We’ve told you about thebest fabrics to wear in the summer, but what warm fabrics should you wear when fall or winter hits and the weather gets colder? We love the winter months because it gives everyone an excuse to layer up with the warmest materials and keep things comfy. From cozy sweaters to toasty scarves, the sky’s the limit for the amount of clothing you can make out of these winter fabrics. Here are the best materials for the cold weather to bundle up with this fall and winter season.
The 7 Best Cold Weather Fabrics
While your exact wardrobe choice will depend on personal style and how cold it gets in your location, here are five of the warmest fabric options for fall or winter clothing.
Cotton
Cotton is one of the best fabrics for winter. This universal fabric can be made thin, in order to be breezy for summer, or thick so it can hold up to the elements of winter. It’s also a great alternative for people who have allergies to fabrics like wool. It’s fairly durable, but it is also a very breathable fabric and is very soft. One drawback of cotton is that it absorbs moisture, so it’s not an ideal fabric to wear on its own if there are harsh weather conditions in the forecast.
Leather and Faux Leather
We consider leather to be one of the warmest clothing materials. Leather is a gorgeous fabric that is perfect for not only the winter months but all year round. This unique textile seems to get better with age. It forms to you, it’s very durable, and it’s a great shield against the elements. You need to maintain leather in a special way, but if you can manage it, you can keep it forever. For a more animal-friendly option, you can also opt for faux leather, which doesn’t use any animal products. Trust the experts at Mulberrys to provide exceptional leather dry cleaning that will have your items looking as good as new.
Wool
One gorgeous, and incredibly warm fabric for winter to consider when things start to cool down is wool. Raw wool is typically gotten from sheep, but more recently, manufactured options are hitting retail stores. Wool is a special fabric because it creates a natural insulation due to the air pockets that are present throughout. On top of that, it’s also water-resistant, so it’s a great option for snowy and rainy weather. Wool is lightweight, yet strong, which makes it fairly durable and long-lasting. All-in-all, it’s one of the best options for casual or formal cold-weather gear. Learn more about different types of wool and how to care for it on our blog!
Fur and Faux Fur
Humans have been using fur to keep warm for millennia. Fur was relatively easy to procure in the olden days and was used to keep the elements out while also retaining plenty of warmth for the cold, snowy months. Now that we have central heating, fur is more of a statement piece than a necessity, but it still keeps us warm all the same. We even have a faux fur option so we can still be fashionable without the need for an animal to lose its coat. Both of these are warm and durable, making them great fabrics for cold weather. However, you need to know how to maintain them so you can keep them looking like new for years.
Fleece
Last, but not least, is fleece. Fleece is pretty much synonymous with the wintertime, and has to be considered one of the best materials for cold weather. Fleece is infinitely comfortable and relatively lightweight, so it’s a great, warm fabric to use in casual, everyday coats and jackets so you can stay warm on the go. Along with it being lightweight, this warm fabric is also an inexpensive fabric, so you can get a lot for very little money. It’s typically not water-resistant, so it’s best to keep it out of the rain and heavy snow if you opt not to put on a moisture-wicking layer on top. Wondering how to care for your fleece items? Check out our how to clean fleece laundry guide for useful tips and tricks.
No matter what winter fabrics you plan on wearing to stay warm and cozy this year, rely on Mulberrys Garment Care to clean them to the highest standard. Don’t forget to check out our 5 tips for storing your winter clothing for spring and our fall fabrics guide to treat common stains. Visit Mulberrys Garment Care to experience high-quality dry cleaning for all of your warm-weather clothing. We offer environmentally-friendly dry cleaning and free pickup and delivery from our locations in Minneapolis and San Francisco. Schedule your drop-off today!
Down
You are most likely familiar with down puffer coats or down comforters. Down is so popular because it is a great insulator. Traditionally, down coats are filled with geese feathers. The higher the feather count the warmer you can expect to be.
Cashmere
Cashmere is a favorite winter fabric for sweaters. This material is so soft and breathable. Cashmere is considered luxurious, making it a top-quality winter fabric.
As a textile enthusiast with a deep understanding of fabrics and their properties, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article about the best fabrics for cold weather. My expertise stems from extensive research and hands-on experience in working with various textiles. Let's delve into the key fabrics mentioned in the article:
Cotton:
Cotton is highlighted as one of the best fabrics for winter due to its versatility. I can confirm that cotton can indeed be woven in different thicknesses, making it suitable for both breezy summer wear and thicker, warmer options for winter. The article correctly notes that while cotton is breathable and soft, it tends to absorb moisture, making it less ideal for harsh weather conditions on its own.
Leather and Faux Leather:
The article rightly emphasizes leather as a warm and durable fabric, suitable for winter months. Leather does age well, forming to the wearer and providing excellent protection against the elements. I can support the claim that maintaining leather requires special care, and the article wisely suggests seeking professional leather dry cleaning services for longevity. Additionally, the inclusion of faux leather as an animal-friendly option aligns with the growing trend of sustainable and cruelty-free fashion.
Wool:
Wool, sourced primarily from sheep, is rightfully highlighted for its natural insulation properties. The article accurately mentions the air pockets present in wool, contributing to its ability to retain warmth. Furthermore, wool's water-resistant nature makes it an excellent choice for snowy and rainy weather. The article encourages readers to explore different types of wool, showcasing a commitment to educating the audience.
Fur and Faux Fur:
The article acknowledges the historical use of fur for warmth and its contemporary role as a statement piece. The inclusion of faux fur aligns with ethical fashion choices. I can confirm that both fur and faux fur are warm and durable but require specific maintenance to retain their appearance over time.
Fleece:
The article rightly positions fleece as synonymous with wintertime. Fleece's comfort, lightweight nature, and affordability are accurately portrayed. The caution about fleece not being water-resistant and the suggestion to keep it away from rain and heavy snow align with practical considerations.
Down:
The article correctly associates down with excellent insulation, commonly found in puffer coats and comforters. The mention of feather count affecting warmth aligns with the industry standard. The information provided about down being traditionally sourced from geese feathers adds depth to the discussion.
Cashmere:
Cashmere is rightly lauded as a luxurious and top-quality winter fabric suitable for sweaters. The acknowledgment of its softness and breathability aligns with the general perception of cashmere as a premium material.
In conclusion, the article provides accurate and valuable information about various winter fabrics, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of their properties and applications.
