New year reset in a cold January, what you wear underneath

Short answer: A cold January does not call for new clothes, but for a well thought out base. What sits closest to your body decides whether you freeze or sweat. Choose soft, well fitting clothes next to the skin, add warmer layers on top, and remember socks and underwear, which rarely get any attention.

Start with the innermost layer

A new year resolution does not have to be big. In a cold January, the clothes next to your skin make the biggest difference to how the day feels. If you start with a soft, well fitting base, the other layers do not have to work as hard. It is a simple routine you can keep up all month long.

The tank top as a first layer

A thin tank top under a shirt or jumper adds a layer without bulk in the sleeves. It covers the torso and keeps the jumper from rubbing directly against your skin. Choose a size that sits close without feeling tight, so it does not bunch up under your other clothes. You can see an example of a bamboo tank top for men.

Underwear that does not pinch

Underwear is often forgotten in talk about winter layers, yet it sits on your body all day. Pick a fit without tight waistbands and coarse seams, so you do not feel squeezed under thick trousers. If you want to start the drawer afresh, take a look at bestsellers for men and see which models are the most popular.

Socks and feet

Cold feet make the whole body feel cold. Choose socks that are soft and fit the shoe well, because very thick socks can press and feel uncomfortable in a tight boot. Switch to dry socks if you come in with wet feet from sleet, and let your shoes dry fully before the next day.

Sweat as a middle layer

Above the innermost layer comes a layer that holds in the warmth. A soft sweatshirt or hoodie is easy to take on and off when you move between a cold street and a warm building. Choose a fit with room for the layers underneath, and look at the range of bamboo sweat for men if you want something calm and soft.

Avoid sweating in the cold

The opposite problem is getting too warm indoors and then being damp under your clothes when you go back out. Moisture feels colder in frosty weather. Take a layer off when you reach the office or the bus, and let your body cool down a little first. Layers let you adjust.

Washing after Christmas and New Year

Clothes you have worn a lot in the days after New Year should be washed according to the care label, usually at a low temperature. Skip fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fabric and make it feel less soft. Turn the clothes inside out and let them dry fully before they go back in the drawer. That way they last longer.

Tidy up the drawer

A new year reset can also mean going through the drawer. Set aside what is worn out, has loose threads or sits crooked, and keep what you actually use. You get a better overview and notice whether you are missing a tank top, a pair of socks or a sweatshirt before the cold really sets in.

Frequently asked questions

How many layers do I need in January?

Three layers are often enough: a soft innermost layer, a middle layer such as a sweatshirt, and an outer layer. Adjust to how long you are outside, and take a layer off when you come in.

Should underwear be part of the winter layers too?

Yes, check that the fit still feels good under thicker trousers. If waistbands or seams have started to rub, it is a good time to look for something that sits more calmly.

How do I keep my feet warm without very thick socks?

Choose socks that suit the shoe, and change into dry ones if they get wet. Let your shoes dry fully between wears, because damp shoes make feet cold no matter how good the socks are.

You can find the full range at Copenhagen Bamboo.