What should I wear under my jacket to stay warmer?

The right base layer to keep heat from escaping

When a jacket on its own no longer feels enough, the answer is not simply to throw on one more layer. What matters is building the right foundation underneath. The piece you wear beneath your jacket should help hold warmth closer to the body, avoid adding unnecessary bulk, and work naturally with the rest of your layering. This is exactly where either a thermal first layer or a fleece zip-up can make a real difference, depending on how cold it is and how easily you want to adapt your outfit throughout the day.

Must Shoes picks for winter layering

If the goal is to build a proper base under your jacket, the Columbia Midweight Stretch is one of the standout best-selling thermal tops in the category. It is the most targeted option here, because it does exactly what a first layer is supposed to do: add warmth close to the body without making the outfit feel heavier or more restrictive.

If, on the other hand, you want something more flexible, something you can wear on its own as well as under a jacket, Columbia’s range of casual zip-ups offers plenty of practical solutions for daily wear, work, and commuting. Available in lighter, midweight, and more plush fleece versions with a thicker lining, they deliver warmth while also covering the visual side of dressing through clean, appealing designs.

For a fuller layering feel, the Columbia Basin Butte Fleece sits somewhere between those two directions. This men’s fleece zip-up combines thermal lining on the inside with a sporty casual look on the outside, which means it works just as well layered under outerwear as it does worn on its own as the main piece.

The real question is how you want to move through your day: in a more technical, discreet way with a thermal layer underneath, or in a more flexible, easy-going way with a fleece that can double as outerwear. Think about how easily you feel the cold, the conditions you move through, and how substantial you want your layering to feel, and from there the right choice becomes much clearer.