Cold people, talk to me about layering

[TranmereRover]

I’m currently wearing three layers of petrochemical extracts for warmth and this has to stop! Uniqlo sure keeps me warm but I need to step away from the unnatural fibres. I need every day base layers for entirely non-performance activity like desk jockeying which are seriously warm, can be hidden easily under real clothes, aren’t scratch AND will wash in a machine easily. Your bamboo / merino recommendations gratefully received!

Landsend do some lovely silk base layers that are warm and very comfortable. Uniqlo do good value merino and cashmere sweaters.

It’s pricey... does it tolerate the washing machine well? (Just found merino on the Aldi website!)

I hate to say it but you need a string vest. Do M&S still do them?

They were invented by the Norwegian army because they trap little pockets of air which then keep in the heat.

Bollocks - May I call it “fishnet” instead?!

I won't tell if you won't.

uk.burberry.com/cotton-string-vest-p45481901

Engel wool/silk vests! Around £20 and machine washable at 30’c on a low spin cycle

Merino long sleeve and short sleeve tops in the Aldi ski range. Pretty sure it's in store now.

Yes, over the 18 years I've shopped at LandEnd I've found everything washes and tumble dries really well

I've just bought some 100% merino longsleeve base layer tops from Decathlon. I tend to wear mine for running but I am hoping these will double up as casual wear base layers too.

That Burberry model is not looking impressed!

Aldi have base layers in atm though not sure if natural fibres

M&S thermals?

I like bamboo clothing for base layers - very soft and light but still warm.

Definitely merino. Lived in Canada for a few years and wore icebreaker merino long sleeve tops under everything.

Merino is great and probably warmer than anything else (the ones at Mountain Warehouse have a high percentage of wool) but silk thermals are whisper-thin, very soft, surprisingly warm and if you do get a bit sweaty they're great for wicking moisure away from the skin. I walked about 50 blocks in Manhattan last week on a cold, windy day and I didn't think the silk would make much difference but I was completely toasty, even in the wind. I've been wearing them under my pyjamas at night to fend off hormonal clamminess.
If I could afford a pair for every day of the week I'd never go without. :)

My Aldi merino arrived yesterday and am very happy with it, particularly at £17 rather than about £57. Silk next!

In my experience, the Aldi merino doesn't wash/last nearly so well as some of the more expensive brands, it's noticeably less soft as well. Mine developed holes very quickly compared to my icebreaker/smartwool stuff.

Icebreaker merino

Merino base layers, mountain warehouse are ok, but I've got a 6 year old icebreaker still going strong. Cashmere off eBay or woolovers over the top

Agree - icebreaker merino

Icebreaker Marino. Pricey but I throw mine in the wash with everything else and after 8 years of regular wearing and washing it is only just starting to show wear.

Another vote for Icebreaker merino; I've recently moved to Canada, it's freezing (wind chill down to -20 in Banff at the weekend) and I couldn't do without merino base layers. Smartwool and Kari Traa are also good brands but I rate Icebreaker the best for range, fit and design/quality. They aren't cheap but last for years so are worth it. If you're really cold get the leggings and socks as well as tops, they're just as important - you can be bundled up like the Michelin man from the waist up but if you're only wearing a normal pair of trousers or jeans and thin cotton socks you still won't be warm.

Landsend have 50% off full priced goods with code JOLLY50. ENJOY!

Thanks @nairobiblue!

Patra silk undies. The outerwear garments on the site are not entirely to my own personal taste but the silk vests etc are fab and last for years if you look after them.

In addition to being thin and comfy, silk thermals take no time to dry. I wash and hang them overnight and they're always fully dry by morning (unlike my bamboo gym clothes, which are damp for ages).