Layering for autumn and winter: warm without the bulk

In November, mornings and evenings in Yerevan are already cold, while the midday sun can still be warm. Add heated offices, shopping malls and the car, and it's clear that one thick piece isn't the best answer. Layering lets you dress warmly and easily take layers off or put them back on as the weather changes. Here is how to do it well — without the bulk.

The three-layer rule

1. Base layer — a T-shirt or a shirt. Close to the body, thin and comfortable.
2. Mid layer — a sweater, a quarter-zip or an overshirt. This is the layer that holds the warmth.
3. Outer layer — a jacket, a vest or a coat. It protects you from wind and cold.

The main rule is simple: each layer should be a little roomier than the one beneath it, and the thickness should increase from the inside out.

The base: a T-shirt or shirt

Choose a thin cotton T-shirt or shirt that fits well and doesn't bunch up under a sweater. A light T-shirt just showing at the neck of a crew-neck sweater, or a shirt collar, makes the outfit look neat.

The mid layer: a sweater

• Crew-neck sweater: wear it over a T-shirt or a shirt, with the collar out.
• Quarter-zip sweater: the high collar shields your neck from the wind, and you can unzip it indoors.
• Thin or thick: two thin layers are often more practical than one very thick sweater — if you get warm, you can take one off.

Some Giordano sweaters are 100% cotton and others are a viscose and nylon blend; the composition is listed on each product page.

The overshirt

An overshirt sits between a shirt and a jacket. In October and November you can wear it over a T-shirt or a thin sweater as your outer layer, and on cold days under a coat or a warmer jacket. The Giordano overshirt, for example, is lined, and a little elastane in the fabric gives it some stretch.

The vest

A vest keeps your chest and back warm while leaving your arms free — handy for driving or if you walk a lot around town. Wear it over a sweater or a shirt. A puffer vest looks sportier, while a vest in a smooth fabric looks smarter.

The outer layer: a jacket

Choose an autumn jacket with enough room for a sweater underneath. The sleeves should cover your shirt cuffs, and the shoulders shouldn't pull when you reach forward. On the coldest winter days you'll need a warmer coat or jacket over all these layers. You can start with our jackets.

How to avoid bulk

• Thin layers inside, thicker ones outside — not the other way round.
• Don't wear two thick sweaters at once: swap the second for a vest or an overshirt.
• If the top half is bulky, choose slimmer trousers to balance it.
• Keep colours in one family or a calm contrast — one bright accent is enough.

Three ready-made outfits

1. A mild November day: a T-shirt, an overshirt and cotton trousers.
2. Office on a cold day: a shirt, a crew-neck sweater and a jacket.
3. A weekend in town: a T-shirt, a quarter-zip sweater and a puffer vest.

In short

• A thin cotton T-shirt or shirt as the base
• One or two sweaters — a crew neck and a quarter-zip
• An overshirt or a vest
• A jacket with room for a sweater underneath
• Every layer is easy to take off

You can browse Giordano sweaters, jackets and vests in our online shop. Delivery within Yerevan takes up to 2 hours, and you can try things on in Giordano stores in Yerevan Mall, Dalma Garden Mall, Rio Mall and MegaMall Armenia, open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.