Guide to Layering Clothes for Spring in Missouri
Rise and shine! The birds are chirping. It’s a beautiful Missouri spring day.
You get up, eat your breakfast and stare into your closet. Should you wear a sweater? Do you bring a jacket? On your drive to work, you are comfortable in your layers. By midday, you’re wishing you chose a t-shirt instead.
From March to May, those in Missouri and the greater Midwest face a daunting challenge: Getting dressed. You may need a heavy layer as you step out with the sunrise, but you could easily be in short sleeves by noon.
Don’t let this inconsistent season leave you sweating or shivering. Follow our guide to layering clothes for spring. After this read, you’ll be a spring layering expert.
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Choose Your Materials Wisely
Spring could be cold, warm or wet, depending on the day. The fabrics you choose can keep you comfortable or make you feel worse.
Wool
While wearing this natural fabric, you’ll stay warm even when wet. Wool clothing is rain-resistant and long-lasting. A wool sweater or jacket will remain wearable for years. Just watch out for moths who like to munch on these fibers!
Wool can feel heavier than other fabrics, depending on the type of garment, so we recommend choosing thinner wool as the seasons change.
Merino Wool
What’s the difference between wool and merino wool? When it comes to wearing, the distinction is comfort. Merino wool is made of finer fibers, making it softer than standard sheep’s wool. For layers that touch your skin, we’d choose merino wool over traditional wool any day. Merino wool layers are less irritating for sensitive skin.
Cotton
Cotton’s breathability makes it an excellent option for staying cool in warmer weather. While cotton is comfortable, it’s not the best choice for chilly days. Cotton that sits against your skin traps moisture there. If you’re layering clothes for warmth, a damp cotton t-shirt touching your skin will make you feel colder.
Polyester
Many clothes are made of polyester. This synthetic fabric keeps you warm and wicks away moisture—two great characteristics for cold weather. Polyester on a warm day, however, may have you sweating buckets. Moisture may evaporate more quickly on this material, but it will retain your heat.
Silk
Silk adds extra warmth to any garb. As a base, this light, fancier fabric can keep you cozy without weighing you down. Silk is thin but durable. Wearing it underneath your clothes helps minimize feeling like a walking marshmallow in thick layers. Silk is not warm when wet, so avoid it—and water stains—when rain is the forecast.
3 Types of Layers
There are three types of layers, whether you’re layering clothes for winter or spring. Each has its role. Once you know your layers, you can develop a system for all-day comfort. Depending on your environment, you may only need one or two layers.
Base Layer
Assignment: Dry
Your base layer sits on your skin. Its job is to wick moisture away from you. Your base layer fabric should let moisture evaporate.
In cool temperatures, you want a fabric that helps you retain heat. Think polyester, silk or merino wool layers. For warm days, try cotton.
Mid-layer
Assignment: Insulate
The middle layer has one goal: Keep you warm. Wearing multiple heat-retaining mid-layers, like a thick wool sweater, zip-up or vest, will keep you nice and toasty if it’s frigid outside.
On warmer spring days, a mid-layer is perfect for frosty mornings. You can slip it off as the day warms. Try thin wool, fleece or down.
Outer Layer
Assignment: Protect
Rain? Snow? Midwest residents know that any precipitation is still possible in the spring. Protect yourself from April showers with an outer layer.
Hard and soft shell jackets keep you from getting wet. Look for outerwear with durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes.
Tips for Balancing Fickle Spring
Your spring wardrobe is a balancing act. You’re juggling 60-degree highs one day and a chance of snow showers the next. Some of your winter staples will be handy, but it’s warm enough to transition to lighter pieces. Like in winter, you’ll still layer clothes for warmth; however, you may no longer need your outer layers once lunchtime rolls around.
Tips for Colder Temperatures
- Wear loose clothing. Cold day? While this advice seems counterintuitive, tight clothes can restrict blood flow in low temperatures. Loose clothing lets your body heat the air pocket between your skin and the garment.
- Accessories are your friend. For in-between weather, hats, scarves, tights and gloves help you avoid the chill. You can ditch the heavy coat or jacket in early spring if you wear accessories strategically.
- Be ready for rain. Cold and damp is an uncomfortable combination. Invest in a good rain jacket for spring, and you’ll be prepared come rain or shine.
Tips for Warmer Temperatures
- Put away heavy wool. Your heavier clothes can take a backseat as the weather changes. You’ll need light jackets, long-sleeved t-shirts and other spring layers, but you can put your thick Christmas sweater away for the season.
- Dress to remove layers. You can take off a layer if you get hot, but you can’t materialize a layer you didn’t bring if you’re cold. Dress for cold and be prepared for the day to heat up. You can peel off your hoodie or vest as you get warmer.
- Take layers with you. Don’t want to start the day bundled? Bring layers along. That way, you’re prepared for a drop in temperature or a blustery afternoon.
Spring Layering Outfit Examples
Rainy Weather: T-Shirt + Fleece + Raincoat
Base Layer: Comfy Long-Sleeve T-Shirt
Try this Loose Fit Lightweight Long-Sleeve Crewneck Pocket T-Shirt from Carhartt!
Mid-layer: Fuzzy & Functional Fleece
Cozy up in the Carhartt Women’s Relaxed Fit Fleece Pullover.
Outer Layer: Go-to Rain Jacket
Fend off the elements in the Carhartt Women's Rain Defender Lightweight Coat.
Crisp Sunday Morning: Sweatshirt + Jacket + Vest
Base Layer: Spring Sweatshirt
Try the Carhartt Women's Relaxed Fit Midweight French Terry Crewneck Sweatshirt for a light layer.
Mid-layer: Structured Terry
Throw on The Normal Brand Tailored Terry Trucker over the top! It looks structured and tough, but it is deceptively comfy.
Outer Layer: Water-Resistant Vest
Add a layer of warmth and style with the Pendleton Women's Cedar Sherpa Lined Vest.
Rainy Day Chores: T-Shirt + Hoodie + Raincoat
Base Layer: Classic T-Shirt
You can’t go wrong with a Carhartt Loose Fit Heavyweight Short Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt.
Mid-layer: Comfortable Hoodie
Layer up with a Loose Fit Midweight Graphic Sweatshirt from Carhartt.
Outer Layer: Light Rain Jacket
Let Carhartt’s Rain Defender Lightweight Jacket shield you from mist and drizzle.
Lunch on the Town: T-Shirt + Popover + Vest
Base Layer: Long Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt
Throw on the Normal Brand Mountain Bear Shirt to face the day in comfort.
Mid-layer: Stylish Popover
Say “yes” to soft and cozy in the Normal Brand Puremeso Button Popover.
Outer Layer: Warm Vest
Get two styles in one vest with the Pendleton Wild Horse Reversible Down Vest.
Find Stylish Spring Layers
Stock up on spring basics for work or school at Crane’s Country Store. We carry tried-and-true staples for men and women from brands you love, like Carhartt, The Normal Brand and Pendleton. Order everything you need, from soft t-shirts to rain jackets.
Shop at Crane’s Country Store online, and “spring” into the coming season with a fresh look.