Dress Up Smartly This Winter!

Every season arrives with its own beauty and charm that drives us to look and feel different. Winter is the season that gives us a chance to enjoy wearing various layers of clothing and accessories together — which is impossible in summer.

There is a pool of fabrics, colours and styles to choose from to protect your body in winter. Yes! Protection is just as important as your style statement. So, when you are planning to add a couple of winter clothing to your wardrobe, be sure that your clothing is defined by three adjectives — comfortable, cool and warm.

The fabric you choose to wear in winter plays the most crucial role. So, for smart winter clothing, here are some suggestions.

Best Fabrics To Welcome The Winters!

First and foremost, the fabric you consider for winter clothing should have a high insulation value. It should be able to trap heat within the gap between your body and the clothing. Because that is the factor that saves you from winter chills. So, let’s unfold the list!

1. Wool

Wool is an all-time favourite when it comes to winters. It hugs your body softly and allows it to breathe. The fabric creates pockets of air that provides natural insulation to your body. Additionally, the fabric is water-resistant, meaning that even when it gets sweaty inside it helps in keeping the moisture away while maintaining the warmth. Wool is light-weight so it doesn’t disturb your comfort. It is durable so it doesn’t wear out. Wool is best for zero-degree temperatures or harsh winters.

If you are looking out for the warmest wool, go for cashmere. However, if you are not living in a place where winters are too chilling, then merino wool could be a better choice. Merino is one of the softest and finest wools extracted from sheep. Besides, it does not cause any allergic reaction like regular wool and prevents shrinking. Hence, you can wear merino wool directly against your skin.

Wool is best for coats, skirts, trousers, blazers, sweaters, scarves and socks.

2. Fur

Well, fur is one of the most ancient fabrics used to endure through the chilling seasons. The fabric is excellent in trapping heat and keeping the body warm. In fact, it is not just warm but also fashionable. Of course, the natural fur comes from animals, so if you are a hard-core animal lover you can opt for the man-made fur (faux fur). Ensure to pick the softest fur as much as possible — softer is always better.

The gilet is a good choice for South African winters keeping your body warm without overheating.

3. Leather

If you are a leather fan, then you can definitely choose it to wear in winters, though its an all-year-round fabric option. The fabric impressively keeps you warm in winters much with a stylish look. It snuggles to your figure and is excellent in protecting the body from elements, especially, wind. The leather is perfect for the top layer clothing while ensuring you wear something warm underneath.

The leather is a great choice for jackets and outdoor coats.

4. Flannel

Flannel is a soft fabric that feels great on your skin. The fabric is thin and hugs tightly around the body so it keeps you warm without making you appear bulky.

Flannel is an ideal choice for comfortable and warm pyjamas and shirts.

5. Corduroy

Corduroy is a warm and flexible fabric that adds a textured and structured element to your look. The fabric adds volume to your outfit and works well when you want to put on layers.

Corduroy is best used in casual pants, long-sleeved shirts and jackets, skirts, and even blazers.

6. Fleece

Fleece is a comfortable, lightweight and the cheapest winter fabric compared to others. Hence, it makes a perfect choice for outdoor adventure like hiking and hunting in winter. Though fleece is not water-resistant, you can add water-resistant layers on top.

Cosy Winter Tips

• Your head is a heat sink, so protect it by a hood, fur hat or a bonnet
• Shield your neck, crotch and armpit
• Layered dressing keeps your body warmer so wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of just one layer.
• A fluffy dressing adds more air and eventually more insulation and more warmth. Choose a fabric that breathes well and lets perspiration out.
• Shield your crotch and upper legs with long coats as they work better than trousers.
• Girls should wear leggings rather than stockings or tights as they insulate better and are more fashionable.
• Use a muff to protect the extremities.

Try it out and I am sure you will come back again!