So you are off for a visit to the northern hemisphere, which is experiencing freezing temperatures amid its coldest winter in decades.
While you may know how to look cool in the tropics, you might need some tips on how to look hot to trot in winter.
Menswear experts Urban spoke to have some advice on how to be a sub-zero hero.
'The key thing to remember when dressing up for sub-zero weather is layering,' says Daniel Grillo, a manager at multi-label outdoor sports store Outdoor Life in Novena Square.
There are three categories of layering - base layer, insulation and shell, he says.
Suhardie Paiman, a supervisor at extreme sportswear store X-Boundaries in Novena Square, says layering 'gives flexibility to add or remove layers, depending on the weather and activity'.
Opt for clothing in fabrics that insulate heat such as polyester, wool or silk and stay away from lightweight materials such as cotton, they advise.
Cotton cannot wick moisture away from your skin, which could leave you damp and cold, says Grillo.
Urban unwraps the three categories of layering and shows you how to rock winterwear in style.
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LAYER 1: THE BASE LAYER
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On him: Long tight thermal pants, $159.90, and thermal top, $189.90, both by Fuse Pro; merino wool socks, $44.90, all from X-Boundaries
From top: XTC midweight crew, $86, and stretch softwool pants, $166, both by The North Face, from Outdoor Life; Heat Tech crew neck T-shirt, $24.90, from Uniqlo
- Thermal underwear, or long-johns, form the layer worn next to your skin. Look for thermals that fit snugly - but not too tightly so that your skin can breathe.
- There are different types of fabrics for thermals. Natural ones are wool, cotton and silk while polypropylene, polyester and nylon are synthetic materials.
- Natural fibres absorb more moisture compared to synthetic ones. However, while wool and silk absorb moisture from the skin, they also dissipate it and help keep the wearer warm and dry. Cotton, on the other hand, retains moisture.
- The best thermals are made of merino wool, which comes from a breed of sheep known to have the finest and softest wool. Merino wool allows your skin to breathe without overheating or becoming sticky.
LAYER 2: THE INSULATING LAYER
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On him: White button-down shirt, $79, and black denim jeans, $79, both from Topman; wool-knit argyle vest, $89, from Trendy Fashion; suede blazer, $189, from Zara Man
From top: Wool jacket by The North Face, $196, from Outdoor Life; wool-blend vest, $159, and Skelton wool-mix pants, $99, both from Ben Sherman
- This includes sweaters, vests and pullovers that are worn over your shirt. The purpose of this layer is to keep heat in and cold out, which is accomplished by trapping air between the fibres.
- Go for fabrics that trap heat, such as wool and fleece for jackets and tops and silk for the inner lining. Such materials wick moisture away from your skin to keep you dry. They are also affordable. The best insulation material is cashmere, or wool from the Cashmere goat. It is strong, soft, light and keeps you warm. But cashmere is expensive - almost twice as pricey as wool or polyester - as it takes at least four years for one Cashmere goat to grow enough wool to make one cashmere sweater.
Opt for a cashmere scarf, vest or pullover instead of an overcoat if your budget is limited.
- Pack trousers made of wool or polyester. Avoid cotton and denim as these fabrics tend to trap moisture. If you insist on jeans, wear a wind- and water-resistant outer shell over them.
- Comfort is important for the insulating layer. It should be loose enough to trap air between layers but not so bulky that it restricts movement.
LAYER 3: THE SHELL LAYER
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On him: Patagonia down parka, $631, Redpoint outer shell pants by The North Face, $356, and custom buff neck protector, $45, all from Outdoor Life; Halti Coolmax polyester-blend gloves, $109.90, knitted newsboy hat, $48.90, and merino wool socks, $44.90, all from X-Boundaries
From top: Orange insulation jacket, $72, from Gidel Winter; grey wadded polyester-cotton blend coat, $203, navy polyester-cotton blend peacoat, $203, both from Topman
- The exterior layer should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while letting perspiration evaporate.
- Such clothing is waterproof and breathable, thanks to tightly woven fabrics with a coating or laminate. This prevents moisture from coming through but allows perspiration to escape.
- Jackets made with down feathers, also known as down jackets, provide you with the most warmth for the least weight. Most good down jackets are stuffed with goose feathers, which are softer and thinner than those of other birds. The down traps small pockets of air efficiently, creating a thermal barrier.
- If it is snowing or if you are doing some intense outdoor activity, consider insulated pants and jackets. These are usually made of 100 per cent nylon and lined with polyester. They are usually water- and wind-resistant.
- For a more business or formal look, go for a wool overcoat or a cashmere coat. Look for one lined with silk as it is a great insulating substitute for the down jacket. Pick trousers made of wool or polyester and avoid cotton ones.
- Look for practical details such as hoods and cuffs that provide extra protection and handy pockets to store small personal items in or simply to keep your hands warm.
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
