That chilly, frostbite-level cold has arrived, and you’re wondering how to stay warm without wearing a hundred layers of clothes. You can effectively keep warm without looking bulky or restricting your movement if you know the right clothes to wear.
Looking fashionable while staying comfortable and cozy in winter clothing is an art. Lucky for you, we’re going to share our knowledge of the best winter fabric options to have in your wardrobe for cold weather. These fabrics are designed to trap heat and ensure you are snug as a bug during the winter months.
We will explain which fabrics are ideal for winter and why, as well as share tips on styling pieces made from these materials. If you’re looking for functional yet stylish winter wear, read on.
Why Fabric Matters in Winter
Stocking your closet with high-quality pieces made from insulating materials is key to being comfortable when temperatures drop. The right winter fabrics provide insulation, breathability, and comfort during the cold months. The fabrics we will review are all designed for optimal warmth and can be used to balance warmth and style.
When selecting pieces during winter, you should always consider their practicality and style. This balance can be tricky to master, but hopefully, this article will help you learn the basic warm fabric options. Quality fabrics like wool, cashmere, and fleece should be used wisely to create stunning winter looks.
The Best Winter Fabrics for Chilly Days
Without further adieu, let’s get on to the fabrics you need in your winter wardrobe this year to keep you warm. We’ll discuss each fabric in detail and explain what types of clothing it is commonly used for. Keep reading to find out which fabrics to buy this season for all your winter activities.
Flannel: Soft and Cozy
When you hear the word flannel, your mind may immediately jump to that cozy feeling of being bundled up by a bonfire. This cozy material is a staple for your winter wardrobe. Originally designed in the late 17th century for farmers in Wales, flannel is well-known for its warmth and versatility. This winter fabric is ideal for casual outfits and can be worn with leggings, jeans, sweater dresses, and more.
Flannel shirts are a great mid-layer when dressing in layers for winter. These shirts come in a plethora of different colors and patterns. Traditionally, flannel shirts are made in various plaid patterns. Additionally, flannel is a popular material for pajamas due to its soft nature and insulating properties. If you’re looking to add a few new pieces to your wardrobe, you can’t go wrong picking up a cozy flannel shirt.
Fleece: Lightweight and Warm
The next fabric on our list is fleece. Polar fleece originated in the 1970s when Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, searched for a synthetic fabric alternative that dried faster than wool. What he came up with was fleece. Since then, fleece has developed significantly and is now cozier than ever.
This winter fabric provides excellent insulation and provides the same warmth as wool without being as heavy. This lighter-weight option also has faster drying properties, making it ideal for winter weather conditions.
Fleece is commonly used in outer layer pieces such as quarter-zip jackets and loungewear. Its soft and smooth texture makes it perfect for lounging around the house. Consider picking out some fleece pieces to add to your closet this winter for extra warmth.
Wool: A Timeless Classic
The American Textile History Museum estimates that wool was used for clothing as early as the year 4000 BCE in ancient Iran. Wool’s popularity has only grown since then. This fabric is naturally insulating and durable, making it a great option for winter clothes. Wool is commonly used in coats, sweaters, and scarves.
Wool coats, in particular, are essential to any fashion lover’s winter wardrobe. A tailored wool coat adds an elegant touch to any winter outfit and is fantastic to layer over work attire. Most wool comes from sheep but sometimes can be blended with other mammal coats such as goats or rabbits. Icelandic wool is especially effective in protecting wearers from the elements.
Merino wool is made from the coats of Merino sheep, originally found in Spain. This type of wool is extremely fine and is a natural, renewable fiber. A single Merino sheep can grow, on average, four to five pounds of wool annually.
Cotton: A Year-Round Staple
Cotton is another fabric that has its place in anyone’s winter wardrobe. This material is highly versatile and is great to use as a layering piece for mild winter days. Cotton is a universal fabric because it can be woven in different ways. It can be used to make thin and breathable clothing ideal for the summer heat or thick thermal cotton pieces.
Additionally, this fabric is excellent for those worried about allergies to wool blends and can still provide needed warmth during the winter season. However, cotton does not wick moisture well, so it should not be worn alone in winter weather conditions. We recommend using it as a base or mid-layer and pairing a water-resistant puffer jacket on top to avoid wet clothes.
Cashmere: Luxurious Warmth
Similar to wool, cashmere provides warmth but offers softness and lightweight appeal. This winter fabric choice is often a staple for dressier occasions. It exudes luxury and elegance. Cashmere is made from the undercoat of the Cashmere goat. Cashmere is said to have been put into production in India in the 13th century.
We love cashmere for its softness and lightweight warmth. Cashmere coats are one way to add this fabric to your closet this winter. You can also shop for buttery smooth cashmere sweaters in practically any color. Many scarves are also made from cashmere and can provide additional warmth on frigid days.
By incorporating these fabrics with other winter clothes, you can stay warm and chic all season long.
Styling Tips for Winter Fabrics
Now you know which fabrics to choose when shopping for your winter wardrobe, but what are the best ways to style these fabrics? We’re going to share a few top styling tips for wearing warm fabrics.
If you like the layered look, try pairing a wool coat with a flannel shirt and jeans. Finish the ensemble with some ankle booties and a silk scarf. This outfit is perfect for a casual lunch date with a friend.
For running errands, consider wearing fleece-lined leggings with a casual sweater and puffer vest. If you need the extra warmth, add a beanie and some cashmere socks with trendy sneakers.
Cashmere scarves are highly versatile and can be added to nearly any outfit to elevate the look. Additionally, we recommend mixing textures like cotton and wool with denim and flannel to create depth and interest.
How to Care for Your Winter Fabrics
When investing in new clothes for winter, pay attention to any labels and care instructions for each fabric type. You want to ensure proper care for your winter gear to extend its life and maintain the look of your clothing.
Proper care ensures these winter fabrics last season after season. This way, you don’t have to repurchase these items frequently to replace your favorite winter styles. By following the tips below and always reading wash labels, you can keep your winter clothes looking fresh and clean.
For wool, hand wash it in lukewarm water or dry clean it to maintain shape and color. We also recommend using a special wool detergent that’s mild and has a neutral pH to prevent damage to the fibers.
Fleece should be washed inside out using a gentle cycle to avoid pilling. When washing cashmere, it’s best to use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softener. Wash cashmere clothing items in cold or lukewarm water and lay flat to dry for the best results.
Step Into Winter Comfort: Shop Porterist’s Must-Have Fabrics
This winter, prioritize finding quality pieces made from the best fabrics, such as flannel, fleece, wool, cotton, and cashmere. Porterist is the go-to shop for fashionistas across the country. Our collection combines warmth and style by featuring pieces made from insulating fabrics.
Explore winter fabrics to build your ideal winter wardrobe with Porterist today! Shop new arrivals.