The temperatures are dropping, which means that it’s time to get excited for hoodie season! Whether you’re looking for an oversized crewneck or a cozy fleece, mid-layers are essential for your fall/winter style. Don’t know which type to pick? We’ve curated this guide to help you choose the perfect mid-layer for your needs!
Sweatshirts
Hoodies vs. Crewnecks
There’s nothing like an oversized sweatshirt in the fall! Deciding between a hoodie and a crewneck is difficult, but we’re here to help. If you’re looking for a sweatshirt that’s comfortable for layering, we recommend a crewneck rather than a hoodie to cut down on unnecessary bulk. Crewnecks allow more space for jackets, backpacks, and accessories, whereas a hoodie can make those extra accessories uncomfortable. However, if you’re looking for something to throw on and hang out by the campfire with friends, the hoodie is your perfect solution. With a pouch near the abdomen, hoodies have the perfect space to carry a phone, headphones, or even a small portable speaker. Plus, you can raise your hood when you need to defend your hair from the thick blocks of campfire smoke—which is a major plus for the girls who just did their hair and want to keep it clean!
Fleeces
Full Zip vs. Quarter Zip
Whether you’re looking to go hiking or watch sporting events outdoors, a high-quality fleece is sure to help you keep warm and cozy in the cold weather. Dynamic and adaptable, we recommend the full zip fleece on days when the weather fluctuates. Specifically, when it’s warmer in the midafternoon, and colder at nighttime. That way, your full zip fleece works as a perfect, unzipped cardigan during the day, and a warm zipped-up coat at night! However, if the forecasted temperatures are consistently cold throughout the day and night, we recommend a quarter zip fleece. That way, you can wear it all day, without ever having to take it off and carry it around. The quarter zip is also the perfect solution for staying warm when hiking. It works as a crewneck, but with the zipper aspect to keep your neck warm when the wind chill is a little too tough to withstand.
Vests
Fleece vs. Insulated vs. Knit
A vest is the best way to add seamless style to your outfit. We recommend a knit vest for early fall or lounging around indoors. There’s nothing cozier than wearing a knit vest when you’re by the fireplace, admiring the snow outside. But if you’re planning on traveling soon, an insulated vest is easy to pack, lightweight, and waterproof! Plus, on chilly days, they provide unmatched warmth. A fleece vest is best used to repel wind, keeping you warm and cozy. And a fleece vest has a stylistic edge that the others don’t!
Insulators
Did you know that at Sun & Ski Sports, we carry a variety of different-length insulators? A knee-length insulator is long and provides extra protection against chilly winds, while a hip-length insulator focuses on trapping heat and containing it to the upper body. Regardless, with puffy, contemporary patterns, insulators provide warmth and a flattering fit. When picking an insulator, it’s important to find one that’s heat-trapping, lightweight and has a removable hood. A removable hood is essential for both style and function, as it will keep your hair dry and head protected from the elements, and you can always remove the hood if it feels or looks too bulky.
Are you ready to start dressing for sweater weather? If so, now’s the time to head on over to your local Sun & Ski Sports! There, one of our outdoor experts will help you choose the perfect mid-layer for your fall or winter adventure. Remember, whatever your adventure may be, you can find all your gear at Sun & Ski Sports.