Tips: how to dress well in winter for a man?

The cold has set in... and isn't going away anytime soon.

The winter wardrobe is a deluge of natural, comfortable materials and layered pieces. It also allows for more stylistic experimentation, since we wear more clothes.

We're going to come back together to the main principle of constructing a winter look, before focusing on each piece that makes it up. Without forgetting the selection of brands.

Tie your scarves, let's go...

The basic functional principle: the 3-layer rule

To properly insulate yourself against the cold, you must first understand a basic principle that hikers know well: the rule of 3 layers of clothing.

• a windproof and/or waterproof layer : it blocks wind and rain,

• an insulating layer : it contains plenty of air heated by your body, therefore insulating you,

• a base layer : close to the body, it keeps you warm, avoids contact with the scratchy sweater and wicks away moisture.

Another basic rule: NEVER get wet .

Neither from the outside (rain), nor from the inside (sweat), because wet clothing dissipates heat and will quickly cool you down! This is particularly vicious when it comes to the feet, where the temperature difference with an icy sidewalk can cause highly unpleasant condensation.

The base layer

This is your underwear: t-shirt and underwear.

• If you don't plan to do physical activity, cotton can do the trick to keep you warm close to the body and wick away moderate humidity. Also note that linen, even in winter, fulfills this function wonderfully.

• But if it's for skiing or walking, or you're going to take transportation in a casual look , then choose a merino wool t-shirt which gets wet less easily than cotton. Or, simply get into the habit of carrying your coat in your hand when you hurry through the subway corridors!

The merino t-shirt is ideal for winter.

Little secret: for extreme cold, wool micro-fiber tights are invisible and so comfortable (we promise, we won't say anything). In the Nordic countries, they know this trick very well (or in mountain sports).

Generally speaking, if you are the cold type, don't hesitate to look into the underwear that hikers use in winter. You will definitely find what you are looking for there.

The insulating layer

This is the layer that must trap air, a natural insulator.

• a cotton garment can again do the trick if you are not likely to sweat ,

• a wool piece traps air between the stitches and in the wool fiber itself. It's much better !

Whatever anyone says, wool remains your best friend in winter.

• the must: the pen , which traps even more air than wool fiber. That said, more and more technical materials have similar characteristics. To weigh the advantages and disadvantages of down vs. synthetic materials, do not hesitate to read this subject here .

Be careful, however, not to compress this layer too much : it will trap less air and could conduct more heat to the outside). Air is your friend, when it doesn't rhyme with "draft".

The windproof and/or waterproof layer

This is the layer that finishes the job! But don't count on it to protect you alone: ​​you have to play on the alliance of the 3 layers.

This layer does not need to be thick if the intermediate traps enough air. Any windproof and waterproof clothing then does the job if it is sufficiently breathable:

• fairly dense woolen cloth,

• micro-fiber polyester (not that of mass-market stores), and other technical materials such as Gore-Tex®, Tri-Durance® from Canada Goose , and all other “techwear” textiles ;

• oiled cotton;

• leather.

Beyond its properties, waxed cotton has the advantage of adding a lot of character to a look.

Leather is essential to protect bikers from the wind, so why shouldn't you?

Any rampart is useless if it has a breach: do not neglect your neck, nor your extremities (hands and feet) which are too often forgotten. Now is the time not to neglect scarves and gloves!

Better three layers than one

Some clothing can cover two layers , for example a large shearling jacket, with the sheep fur inside.

This is also the case for Barbour type jackets, when they are equipped with interior quilting.

That said, keep in mind that for the same thickness, you will be warmer with several layers than just one. .

How to choose a good men's coat?

The essential item for cold and wet weather is, of course, the coat. You will find several types, some referring more than others to given influences/style.

Some quick tips to help you make your choice!

• Go for a timeless design , especially if you don't already have a few good coats to fall back on.

• Likewise, look for some versatility . Both in terms of style - a pea coat will always be worn in more outfits than a bomber jacket - and colors. The easiest are navy blue, gray and camel, at least initially. Khaki, often forgotten, is an interesting shade too.

• The queen of materials is undoubtedly wool .

By opting for a sweater and a wool coat, you are almost sure to hold up.

What to wear under your coat to stay warm in winter?

Knitwear, pullovers and other cardigans

Comfortable, insulating and warm, they express different influences depending on their design. Zero tolerance for synthetic materials, and be careful to choose very regular (which does not mean uniform) and tight knitting/weaving.

Virgin lamb wool is a relevant and accessible option for small budgets. Merino, alpaca or camel are more noble options, both in terms of insulation and aesthetics.

Finally, there is cashmere and, for those who remember the post on the luxury house Loro Piana , there is even softer: baby cashmere .

Why not opt ​​for bold colors or patterns ? We think in particular of shades of blue or warm colors, always pleasant when grayness sets in.

Without forgetting the cardigan!

The thicker and tighter the knitting stitch of a stitch, the warmer it will keep you.

The sleeveless quilted jacket

The sleeveless quilted jacket, still marginalized a few years ago, has finally gained its reputation. Thanks to our Italian friends, who don't hesitate to wear it in sartorial outfits.

Without necessarily going that far, they easily introduce a gentleman farmer touch to a look, or even a bit of sportswear depending on the pieces that accompany it.

In an outfit constructed in monochrome, it is also a good way to introduce a “breakthrough” color.

This additional thickness does not hinder your movements, while lending itself to intermediate temperatures.

Wool pants

In winter, it is interesting to be able to play with textures to bring variety . Speckled, mottled, colorful: here again, what was original a few years ago tends to become more popular.

Blue and green: colors soft enough for anyone who wants to gradually get into tartan.

As for the cut, some deviations from the usual pleated pants are allowed. Favorite for the cargo ship which is starting to assert itself. Cut from thick flannel, it combines originality and elegance! Worn with a shirt, a blazer or a good chunky sweater, it creates original but easy outfits.

What accessories to wear in winter?

Hats, scarves and gloves are essential to stay warm: the body cools through the extremities.

The hats

Many avoid it in summer and winter. However, the hat prevents significant heat loss ! Well, it's true that it can be itchy or too hot, but think about those gusts of icy air that you get in the face.

Keep smiling, put on your hat.

If you are not very comfortable with the hat, go for a neutral model, even if it means taking two depending on the colors you wear the most.

Scarves, stoles & co.

Scarves are great allies when the cold hurts us. Wool, cashmere and silk are good bases , as long as the weave is fine and offers a fluid material.

The patterns and color of the scarf must adapt to your needs. Overall, two options are available to you:

• YOU Pair it with a specific piece to complete the outfit (coat, pants). In this case, fantasy is allowed.

• It is a practical piece, worn daily. In this case, choose an easy color for a first purchase.

A scarf can be original while remaining subtle. Here, pink checks run through the fabric, without it being flashy. (Canali Model)

Concretely, in winter, we can think of shades of green, blue and gray. Simple, but more original than the black fleece scarf you wore as a child! 😉

Gloves

We start with beautiful goat, lamb or deer leather for the more discerning. A lining in fur, wool, cashmere, silk or blend... and that's it. It's that simple.

The assembly must be careful and regular. The skin should especially not stretch lengthwise but, on the contrary, widen to adapt to the size of your hands.

On the shoe side

We're thinking about socks!

These are probably the socks that will change depending on the seasons: your derbies can go just as well with summer chinos as with flannel pants.

More than lisle socks, soft woolens keep feet warm during harsh temperatures.

And for a little over €500, you will be entitled to the vicuna / cashmere / silk model.

What shoes should you choose in winter?

As we said, your favorite pair of derby shoes can obviously be worn in winter. That said, some models are more suited to the sometimes cruel weather .

Leather is an essential. It's time to put on your most robust and bulky pairs.

Boots are ideal.

Because they insulate the foot and ankle well, it is better to go for high-top models.

We explain absolutely everything to you here !

The final word...

For an effective winter outfit, keep the three-layer rule in mind.

Above all, don't neglect the choice of materials, which is decisive this season. Ideally, opt for wool, which will be appreciated for its insulating and thermoregulatory properties. You can also easily play with textures.

It's also an opportunity to introduce more fanciful pieces: a brightly colored sweater in the middle of a navy look, pants with a subtle tartan pattern...

If possible, protect your little toes in suitable shoes, whether fur-lined ankle boots or leather sneakers.

Finally, we think of accessories, both useful and stylish!