Layering means wearing several thin pieces instead of one heavy one, so you can trap warmth, move sweat away and take a layer off when you warm up. This guide explains what a base layer is, how to layer for cold weather, and how to wear a turtleneck, puffer vest, flannel shacket and shawl, with the best layering pieces under $40.
How do you layer clothes for cold weather?
Layer clothes in three parts: a thin base layer that moves sweat off your skin, an insulating middle layer that traps heat, and an outer layer that blocks wind and rain. Thin layers trap warm air between them, and you can remove one as you warm up. Avoid cotton next to your skin when you will sweat.
“First, put on a thin layer of synthetic material, such as polypropylene, which draws sweat away from your body. Avoid cotton, which stays wet next to your skin.”
| Layer | Job | NY Threads option |
|---|---|---|
| Base layer | Sits next to skin, moves sweat away | Men’s thermal underwear set (90% polyester, 10% spandex) |
| Everyday layer | Adds warmth under a jacket or vest | Men’s ribbed turtleneck or women’s turtleneck |
| Insulating layer | Traps heat around your core | Women’s quilted puffer vest |
| Extra layer | Easy on and off for drafts and flights | Flannel shacket or pashmina shawl |
Mayo Clinic adds a layer of fleece or wool for insulation and a waterproof, breathable outer layer on top for winter exercise.
What is a base layer?
A base layer is the close-fitting first layer you wear next to your skin, usually a long sleeve top and leggings or long johns. Its job is to move sweat away and hold warmth in without bulk. The NY Threads men’s thermal set is a 90% polyester, 10% spandex 4-way stretch knit, sold as a top and bottom.
The men’s thermal underwear set has a crew neck long sleeve top and tapered pants with an elastic waistband. It comes in sizes XS to XL in medium grey, black and navy, and is made for skiing, shoveling snow, biking, outdoor work or staying warm indoors. See the thermal chart in the size guide.
What are the best layering pieces under $40?
Good layering pieces under $40 are thin, warm and easy to combine. Every layering piece in this guide costs under $40: the pashmina shawl is $22.99, women’s turtlenecks start at $23.99, the men’s thermal set is $28.99, the men’s ribbed turtleneck $31.99, and the puffer vest and flannel shacket are $36.99 each.
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Women’s pashmina shawl | Flights, offices, evenings | $22.99 |
| Women’s turtleneck top | Under blazers and vests (pack of 3: $37.99) | $23.99 |
| Men’s thermal underwear set | Base layer, top and bottom | $28.99 |
| Men’s ribbed turtleneck | Office to airport | $31.99 |
| Women’s quilted puffer vest | Core warmth without bulk | $36.99 |
| Women’s plaid flannel shacket | In-between weather | $36.99 |
Standard shipping is free on every order with no minimum, and unused, unworn items with tags can be returned within 60 days of delivery.
How do you layer a turtleneck?
A thin turtleneck layers best when it fits close, so it sits smoothly under a blazer, puffer vest, flannel or coat without bunching. Tuck it into trousers for a sharp look, or wear it out over jeans. NY Threads turtlenecks are slim fit stretch knits: the men’s is 63% polyester, 34% cotton, 3% spandex.
| Turtleneck | Fabric | Fit | Sizes | Colors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s ribbed turtleneck | 63% polyester, 34% cotton, 3% spandex | Slim, tapered | S to XXL | 7, incl. black, navy, khaki, wine red |
| Women’s turtleneck top | 50% cotton, 46% polyester, 4% spandex | Slim, body-contouring mock neck | XS to XXL, pack of 1 or 3 | 8 solid colors, incl. black, white, coffee, baby pink |
For a women’s Medium, the chart lists a 33–34 inch bust; for a men’s Medium, a 38–40 inch chest. Both charts are in the size guide.
How do you style a puffer vest?
Wear a puffer vest over a turtleneck, sweater, flannel or long sleeve tee, so your core stays warm while your arms move freely. A fitted vest looks neat with jeans, leggings or a dress. The NY Threads women’s quilted puffer vest has a nylon shell, polyester padding, a stand collar, shaped back waist and two zip pockets.
The women’s quilted puffer vest comes in sizes S to XXL and 8 colors, including black, white, dark blue and burgundy. A Medium fits a 35–37 inch bust with a 24.8 inch back length. It machine washes, tumble dries and dries fast. Browse more jackets and vests.
What is a flannel shirt?
A flannel shirt is a button-up shirt made from flannel, a soft, warm woven fabric that is brushed after weaving to raise fine fibers. Flannel was originally wool but is now often cotton or synthetic blends. A shacket is a heavier shirt-jacket you wear open over a tee or buttoned up like a shirt.
According to MasterClass, flannel’s softness comes from brushing the fabric after it is woven, a process called napping. The NY Threads plaid flannel shacket is a 65% polyester, 35% cotton flannel blend with a relaxed oversized fit and two chest pockets, in 5 plaids from brown white to light pink white. Some sizes are low in stock.
What is a pashmina shawl?
Pashmina originally means fine cashmere wool from the Changthangi cashmere goat, but the word is now also used for soft, oversized wraps in other fabrics. The NY Threads pashmina shawl is a pashmina-style wrap in 70% polyester and 30% viscose, not cashmere, measuring 72.5 by 25.5 inches with tassels.
That definition comes from the Pashmina article on Wikiwand, which also notes pashmina can mean a 70/30 cashmere and silk blend. The pashmina shawl comes in black or cream and folds small for a bag or carry-on.
How do you wear a shawl?
Drape a shawl over both shoulders like a wrap, loop it once around your neck like a scarf, or throw one end over the opposite shoulder for a cleaner look. On a flight or in air-conditioned rooms, unfold it fully and use it as a light blanket. Hand wash and air dry a viscose blend shawl.
- Classic wrap: unfold the shawl and drape it across your back and over both arms.
- Scarf loop: fold it lengthwise, wrap it once around your neck and let the tasseled ends hang.
- Over one shoulder: wrap it around you and toss one end over the opposite shoulder.
- Travel blanket: open it fully over your lap or shoulders.
What should you wear under a quarter zip?
Under a quarter zip, wear a plain crew neck T-shirt for a casual look, a collared shirt for the office, or a thin base layer on very cold days. Keep the layer underneath thinner than the quarter zip so it sits flat, and pick a color that contrasts at the neckline if you wear the zip open.
On cold days, a close-fitting thermal top such as the men’s thermal underwear set adds warmth under any pullover without bulk.
How do you wash layering pieces?
Wash most layering pieces cold and tumble dry low, and skip bleach and fabric softener, which can wear down stretch fibers. Keep high heat away from thermal underwear so it stays soft and in shape. Hand wash and air dry delicate pieces such as the pashmina shawl. Always follow the care label.
| Item | Wash | Dry | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal underwear set | Machine wash cold | Tumble dry low | High heat |
| Men’s ribbed turtleneck | Machine wash cold | Tumble dry low | Bleach, fabric softener |
| Women’s turtleneck top | Machine wash cold or hand wash | Tumble dry low | Bleach, fabric softener |
| Quilted puffer vest | Machine wash | Tumble dry | – |
| Flannel shacket | Hand wash | Iron on low heat | – |
| Pashmina shawl | Hand wash gently | Air dry | – |
Layering FAQs
Is thermal underwear the same as a base layer?
Yes. Thermal underwear, long johns and base layers all mean the close-fitting top and pants you wear next to your skin for warmth. The NY Threads men’s thermal set is lightweight enough to wear under jeans or work pants.
Where can I buy a base layer or thermal underwear?
You can buy base layers at outdoor stores and online. NY Threads sells online at nythreads.com, the NY Threads store for the United States, and through the NY Threads brand store on Amazon. The men’s thermal underwear set costs $28.99 for a top and bottom, with free standard shipping on every order. Browse all base layers.
What are good winter gifts under $40?
Layering pieces make easy winter gifts because they are useful and simple to size. Ideas from NY Threads under $40: a pashmina shawl ($22.99), a men’s thermal set ($28.99), a ribbed turtleneck ($31.99) or a quilted puffer vest ($36.99). Unused items with tags can be returned within 60 days.
Is a puffer vest warm enough for winter?
A puffer vest keeps your core warm but leaves your arms uncovered, so it works best as a layer: over a turtleneck or sweater on cool days, or under a coat when it is very cold. The NY Threads quilted puffer vest uses lightweight polyester padding for warmth without bulk.
Are NY Threads layering pieces OEKO-TEX certified?
Yes. The NY Threads thermal underwear set, turtlenecks, quilted puffer vest, flannel shacket and pashmina shawl are OEKO-TEX® certified, so their materials are tested for harmful substances.
Our methodology
Every fabric, size and care instruction below comes from the NY Threads product specification for that item. Layering advice comes from Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine, and fabric definitions link to their sources. We checked 6 NY Threads product specifications on November 11, 2026 for this guide, and we update it when a product, size chart or care label changes.
Sources
Shop base layers, pullovers and turtlenecks, jackets and vests and lightweight jackets, or read about NY Threads. Standard shipping is free on every order with no minimum, and unused, unworn items with tags can be returned within 60 days of delivery. Questions? Contact us.
More buying, fit and care advice: browse all NY Threads product guides.