Thermal Joy

Focus on

1 Oct

Thermals are a must for me and you will hear me say it over and over again, but I genuinely can't overstate the difference a good pair of thermals makes . As soon as the weather starts turning colder, I'm layering up with a thermal base underneath my outfits. They do all the hard work so I don't have to rely on bulky jumpers and endless extra layers. For me, thermals aren't really about surviving winter. They're about being able to keep wearing the clothes I love throughout winter.

When it's cold and you don't want to pile on a million layers, a thin thermal base layer changes everything. It keeps you warm without adding bulk, letting your actual outfit shine.

That dress you'd normally pack away in October? Add a thermal top underneath, some thermal tights and boots, and suddenly you've got several more months of wear from it. The same goes for skirts, wide-leg trousers and lighter knitwear. Thermals help your wardrobe work harder, which means you get more wear from the pieces you already own.You can wear your jumpers without feeling chunky or losing your shape.

They also solve the problem of being freezing outside but roasting indoors. A good thermal helps regulate your temperature so you're not constantly adding and removing layers every time you move between the school run, the supermarket, the office or a coffee shop.

It gives you the freedom to dress how you want to dress, while still feeling properly warm and cosy.

One thing I've learned over the years is that not all thermals are created equal. If you're buying thermals for everyday outfits, look for styles designed for comfort and layering rather than outdoor sports. A thin, soft thermal from somewhere like M&S will often sit much more neatly under your clothes than a thicker outdoor base layer designed for hiking.

A few quick tips:

You can adjust the neckline of your thermals (carefully cut them lower) so they sit neatly under your clothes.
Don't worry too much about colours, as thermals are usually hidden, but it's worth having both light and dark options. Light colours work much better under lighter clothing.
If a thermal might be visible under a lower neckline or open shirt, choosing one in a colour from your palette can make it look intentional rather than accidental.
Choose thermals designed for comfort (look out for thin, smooth fabrics) not just practicality.
Size up if you don't like anything feeling tight. A slightly looser fit can still be incredibly warm without that compressed feeling.
Thermal leggings work brilliantly under wide-leg trousers, jeans, dresses and skirts and are usually completely invisible.
Thermal vests are a great option if you don't like extra sleeves under your clothes.
Don't assume thicker means warmer. Often the best thermals are the lightweight ones you barely notice you're wearing.

Instead of planning your outfit around the weather, you can plan it around what you actually want to wear. And that makes getting dressed a lot more joyful.

Here are some good options online: