Temperature drops require a different kind of attire. If you're someone who gets chilly easily, having a wardrobe with quality cold-weather clothes will make it easier to step outdoors.
Whether you're looking for the right middle layer or outerwear, we're breaking down the materials and fabrics that will provide the right insulation. According to experts, there are certain fabrics that will help with heat retention and wick moisture away when humidity and cold strike.
“When you start getting that humidity build up in your clothing, that’s when you start to feel uncomfortable," says Blair Kanis, president of Cocona Labs. "So, you want to wear clothing that offers thermoregulation or fabrics that help attract and move moisture out of the garment.”
Although wearing cozy sleepwear to work isn't realistic, there are numerous garments and fabrics to keep thermoregulation in check. From turtlenecks to heavy coats, we've provided some of our favorite clothing and fabrics to keep your body toasty and ready for winter. Additionally, you'll find expert tips on how to dress for colder days.
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An award-winning pick$undefined$78.00
How to dress in cold weather
Dressing up in cold temperatures can be quite the challenge, but the right layering system and materials can improve performance and comfort in any given environment.
Some fabrics that offer great heat retention are synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon, and natural fibers like wool and cashmere. Additionally, fabrics made with moisture-wicking properties will often help keep you warm. Kanis explains that moisture-wicking fabrics have a special coating that helps remove moisture once sweat reaches the surface of the garment.
"When styling outerwear with other fabrics as undergarments, you’ll also want to think about breathability. Your undergarments shouldn't cause you to be too hot. Instead, let your jacket be the ultimate heat retainer and have your undergarments act as the ventilator of your body heat," shares Silvia Mazzanti, sustainability manager at Save The Duck.
"Utilize long sleeves, turtlenecks, fitted knits or tees as a base layer for warmth without the weight and bulk, and layer with a warm jacket or accessories," says Luxome's textile expert Tandy Avery.
Best clothing for cold weather, according to editors
To pair with skirts and dresses:
Because you shouldn't have to ditch your favorite dress or skirt for winter, these affordable fleece-lined leggings offer optimal warmth for wearing alone or underneath pants. One Shop TODAY writer said she "was worried they would be too warm, but somehow the fleece is just cozy enough without making me overheat." She continued, "I wore them in both 5 degrees and 45 degrees, and my legs were wrapped in warmth both times."
For winter hiking:
For the days when you have to head outside in the freezing cold, you're going to need a great pair of warm socks. Deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler recommends these: "These Merino wool socks really get me through the winter — and they’re so thick, my boots don’t hurt my toes or heels."
Seen on the show:
We've frequently featured the Carhartt Mens Knit Cuffed Beanie Hat on the show for its quality and price tag. It currently has a 4.8 rating from over 182,000 Amazon customers, and is rated No. 1 in its category.
Keeps toes dry and warm:
Stay warm with every step — literally. While pricey for a single pair of socks, Bombas are a favorite amongst the Shop TODAY team for their comfort and quality. Their merino sock collection is an example of that, with moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating features to keep your toes warm and dry all season.
“Bombas socks deserve all the hype,” says production associate Audrey Ekman. “They have the perfect amount of cushioning and arch support, and the pair I have has lasted me years.”
Elevated warmth:
While this isn’t the exact sweater skirt from the brand that deputy managing editor Jess Bender loves, it is quite similar. “It features merino wool, nylon and polyester, so it checks several of the boxes you’re looking for,” she raves, meaning this skirt should keep you warm through many seasons.
Great base layer:
Another recommendation from Deabler, this Uniqlo basic makes for a good base layer for wearing underneath sweaters or on its own for extra chilly days. Per the brand, the sweater is resistant to pilling and shrinkage, so its color and shape will stay consistent after every wash.
Bundle up:
Elegant and classic, Club Room’s 100% Cashmere Scarf is praised by customers and associate editor Shannon Garlin alike for its softness, warmth and luxury feel.
An award-winning pick:
These award-winning Aritzia sweatpants are the first item I [San Miguel] throw on once I get home. They're a tried-and-true staple, especially when paired with one of the brand's matching zip-ups or sweatshirts, for the airport, errands and beyond. I find them highly warm, comfortable and even sophisticated enough for when I want to look a bit put-together on cold winter days. I can't recommend them enough!
Cashmere under $100:
Shopping for cashmere doesn't always have to break the bank. Associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson recently discovered an "affordable" cashmere line from Saks Off Fifth, a branch of Saks Fifth Avenue, with many picks under $200. She's eyeing the sweater above, which is currently priced at $90.
A base layer for extreme cold:
Associate editor Lauren Witonsky says she always runs cold, so she keep this top as a layer. “I always rely on a base layer for winter hiking and skiing to keep me warm. This lightweight long-sleeve top does just that while being loose enough to move around freely. Plus, it’s also quick-drying once you do work up a sweat and odor-resistant if you don’t have time to wash between wears,” says Witonsky.
For versatile styling:
“For those winter days when my heart wants to throw on a sweatshirt, but my head knows I have to look a little more polished, this cardigan hits the spot,” raves Ekman. “It’s made from 100% cashmere, which feels so luxuriously soft to the touch and keeps me super warm and cozy ... In terms of styling, I like to layer mine over a plain white t-shirt or tie it over my shoulders atop a trench coat.”
Affordable elegance:
"This is the sweater I have been looking for! It is so hard to find an oversized sweater that doesn’t look like you are swimming in it, but this cashmere one from Quince falls just right," says editorial assistant Annie Shigo.
With over 100 five-star reviews, purchasers are fans of not only the quality of the cashmere but also the price. Shigo says she wears it twice a week due to its comfort level.
Great for gifting:
Need a little gifting inspo? Editor Vivien Moon customized her cashmere sweater from Marine Layer with her name (but you can also embroider a logo patch, too) to make it personalized. “I love how special it makes it, which makes for a good gift [and] a personal item. It also comes in a plethora of colors and sizes; I am truly always so pleased when I put it on.”
For running errands:
On the hunt for a winter hoodie? Look no further! Shigo recommends this one from Free People Movement because it is "super thick and comfortable. My apartment is so freezing in the winter and this keeps me so cozy." The mock neck style helps keep your neck warm in windy conditions.
Instant warmth:
This is my [Espinal] go-to top when I train outdoors during winter. It’s warm, cozy and thick enough for layering. The design is made from a merino wool construction that allows breathability and thermoregulation. I’ve worn it as a regular top to go out and looks very chic. But it can also be worn for high-intense workouts or other casual activities.
Keep your head warm:
These hats have been trending in 2025, and Shigo has one that she swears by for the winter. "It keeps my entire head warm even in super windy conditions. I know I will have this hat for a long time." The flaps of the hat can be put up on the sides to avoid frizzy hair.
For layering:
Whether you're skiing or just need an extra layer, this tee is a great addition to your winter wardrobe. Shigo has this tee and says, "When it is freezing out, I have been layering this under sweaters, T-shirts and also layering it over tank tops or undershirts. It works with everything and is warm. It is also so easily packable, I am bringing it skiing in a couple of weeks."
Sophisticated coziness:
Do you want to give denim a break? This wool maxi skirt is a great option for your winter activities. Whether you head to the office on a cold day or need a laid-back yet elegant dinner outfit, this skirt is a smart choice.
It features a pull-on style and side slits to showcase your knee-high boots. The material is great for people with more sensitive skin, and its wool will help keep you dry (thanks to its moisture-absorbent properties). I [Espinal] own several silk shirts from Lilysilk and confident that the quality of this skirt is amazing.
Don't let the cold stop your workout:
I [San Miguel] often hit the gym either before or after work, but on cold mornings, the idea of wearing my workout attire brings chills (really). I've been wearing this puffer vest from Alo Yoga over my workout clothes for a bit of warmth pre- and post-gym. I love that it is cropped and adjustable, so I can control where it hits my waist and looks more proportional to my body.
Warmth that doesn't compromise style:
Although I [San Miguel] love my Aritzia Superpuff, I don't always want to wear a puffer jacket with select outfits. When I want to dress up, I love the brand's Slouch Coat for elevated styling that doesn't compromise on warmth. According to the brand, the coat is constructed to protect against weather as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can trust that you'll stay comfortable and look stylish while you wear.
When temperatures drop:
With temperatures dropping in most parts of the country, it's a sign that winter is more present than ever. For a reliable coat to brace the cold in, associate editor Sierra Hoeger has worn the Patagonia Downdrift Parka for the past three winters.
"It has a sticker shock price point; however, it’s worth it in terms of quality and longevity," she boasts. "I have yet to see any deterioration, whereas other coats in the past have only lasted a couple of seasons. It fits true to size, truly traps heat and has a long enough length that extends said warmth past your torso."
Best fabrics to wear in cold weather
Avery breaks down the must-have fabrics to wear in the winter and why these materials will keep you warm.
Merino wool
“Merino has a natural ‘crimp’ in the fiber that traps body heat in air pockets around your body which helps to keep you warmer longer. It is breathable, which helps regulate body temperature, and moisture wicking, which draws moisture away from your skin so you stay dry.”
According to Avery, merino can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture and still maintain the ability to insulate. “Merino is lightweight and can provide a great layer of warmth without weight. Merino can also be blended with modal or viscose for added softness and antibacterial qualities or with polyester for faster drying times. Merino is ideal as a base or mid-layer for winter weather.”
Polyester
“Polyester is durable, affordable, moisture-wicking and it can be sustainable if made from recycled materials. Polyester is hydrophobic, meaning it pulls moisture away from your skin, and it dries quickly, which makes it ideal for winter base layers. Polyester is also a good mid-layer; polyester fleece comes in a wide range of thicknesses and blends which makes it a great choice as a mid-layer.”
Nylon
“Nylon is perfect for use as an outer layer and for use in rain and snow when made into a woven material that is treated to keep you dry. ([It’s] treated with DWR, durable water repellent, that is applied to the exterior of the material, which helps keep rain and snow from saturating the material). Nylon also has moisture-wicking qualities when knit with merino or other fabrics as a base layer.”
Silk
While silk is associated as a fabric for spring and summer, it can also work in winter months.
“Silk is a good insulator, can provide warmth, is breathable, moisture-wicking and hypoallergenic. By itself, it does not offer much warmth, but layering a silk cami under a wool sweater, silk tights under pants or silk long underwear will keep you insulated.”
Wools
There are many types of wools like cashmere, alpaca and shearling that work great as layering options.
“These are good cold weather partners because of the same properties: good insulator, moisture absorbing, durable, antibacterial as well as stylish. Again, it is all about how you wear these and in what weather, keeping in mind the need for layering and a water-repellant outer layer in wet weather.”
Frequently asked questions
According to Mazzanti, is better to avoid "animal materials when and wherever possible. We also suggest steering away from cheap fabrics often found in fast fashion. These fabrics are not durable, which causes a quick turnover in purchasing.
"Not only do these fabrics not perform the way you need a winter jacket to perform, causing you to run too hot or too cold, but they also have a harsh impact on the environment," she adds.
According to Avery, there are pros and cons to all fabrications. It all comes down to when and how you layer the clothes.
"Avoid cotton as a base layer as it absorbs water and moisture, which will get cold, and your body heat will be absorbed by it. Cotton-blend fleece can be a great mid-layer and in milder (not wet) weather it can also be a good outer layer," shares Avery.
Linen is also another fabric to avoid as it doesn't provide insulation. "If you are a linen lover, you can wear linen in the winter as long as you layer with base layers for extra warmth," adds Avery.
Mazzanti recommends looking for clothes that are made with cruelty-free materials, offer high performance and feature a coolness factor.
"Performance is key. If you are investing in a cold-weather jacket, you want to make sure it can withstand the elements." For instance, Mazzanti worked on a Pro-Tech collection that features some of the most sophisticated materials with high-performance metrics in terms of breathability, wind and water resistance.
When looking at care labels, you want to choose pieces that are made from polyester fibers or recycled materials, or those that feature heat retention and breathability details.
How we chose the best clothes for cold weather
Every piece was chosen based on material content and expert recommendations. We selected items that offered versatility and the right level of insulation to withstand low temperatures. Also, editors shared their favorite picks and clothes that have proven to be high-quality.
Meet the experts
- Blair Kanis is the president of Cocona Labs, the maker of temperature-regulating 37.5 Technology (the incorporation of natural active particles into fabrics, insulations, foams and laminate materials).
- Silvia Mazzanti is the sustainability manager at Save The Duck, a brand focused on outerwear pieces made from eco-conscious materials.
- Tandy Avery is a textile expert and vice president of product development for the brand Luxome.
