Silk tops for winter/cold weather

Andie

Wondering .... are silk tops warm enough for the cold winter weather? Should I invest in them or forget them for the colder months? Or are they better for warm weather?

13 years ago

Dressing

8 replies

Latest reply was from harmonica

Anne Boleyn

Active Member

For cold weather, silk (good silk) traps heat beautifully - I wear my one silk top under thin sweaters and it's warm sans bulk. Silk is especially awesome for layering under tight sweaters because it's so slick and thin - I dunno that I'd invest in expensive silk specially for winter, but I gladly wear my green silk top now that I have it.

13 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Echoing Anne here. Silk has wonderful properties for retaining heat in winter as a layer. However, it's not enough on its own in the winter months if your climate is cold.

13 years ago

krishnidoux

Veteran

How cold is your "cold"? Here in Canada (except BC), silk on its own is impossible unless you're having hot flashes

Silk under a warm cardigan is feasible, but personally I find this look not comfortable, because the silk tend to cling to the heavier material and slide around my body, restricting my movements. Just a thought.

13 years ago

Thistle

Veteran

Silk in the ultimate fabric. Cool in summer, retains heat well in winter. This is why silk long underwear are so coveted in cold climates.

That said, silk on it's own will probably not be warm enough. Fantastic as a layer, though. Also, silk knits mixed with cotton can be warm, particularly if you layer under them.

I live in a very cold climate, and layers are the norm, so adding silk in as a layer is ideal. I just wish I could find some not dry clean only.

13 years ago

missvee

Veteran

I agree, silk is a wonderful layering element for a cold climate. A silk blouse under a cashmere sweater is the ultimate in lightweight warmth and luxury.

13 years ago

Raisin

Veteran

I love silk! I wear my silk blouses through the Canadian winter, either with a cardi over, or a cami under. Works well for me!

13 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

I've worn silk underwear for years, especially if I needed a bit more warmth on the legs walking to work in our Canadian winter. The nice thing about silk is that it you can wear it indoors without feeling too warm. I always throw in a couple of silk T's if I'm traveling in the fall, winter, or spring just in case the temperature drops; they don't take up much room and make a real difference under a shirt or sweater. And, for what it's worth, I NEVER dry clean my silk layers; I just hand wash them in cool water and hang to dry.

In really cold weather (-15F and below) you'd probably want wool or polypropylene (better wicking if you are very active) for more warmth. Patagonia and Icebreaker make wonderful merino wool underlayers that are soft, warm, and non-scratchy.

13 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

echoing what Thistle said

13 years ago

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