, trousers and blazers); accessories (such as scarves, under garments, or hair ties) and bedding (for example pillowcases, sheets and bedspreads).

Lilysilk also sells a smattering of cashmere and wools.

By definition, a savvy shopper is a curated buyer, so lacking a Paris Hilton trust fund, each of us must decide how to spend our money. In my case, I'd add a lovely silk blouse, dress, blazer, or scarf to my wardrobe; but forgo the expense of silk pillowcases, sheets, or pajamas, in other works, items needing frequent washings. I'm fine with cotton PJ's and bedding I can mindlessly machine wash and dry; but, will spring for a versatile piece of clothing such as a brazer to pair with all my trousers for work or dress-up. But everybody is different, so know your own budget and needs!

In addition to quality merchandise that customers love, the retailer provides excellent customer service: from fast deliveries; to lovely packaging and presentation. Also  customizing certain wares like pillowcases is available.

Lilysilk as a fabulous place to go for a wardrobe staple, splurge or special gift.


You may also enjoy:  
Poetry In Fashion
Fine Goose Down Pillows  
Rubies The Scarlet Stones 
Echo Scarfs Are Nearly Hermes Perfect