How to Stay Warm When Wearing a Suit this Winter

Dressing well in winter can be tricky. Whether you’re dressing for a casual business meeting or attending a formal evening event, staying warm while looking elegant can be a tough chord to strike for some. No one wants to be shivering in the office or arriving at a wedding wrapped in a bulky coat that ruins your whole look. The good news is with the right approach, you can achieve both warmth and sophistication. Read on for our best tips for staying warm whilst wearing a suit this winter.

How to Choose the Right Fabrics for Winter Suits?

When it comes to winter suiting, wool is the top contender. The fabric’s natural breathability means you won’t overheat indoors, but its insulation helps to keep you warm outside. Our favourite combination is a navy wool suit paired with a crisp white shirt, burgundy tie, and polished black shoes for a timeless look that is perfect for business meetings or dinners out.

For less formal settings or weekend events, flannel is your go-to. Flannel’s softness adds warmth without making you look too formal, so you achieve harmonious comfort and style. A dark grey flannel suit paired with a light blue shirt and leather brogues creates a sophisticated yet relaxed outfit ideal for business casual Fridays or winter social gatherings.

If you’re attending an outdoor winter wedding or a festive celebration, tweed is your sartorial plus one. Its rich texture and earthy tones give it a unique charm that works especially well in countryside settings. Try pairing a brown tweed suit with a waistcoat, light grey shirt, and leather boots for a rustic, elegant look that fits right in with seasonal celebrations. Our bespoke winter suits tailor these fabrics to your needs.

How to Stay Warm Without Adding Bulk?

A common mistake during winter is layering too much and sacrificing fit. If you’ve ever felt like a Michelin Man after putting on too many layers, you’re not alone. During the cooler periods, we recommend a merino wool thermal undershirt beneath your dress shirt to provide an invisible layer of warmth—ideal for a day of client meetings when you need to look polished without any hint of bulky layering.

Another clever way to layer without the bulk is by adding a waistcoat to your outfit. When the office heating kicks in, the waistcoat adds a polished touch, allowing you to remove your jacket without disrupting the elegance of your look.

For your outerwear, a tailored slim-fit wool overcoat in camel or black can be thrown over your suit, for added warmth and elegance. We advise something that sits just below the knee for extra coverageperfect for both business and evening events.

What are some Accessories to Keep Warm?

When selected and styled correctly, winter accessories will not only keep you warm but will also elevate your outfit. A cashmere scarf is not only practical but adds a layer of sophistication to your look, especially when paired with a grey wool suit, a crisp white shirt. It’s an effortlessly elegant combination for outdoor client meetings or post-work drinks on a cold evening.

To keep the chill from your hands, leather gloves are a fail-safe way to ooze sophistication. Black or dark brown leather gloves keep your hands warm while providing a sleek, professional touch that complete any sartorial winter look. Explore more winter essentials in our accessories collection.

What Footwear to Keep Feet Warm?

Footwear is not to be overlooked in winter, especially when navigating icy pavements and cold offices. Leather boots are a great choice for casual office settings or outdoor events. Paired with a tweed or wool suit, leather boots offer both warmth and style, especially in rugged conditions. A pair of dark brown brogue boots adds a refined touch to a grey flannel suit, making them perfect when dashing from the office to a client lunch in slippy snow.

If the occasion calls for something more formal, opt for rubber-soled dress shoes. These shoes not only keep your feet dry but offer extra grip in icy conditions. For a business meeting, a sleek pair of black Oxford shoes with a rubber sole, paired with a dark-toned wool suit, ensures you’re both stylish and prepared for whatever the winter weather throws at you.

How to Choose the Right Winter Overcoat

An overcoat is the final piece of the puzzle when it comes to winter suiting. Whether you’re stepping into a client meeting or attending a formal evening event, a well-tailored overcoat should add to your overall look rather than detract from it. A dark-hued wool overcoat can be easily paired with almost any suit whether you’re dressed for a day spent running between office buildings or client meetings, so long as your overcoat has a clean silhouette, you’ll be both warm and professional.

For a stylish, evening-ready look, try a cashmere-blend overcoat. Its soft texture adds luxury, and its insulating properties will keep you warm without needing multiple layers. For more inspiration, read our full guide on how to wear a coat over a suit.

What are some Common Mistakes When Dressing Warm in Formal wear?

One of the biggest mistakes people make when dressing for winter is over-layering. Piling on too many layers leads to bulkiness, discomfort, and ruins the silhouette of your suit. Stick to lightweight, insulating layers like merino wool and thermal undershirts, which will provide that much-needed warmth without affecting fit.

Another common issue is mismatching fabrics. Wearing a heavy wool coat with a lightweight suit creates a visual imbalance. Always ensure your fabrics complement each other., and avoid nonbreathable fabrics like polyester, which trap heat and moisture, making you feel uncomfortable by midday.

Conclusion

Hopefully we’ve inspired you, and surely now you understand that winter doesn’t have to be the season where your style takes a back seat to warmth. With the right tailoring, smart layering, and carefully chosen accessories, you can stay comfortable without compromising your sharp, professional look.

Browse our bespoke suits page to create a winter wardrobe that’s as functional as it is fashionable. Need advice? Contact us directly on 0123 456 7890 or drop us a line at info@andrew-brookes.com. We’ll help you dress your best, no matter the weather.