Long sleeve for layering in autumn

Short answer: A long sleeve T-shirt is the most useful base layer in autumn, because it keeps your arms warm and is thin enough to lie under a sweater. Build the layers from thin and soft at the bottom to warm and loose on top, so you can take one off during the day.

Why layering works in autumn

Autumn weather changes quickly from a cool morning to a mild afternoon. Several thin layers are more flexible than one thick one, because you can take a layer off when the sun comes out and put it back on when it turns cool, without planning the whole day around the weather.

The base layer, closest to the skin

The innermost layer should be thin, soft and not tight. A long sleeve T-shirt is the obvious choice here, because the sleeve covers the arms without adding bulk, and the fabric lies smoothly under the next layer. See the long sleeve models if you want a place to start.

The middle layer gives the warmth

The middle layer is what keeps the warmth in, and it can be a sweatshirt or a hoodie in a soft fabric. It should fit with a little air, so it does not press on the base layer, and it should be easy to take off when you come into the warm.

The outer layer against wind and rain

The outermost layer protects against wind and rain and does not need to be warm, as long as the inner layers do the work. Keep it looser than the other layers, so they are not squeezed together, and make sure the sleeves reach over the other layers without pulling.

Sleeves must not become a lump

When several layers with long sleeves lie on top of each other, they can bunch into a lump at the elbow and make the arms feel stiff. Choose sleeves of the same length so they glide together, and make sure the inner sleeve is not longer than the outer one.

The whole body in layers

The layers on the upper body work best when the rest is warm too. A pair of bamboo knickers in a soft cut underneath and a set of bamboo jogging sets at home make the day feel even from morning to evening, without cold spots.

Look after the fabric in the layers

Wash the thin layers at a low temperature and turn them inside out, so the surfaces do not rub against each other. Avoid the tumble dryer and dry them flat, so they keep their shape and the sleeves do not shrink by the time you need them again.

When you are unsure how many layers

Start with two layers and take a third in your bag. Then you can build up or take off as needed, and you avoid being either too cold or too warm. After a few weeks you will know yourself which combinations you prefer in autumn.

Frequently asked questions

How many layers should I wear in autumn

Start with two thin layers and take a third along. Then you can adapt to the weather during the day.

Should the innermost layer fit close

It should sit lightly against the body without pulling. Then it lies smoothly under the other layers and does not bunch.

How do I stop the sleeves from bunching

Choose sleeves of roughly the same length, and do not let the inner sleeve be longer than the outer one. Then the layers glide together.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.