A Man's Guide to Layering for Cooler Days

Autumn weather has a habit of changing its mind. A cold start becomes a mild afternoon, the wind picks up on the walk home, and indoors the heating is on. Layering is the simple answer. Instead of one heavy jumper that is too warm inside and not warm enough outside, you build an outfit from three easy pieces you can add or remove as the day goes on.

The three-layer rule

Think of your outfit in three parts: a base layer next to the skin, a middle layer for warmth, and an outer layer for wind and rain. Each one has a job, and together they let you adjust to any temperature without changing your clothes.

Layer one: a good shirt

The base layer should be comfortable and breathable. A cotton shirt, a long-sleeved polo or a soft henley all work well. A collared shirt is particularly useful because the collar sits neatly over a crew-neck jumper and makes the whole outfit look smarter with no extra effort.

Choose a fit that is close to the body without being tight, so it does not bunch up under your knitwear. Plain colours, fine stripes and subtle checks are easy to combine. Our men's shirts and polos include plenty of styles that sit comfortably under a jumper.

Layer two: knitwear for warmth

The middle layer does most of the work of keeping you warm. You have a few good options:

• A crew-neck jumper is the classic choice and shows off a shirt collar nicely.
• A quarter-zip lets you open the neck when you warm up, which is handy on a brisk walk.
• A cardigan is the easiest layer to take off indoors and looks relaxed and smart at the same time.
• A hooded knit works well for weekends and casual days out.

Finer knits slip under a coat without bulk, while chunkier ones can be worn on their own on milder days. Take a look at our men's knitwear for pieces that work on both counts.

Layer three: the right coat

Your outer layer protects you from the wind and the rain. For everyday wear, a quilted or padded jacket is light, warm and practical. For smarter occasions, a wool-look overcoat looks sharp over a shirt and jumper and keeps you warm on cold evenings. A water-resistant jacket with a hood is a sensible companion for wet weeks.

When you try on a coat, wear the thickest jumper you plan to put underneath. You should be able to button or zip it without strain and move your arms freely. The sleeves should cover your shirt cuffs. Browse our men's coats and jackets to find a style that fits your week.

Keeping colours simple

The easiest layered outfits stick to two or three colours. Navy, grey, charcoal, olive, brown and cream all work together, so you can mix and match without thinking too hard. A useful rule is to keep the darkest colour on the outside: a navy coat over a grey jumper and a light blue shirt always looks balanced.

Mind the textures

Mixing textures adds interest even when the colours are quiet. A smooth cotton shirt, a ribbed or cable knit, and a quilted or corduroy jacket give an outfit depth. Corduroy overshirts are a great in-between layer too, warmer than a shirt but lighter than a coat.

Small finishing touches

A scarf adds warmth around the neck on the coldest days and can be tucked into a pocket when the sun comes out. Comfortable boots or smart trainers with a good grip will see you through wet pavements and country walks alike.

With a reliable shirt, a warm knit and a coat you like, you have everything you need to stay comfortable from the first chilly morning to the end of winter.