Tops in slippery fabrics like silks, satins, viscose and polyesters layer more easily under long sleeve jackets or sweaters. The jacket and sweater sleeves glide over the slippery fabric of the top, making the topper easier to put on and take off. By contrast, there is much more friction when you layer a long sleeved cotton or linen shirt under a sweater or blazer.
This is especially noticeable when the jackets are tailored. For example, layering my silk blouses under my tailored blazers is extremely fast, easy, and comfortable. The slippery fabric of the blouses also creates great ease of movement when I’m working with my clients in a blazer all day.
Here are some specific combinations from my wardrobe. Yes, the pattern and colour mixing here is hectic, but I enjoy the clash.
Of course, wearing sleeveless tops in any fabric under jackets and sweaters is frictionless because your arms are bare. And very fluid and oversized toppers and sweaters with wider sleeves are easy to pull on and off, regardless of the fabric of the top underneath. But if you don’t want to wear a sleeveless top under a tailored topper, slippery sleeved tops are an alternative solution. A slippery jacket lining can reduce friction too.
