Any stylish dresser understands that layering is the key to a fashionable winter capsule wardrobe.

      (Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

      Without sounding like a character straight out of a Dickens novel, this biting winter is not for the weak-hearted. The trees stand bare, the skies are always grey, and the temperatures are so low that you might start doubting your sanity. While we can enjoy the warmth of a cosy pub fire and crank our electric blankets to the highest setting, these comforts aren’t enough to see us through the seemingly endless cold days ahead. Enter: the top thermal layers. Those who are used to harsh winds and biting cold will already possess a strong collection of thermal layers to endure the season, understanding that it's these essential base items that make a real difference between staying warm and looking stylish. For those unfamiliar, thermal layers are a type of clothing specifically designed to trap and retain your body heat, which allows you to stay warm and snug without resorting to bulky coats, rough knits, or heavy fleece-lined leggings that can weigh you down.

      Natural fibers like wool or cashmere do this quite well, but thanks to advances in textile technology, many brands such as Uniqlo, Calzedonia, and Intimissimi have crafted materials with a second-skin effect that both absorbs and retains the warmth your body emits. (Surely, you didn’t think that pink-haired Addison Rae was strolling along the black sand beaches of Iceland in Intimissimi’s dune-colored boat neck top without being bundled in one of the finest thermal layers, did you?) According to Alexa Dagmar and Linda Juhola, the co-founders of Almada Label—a Finnish minimalistic luxury brand celebrated for its well-curated and foundational fashion approach—they share why thermal layers are a crucial investment for those braving chilly climates. “Having high-quality basics you can easily throw on in the morning is essential,” they state. “With the right accessories, staple items like turtlenecks, jumpers, and T-shirts can be styled up or down, making them highly versatile and easy to wear.”

      (Image credit: Almada Label.) When searching for the best thermal essentials, they advise to “always lean toward materials that are easy to care for and truly withstand the test of time,” such as knitwear. “An ideal winter layer should keep you warm without causing overheating, which is why I enjoy pairing a very thin, chic turtleneck with a thicker knit,” they add. “You can wear a lightweight turtleneck underneath for warmth, and if you become too hot, simply take off the thicker layer while still looking polished,” they point out. “When we designed our [version], we aimed for it to be seamless and refined, ensuring it could be dressed up or down, without resembling performance wear, which is often the case with very thin knits.”

      That last remark particularly resonates with me as someone who grew up in Sydney but now lives in London. Thermal layers can occasionally make you feel as though you're dressing for a day on the slopes. (Think: Gwyneth Paltrow in Deer Valley Resort circa 2016.) However, I often find that the best thermal layers are those that can transition seamlessly from snowy mountain ranges to urban landscapes.

      By swapping ski jackets for funnel-neck tops and alpine pants for jeans, the best thermal layers remain simple enough to suit all environments while keeping you cozy. Just be sure to choose more relaxed cuts to allow space for these foundational layers, and you're good to go. So, whether you're planning a trip to Saint Moritz or simply seeking pieces that will help you through a day out in London, discover the finest thermal layers, as tested by yours truly, below.

      Shop the Best Thermal Layers for Winter:

      Intimissimi

      Boat Neck Modal Cashmere Ultralight Jumper

      Style Notes: Drawing inspiration from the '90s, this delicate boat neck enhances a minimalistic silhouette with luxurious fabrics and an enticing peacock blue that pairs well with various wardrobe staples, like corduroy jeans and ruched loafers. Material: 85% Modal, 9% Cashmere, 6% Elastane. Sizes: S - XL. Colors: Available in nearly 20 shades.

      Intimissimi

      Modal Cashmere Ultralight High-Neck Top

      Style Notes: Alexa Chung has declared it—it's roll-neck season. This design gathers softly around your neck and is made from a sheer fabric that adds a hint of color to any outfit without feeling overpowering. (It's like a total Monet.) Material: 85% Modal, 9% Cashmere, 6% Elastane. Sizes: S - L. Colors: 11, including toffee brown, heather marle, and red.

      Calzedonia

      Sheer Effect Thermal Tights

      Style Notes: Tights are a winter essential, and while some fleece-lined options can feel like trousers, this style is lightweight yet still regulates temperature. Material: 85% Polyamide, 15% Elastane. Sizes: XS -