STAY WARM
Rising heating bills and cooler temps mean we’re all thinking about how to stay warm this winter! One of the easiest ways to keep cosy is via good old fashioned thermal layers that sit on the skin to help retain heat and regulate with us while we move throughout the day, inside, outside and everything in between. Choosing well-made and natural basics can help achieve this while preventing a sweaty situation.
While synthetic may win versus natural fabrics in terms of price point, it’s also worth considering the negative impact synthetic may have on our overall health. When we are wearing fabric such as polyester, or any other plastic materials (yes polyester is plastic!) next to our warm porous skin, the plastic acts as a moisture barrier. Whereas, natural options like wool, especially merino, offer superior breathability, moisture wicking, thermoregulation and odour resistance…naturally! Make sure to look out for GOTS certified for high standards of animal welfare and ethical production. Meanwhile other natural options include brushed cotton (look for GOTS certified here too to be sure chemicals are not used in the growing or manufacturing process for extra softness) and TENCEL™ fibres made from trees - which both of these offer warmth and softness.
I’m sharing some brands below for both adults and children that offer thermals, made from natural materials, whilst also having a conscious approach to sustainable-manufacturing and production processes. These can feel like an expensive purchase at the time but, when properly cared for they are an investment into your health, the planet and your wallet (those heating bills soon add up!) So always check the cleaning labels and follow accordingly - many modern washing machines offer a delicates/hand washing or wool wash. These long-lasting layers are also only a fraction of the cost of a heating bill so it’s worth keeping this in mind for the long run.
1.Finisterre Eddy Merino Wool Long Sleeve Base Layer
An 80% merino wool blend makes this long sleeved jumper undeniably soft. Antibacterial and breathable against the skin, with the natural properties of merino mean that you can use this throughout the summer and winter, so you’ll get double the wear.
2.Stripe and Stare Ribbed Long Sleeve - Khaki
Ribbed and made from TENCEL™ this tee is like a second skin and the ultimate layering piece. Ideal for Autumn and Spring or for constitutions that don’t like anything too thick/tight but want to keep the chill out. It also comes in a black, grey and white making it a classic basic to use season after season.
These 100% non-dyed merino wool t-shirts are the ultimate short-sleeved addition to your wardrobe offering more duality than your everyday t-shirt. Their base material of wool keeps you cool in warmer months and warmer in the cooler months, making their cost per wear reduce each time.
4.Dilling Merino Wool Roll Neck Top
Roll necks are another essential layering piece. Incredibly versatile for extending the season of your summer dresses, they also mean you might be able to skip lugging a scarf around with you that day and are certainly a go-to item for me. I reach for one as soon as Autumn hits. This one is made from merino wool and promises no itchiness that a lot of people struggle with when it comes to traditional wool.
5. Dilling Merino Wool Leggings
How about wool leggings? No, not thick, itchy wool on your bum I hear you say! These fine leggings are processed with a 16-hour environmentally friendly enzyme treatment which means that they will stay soft on the skin. Another great feature is their weave - 1x1 stretchability means that when you wear them they will naturally stretch, but when it comes to washing they will shrink back to their original shape.
6. Greenfibres Organic Cotton Long Johns
Whether you need some extra layers for early morning yoga or simply everyday errands these long johns will be an easy and cosy piece to throw on under jeans or baggy trousers. 100% organic cotton (which is GOTS certified) ensures that they have been made in ethical and safe working conditions.
8.Woolmark Merino Wool Performance Base Layers
Merino is not just for comfort but a proven material for performance clothing. Whether it’s for a brisk morning walk or for a gentle form movement such as yoga and hiking - lightweight merino is a great piece to put underneath your other layers to keep you warm even in the chilliest of conditions.
9.DEVOLD-Women's Multi Sport Shirt - Merino shirt
Who said thermals had to always be dark? This merino sports layer is multi-purpose for any movement needs, from skiing to hiking, to running errands, enabling multi-day use (and saving on excess washing too).
FOR CHILDREN
1. Polarn O. Pyret Thermal Merino Kids Top
One for the kids (though I’d snap it up if it came in my size) this merino blend wicks away any moisture, bringing it to the surface where it evaporates before it turns to sweat - making it perfect for all day movement and durability even in the winter time.
2. Dillings Children’s Merino Wool Long Sleeved Top
Much like the adult version of these tops, these mini-me merino wool long sleeves are made for all the activities children get up to in a day - thanks to its ability to thermoregulate.
3. Superlove Merino Kids Base Layer Top
Whether as pyjamas or at the playground, these merino base layers are made for all occasions, and offer a cosiness you can’t get with synthetic materials. With the added bonus of longer sleeves plus thumb-holes to help keep little hands that bit warmer, and 8 different colours to choose from and six age brackets - you will be able to find a perfect base-layer for your kids here.
