Choosing the best first layer for you and your family
As the days get cooler, we start thinking about layers to keep us warm in our cold Canadian winter.
A warm wool sweater is lovely, and what we wear underneath matters just as much. A good base layer sits close to the skin, helping regulate body temperature, move moisture away, and keep us comfortable all day and all season.
We carry two wonderful base-layer choices from both Engel and Hocosa: 100% merino wool and 70% merino wool / 30% silk.
Both are beautiful natural fibres. Both make excellent first layers. But they feel a little different, perform a little differently and have slightly different care needs.
So how do you choose?
100% Merino Wool
When you want warmth and durability, 100% merino wool is a great choice.
Merino wool is warm without being bulky, naturally breathable and remarkably good at managing moisture. It can absorb moisture vapour while still helping you stay warm and comfortable.
It is also a strong, resilient fibre. A merino base layer can become one of those pieces you reach for again and again, year after year.
One important thing to know: 100% wool needs the right care.
Hand wash 100% wool gently in cool water. Too much heat, agitation or rubbing can cause wool to felt. Because it is a natural fibre, expect a little shrinkage over time.
But this small amount of extra care is part of wool's beauty. Treat it well, and it will serve you well.
An important note about 100% merino: if you tend to run warm and sweat, the combination of moisture, body heat and friction from movement can cause 100% merino to felt over time—especially in areas such as the underarms, elbows and knees.
If you tend to run warm, you may prefer a merino/silk blend. You may not need as much warmth, but you still get wool's wonderful moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties.
70% Merino Wool + 30% Silk
Then there is our merino and silk blend.
With 70% merino wool and 30% silk, you get many of the wonderful qualities of wool with the added softness and smoothness of silk.
Silk gives this blend a lovely feel against the skin and a subtle sheen. It is light, soft and comfortable.
And it is a little easier to wash. Unlike 100% wool, many of these merino/silk garments can be machine washed on a very gentle wool cycle with cold water. Always check the care instructions for your particular garment.
If you find 100% wool a little scratchy, or simply love the feeling of an especially soft layer next to your skin, merino and silk may be just the combination you are looking for.
And for the very sensitive little ones...
We also carry a small, limited collection of 100% silk base layers and baby onesies.
Silk is exceptionally soft and smooth against the skin and can be a lovely choice for those with very sensitive skin. It is a lightweight layer that provides warmth and comfort without the wool.
It is also beautiful for babies, especially if you are looking for the gentlest possible layer under other clothing.
100% silk can be a beautiful choice for very sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Its exceptionally smooth, soft fibres create very little friction against the skin, which can be especially comforting when skin is dry, delicate or easily irritated. Silk is also lightweight and breathable, helping to avoid the heat and moisture buildup that can sometimes make sensitive skin feel more uncomfortable.
So, which one should you choose?
There really isn't a wrong choice. It comes down to what you need from your first layer.
100% Merino Wool
Warm, strong and long-lasting. A wonderful choice when you want maximum warmth and don't mind giving your wool a little extra care.
70% Merino / 30% Silk
Soft, smooth and comfortable, with a subtle sheen from the silk. A lovely choice for those who prefer a softer feeling against the skin and appreciate easier washing.
100% Silk
Exceptionally soft and lightweight. A beautiful option for very sensitive skin and for babies who need a particularly gentle first layer.
For me, there is something rather wonderful about having these choices.
Some days call for the warmth and resilience of pure merino. Other days, the softness of merino and silk is exactly right. And sometimes, especially with little ones, that silky layer against the skin is what feels best.
Whatever you choose, we hope you will come to love these amazing natural fibres close to your skin too. It is a game changer in the cold weather.
Because when the first layer is doing its job, the layers above it can do theirs—and getting dressed for the weather becomes just a little bit easier.
Wherever I go, wool is part of my everyday, all year round!
