One very thick item or several layers?

It’s 8°C in the morning.

At noon, the sun comes out and it warms up to 17°C.

You step into a café, then go for a walk, later get into your car, and by evening, it’s getting cold again.

And that’s exactly when layering makes the most sense.

Instead of looking for a single jacket that’s perfect for every possible condition, you can build an outfit from several layers and simply add or remove them throughout the day.

Merino works particularly well here because a wide variety of fabrics can be created from the same natural fiber.

A thin T-shirt.

A soft sweatshirt.

A dense fleece.

A lightweight boiled wool jacket.

A thick, lofty "teddy" fleece.

Each of these items serves a different purpose.

The first layer. Closest to the skin.

The first layer is in direct contact with your body.

That’s why it should be lightweight, comfortable, and perform well as temperatures change.

At Basic Wool, this role is best fulfilled by... ...merino wool T-shirts in a 160 gsm single jersey knit..

It’s the lightest fabric in our collection.

You can wear it on its own in summer, yet that very same T-shirt becomes a base layer under a sweatshirt, fleece, or jacket in autumn and winter.

And this is precisely why it’s hard to pin merino down to just one season.

The same item you wear with shorts in July can serve as a base layer under the TEDDY a few months later.

Why shouldn't the first layer be very thick?

Because its job isn't to provide all the warmth you need.

It’s meant to create a comfortable base against your skin.

You can regulate warmth with subsequent layers.

This offers much more flexibility than putting on one very thick garment right away.

If you get warmer, you take off your jacket.

If the temperature drops, you put it back on.

The T-shirt stays right where it is.

The second layer: warmth without the bulk.

When a T-shirt alone isn't enough, the middle layer comes into play.

In the Basic Wool line, this could be, first and foremost, MERINO ZIP HOODIE or POLAR.

We make the ZIP HOODIE from a soft, slightly stretchy merino knit with a weight of 255 gsm.

It is noticeably more substantial than the 160 gsm Single Jersey, yet still light enough to fit comfortably under a jacket.

That’s exactly why we designed it to be worn under the TEDDY or a vest as well.

The zip-up design offers another advantage.

If you get warmer, you don’t have to take off the whole hoodie right away; you can simply unzip it.

The POLAR also works great as a mid-layer, especially if you prefer a more classic approach to layering.

And what about the MERINO BALLOON PANTS?

Layering is usually associated with the upper body, but your legs matter too.

We make the MERINO BALLOON PANTS from the same soft 255 gsm knit fabric as the ZIP HOODIE.

This allows you to create a complete, comfortable merino outfit.

However, it’s not your typical tracksuit.

The rounded balloon cut ensures these trousers remain a piece of urban style rather than just sportswear.

This is a great example of how functional layers don't have to look technical.

Outer layer: CLASSIC or BOMBER.

When you need outerwear, boiled merino wool comes into play.

We craft the CLASSIC and BOMBER from a fabric with a weight of... 370 gsm.

Boiled wool has a dense structure, so it behaves quite differently from the soft knit of a sweatshirt.

It serves as the outer layer, protecting you from the cold and light wind.

You can wear just a T-shirt underneath.

Or you can add a ZIP HOODIE or a fleece.

Suddenly, the same jacket works across a much wider temperature range.

CLASSIC or BOMBER for layering?

Both models are made from the same 370 gsm boiled wool, but their construction affects how they are worn.

CLASSIC It features a classic collar and a more open cut. It pairs easily with a simple T-shirt or a warmer layer underneath.

BOMBER It has a stand-up collar and ribbed cuffs and hem, offering a greater sense of coverage.

If you prefer a more enclosed fit, the BOMBER is the natural choice.

If you prefer a more classic and versatile style, you’ll likely reach for the CLASSIC more often.

The warmest layer. TEDDY

When you need a cozier, more enveloping feel, TEDDY comes into play.

The merino wool shearling-style knit fabric has a specific weight 450 gsm and a completely different structure than boiled wool.

It is lofty, thick, and soft.

It is the space between the fibers that creates that characteristic feeling of being wrapped in warmth.

You can wear a lightweight 160 gsm T-shirt under the TEDDY.

When it gets cooler, a ZIP HOODIE or a FLEECE layer goes in between.

And that is exactly when the full layering system starts working.

T-shirt plus ZIP HOODIE plus TEDDY

This is the most comprehensive Basic Wool set.

First layer:

160 gsm merino T-shirt

Second layer:

255 gsm MERINO ZIP HOODIE or FLEECE

Outer layer:

450 gsm TEDDY

Each piece serves a different purpose.

The T-shirt ensures comfort against the skin.

The hoodie adds a soft layer of warmth.

TEDDY creates the ultimate cozy outer layer.

And if it gets warmer during the day, you don't have to change your whole outfit.

You simply take off one item.

How should you dress for a cooler summer day?

Keep it simple.

160 gsm merino T-shirt + MERINO ZIP HOODIE

You can wear the T-shirt on its own during the day.

When the temperature drops in the evening, you put on the hoodie.

It’s one of the most versatile combinations, especially when traveling and you don't want to pack too many clothes.

How to dress in spring?

On a warmer day, this might be enough:

T-shirt + CLASSIC or BOMBER

If it’s cooler in the morning:

T-shirt + ZIP HOODIE + CLASSIC or BOMBER

When the temperature rises, you simply remove a layer.

You don’t have to choose in the morning between "I’ll be cold" and "I’m going to overheat."

How to dress in autumn?

Autumn is arguably the best time for layering.

One day it feels almost like summer; the next, it’s windy and just a few degrees above freezing.

In milder weather, this works well:

T-shirt + CLASSIC or BOMBER

In lower temperatures:

T-shirt + ZIP HOODIE or FLEECE + CLASSIC or BOMBER

If you get cold easily:

T-shirt + ZIP HOODIE + TEDDY

And what about winter?

There is no single outfit that suits everyone.

One person might feel comfortable in a TEDDY and a T-shirt.

Another person might need an extra sweatshirt at the same temperature.

Wind, humidity, activity level, and the amount of time spent outdoors also play a role.

That’s why we dislike specifying a single temperature at which a given jacket "works."

Layering allows you to adapt your clothing to your needs, rather than forcing yourself to adapt to the jacket.

Does more layers always mean more warmth?

It’s not about putting on everything you have in your closet.

The layers should have some breathing room.

If the clothes are very tight and compress the layers underneath, the entire outfit can become uncomfortable.

That’s why, when choosing a jacket, it’s worth considering what you plan to wear underneath.

If the TEDDY is mainly going to be worn over a T-shirt, you might prefer a more fitted size.

If it needs to accommodate a zip hoodie or a fleece, a bit of extra room can be a major advantage.

So, size matters too.

Layering and size selection are closely linked.

The largest size isn't always the best choice.

Nor does the smallest size always yield the best result.

First, consider how you intend to use the product.

If the jacket is meant to be a light outer layer over a T-shirt, you might opt ​​for a more fitted cut.

If you want to wear two or three layers underneath, you’ll need a bit more space.

We cover this in more detail in our guide: How to choose the right Basic Wool size?

What if I don't like wearing lots of layers?

You don't have to wear three layers.

Layering doesn't necessarily mean a T-shirt, a sweatshirt, and a jacket.

It can simply mean:

T-shirt + BOMBER

or

T-shirt + TEDDY

The whole idea is about being able to adjust your outfit, not just piling on as many items as possible.

What should you choose if you're always cold?

Start with the base layer against your skin.

A 160 gsm merino T-shirt provides a lightweight base.

Then add a mid-layer, such as a ZIP HOODIE or a FLEECE.

Choose a TEDDY for the outer layer.

This combination offers the greatest versatility among Basic Wool products.

What should you choose if you tend to warm up quickly?

You don’t have to reach for the thickest jacket right away.

A 160 gsm T-shirt paired with a CLASSIC or BOMBER jacket might prove far more practical.

If you need an extra layer, you can keep a ZIP HOODIE handy and put it on only when the temperature really drops.

What should you pack for a trip?

This is where merino wool and layering really show their strengths.

Instead of packing several sweatshirts of similar thickness, you can bring items that serve different functions.

A T-shirt.

One warmer layer.

One jacket.

This allows you to create various outfits from just a few pieces, suitable for both the warmer and cooler parts of the day.

It is especially convenient when traveling, when the weather is changeable or you want to travel light.

Don't just choose the thickest item.

A higher fabric weight doesn't always mean a product is the best choice for you.

If you are active, frequently move between indoors and outdoors, or live in a milder climate, a lighter jacket might be far more useful than a very heavy outer layer.

That’s why it’s best to view your wardrobe as a whole.

The 160 gsm weight provides a base layer.

The 255 gsm weight creates a soft mid-layer.

The 370 gsm weight makes for a substantial transitional jacket.

The 450 gsm Teddy offers the ultimate cozy, enveloping feel.

They aren't competitors.

They simply serve different purposes.

FAQ

There is no single rule for layering.

There is no single "correct" outfit for 10°C, 5°C, or 0°C.

Some people feel the cold more quickly.

Others unzip their jackets after just ten minutes of walking.

That’s why the most practical wardrobe is one that can be adjusted throughout the day.

You can wear a T-shirt on its own.

Later, you add a sweatshirt.

Then a jacket.

And when it gets warmer, the whole process works in reverse.

That’s exactly why we like to think of merino not just as a single "warm item," but as a layering system you can adapt to your needs and the weather outside.